Your Path to Membership
You’ve had the conversation. Here’s your path in.
After your discovery call, this is your home base — everything we discussed about applying, what to expect, and how you’ll hit the ground running once you’re a member. You’re one step from joining Chicago’s #1 support network for business leaders.
Four steps from here to member
You’ve already started. Here’s exactly what comes next — at your pace.
Discovery Call
You’re here — great start. You’ve connected with our Membership Committee and gotten a feel for what EO Chicago is all about. This page captures everything we discussed, so it all lives in one place.
Attend an upcoming event
Experience the EO Chicago community firsthand before committing. Attending an event is optional but highly encouraged — there’s nothing like seeing it in person. See what’s coming up ↓
Attend a Test Drive Forum
Experience EO’s signature forum format—intimate peer groups where the real conversations happen. Come ready to engage. The Test Drive serves as your interview with EO. While you’re evaluating whether our community is right for you, our members are evaluating whether you’re the right fit for the chapter.
Next test drive forum: see the events below.
Complete your application & payment
If you’re invited to join EO following the test drive forum, you’ll receive an offer email with instructions on how to complete your online application, submit documentation verifying your business generates $1M+ in annual revenue, and finalize your membership payment. See the investment below ↓
Upcoming events
These pull in live from our event calendar — so you’re always looking at what’s actually next. Come as our guest. Sign up for any event under the ticket “prospect”.
Your first-year investment
When you join EO Chicago, you’re joining two organizations at once: your local chapter and EO Global, a network of 20,000+ entrepreneurs worldwide. Each has annual dues and a one-time initiation fee. Here’s every piece.
EO Chicago annual dues
Your local chapter membership for the fiscal year (July 1 to June 30). Prorated by the month you join.
EO Global annual dues
Your membership in the worldwide network for the same fiscal year. Prorated by the month you join.
EO Chicago initiation fee
Waived for anyone who joins by December 31, 2026. Normally paid once, in your first year.
EO Global initiation fee
Paid once, in your first year. Not prorated.
What you’d actually pay
Dues shrink the later in the year you join, since you only pay for the months left. Initiation fees stay the same.
| Join in | Chicago dues | Global dues | Chicago initiation | Global initiation | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| November 2026 | $3,704 | $1,760 | $0 | $3,500 | $8,964 |
| December 2026 | $3,241 | $1,540 | $0 | $3,500 | $8,281 |
| January 2027 | $2,778 | $1,320 | $3,500 | $3,500 | $11,098 |
| February 2027 | $2,315 | $1,100 | $3,500 | $3,500 | $10,415 |
| March 2027 | $1,852 | $880 | $3,500 | $3,500 | $9,732 |
Limited time: Join by December 31, 2026 and we’ll waive the $3,500 EO Chicago initiation fee, bringing the full-year amount from $15,188 down to $11,688. The EO Global initiation fee still applies.How the pricing works: Our fiscal year runs July 1 to June 30. Annual dues are prorated so you only pay for the time left in the year. EO Chicago and EO Global dues are both prorated by the month you join. Initiation fees are one time and aren’t prorated. Payment is due in full when you join, and we don’t offer payment plans. Joining April through June? You’ll also pay next year’s dues at the same time, so reach out and we’ll walk you through it.
Getting into your forum
Typically a 4–6 month journey to placement — a deliberate pace that sets you up in the right peer group for the long haul.
Forum Training
Held locally once per quarter, this session introduces the language, format, and culture of EO forum — the core of the EO experience. Every new member completes this first.
Launchpad Forums
Attend 3 Launchpad sessions — a practice forum that meets monthly. A supportive space for new members to get comfortable with the format before being placed in an established group.
Forum Placement
After your 3 Launchpad sessions, you’re placed into an existing EO forum — your long-term peer group of 6–8 fellow entrepreneurs committed to growth.
From the moment payment is made
Sign up for events
Full access to the EO Chicago event calendar from day one. There’s always something worth showing up for.
New member dinner
Each quarter, new members are welcomed with a dedicated dinner — a relaxed way to meet the broader community.
EO House access
Use the EO House at 1714 N. Damen Ave as a resource for co-working, meeting space, and community anytime.
Global & regional
Tap into EO’s worldwide network of 20,000+ entrepreneurs, regional events, and exclusive leadership programs.
Ready when you are
Questions about any of this? We’re here for you. Reach the Membership Committee anytime at membership@eochicago.org.
This page is shared with prospective members only and is not publicly listed. We look forward to welcoming you into the EO Chicago community.
