Your next steps to join EO Chicago

1 Application Process

 Step 1 
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 discussed so you have it all in one place.

 Step 2  ·  Optional 
Attend an upcoming event
Experience Experience the EO Chicago community firsthand before committing. Attending an event is optional but highly encouraged— there’s nothing like seeing it in person.

 Step 3
Attend a mock forum test drive
This is your chance to experience EO’s signature forum format — intimate peer groups where real conversations happen. Come ready to engage: the test drive is a two-way process. Just as you’re evaluating EO, current EO members are getting to know you to ensure you’re the right fit for our community.

  Step 4
Complete your application & make payment if a membership is offered
You will receive an offer email with details on how to apply online, submit documentation verifying your business generates $1M+ in annual revenue, and how to complete your payment.

Revenue requirement: Your business must generate $1M+ in annual revenue. You’ll submit a revenue verification as part of the online application.

Fee breakdown
When you join EO Chicago, you are joining both a local (Chicago) and a global organization. Both operate under the same principles and values — however, they are separate entities and payment is made to each independently.

2 Onboarding Process 

Getting into your forum
Typically a 4–6 month journey to placement

• Forum training — Held locally once per quarter, this session introduces you to the language, format, and culture of EO forum — the core of the EO experience. Every new member completes this first.
Next forum training date: May 12 @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm. 

• Launchpad forums — Attend 3 Launchpad sessions, a practice forum that meets once per month locally. Launchpad is a supportive space for new members to get comfortable with the forum format before being placed in an established group.
Next Launchpad date: June 25 @ 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm.

• Forum placement — After completing your 3 Launchpad sessions, you’ll be placed into an existing EO forum: your long-term peer group of 6-8 fellow entrepreneurs committed to growth. 

Full member access — starts immediately
From the moment payment is made

• Sign up for events — Full access to the EO Chicago event calendar from day one. With a packed annual schedule, there’s always something worth showing up for. 
• New member dinner — Each quarter, new members are welcomed with a dedicated dinner. It’s a relaxed setting to connect with fellow new members and get to know the broader EO Chicago community before you’re fully embedded in your forum.
• EO House access — Use the EO House at 1714 N. Damen Ave as a resource for co-working, meeting space, and community hub anytime you need it.
• Global & regional programming — Tap into EO’s worldwide network of 20,000+ entrepreneurs, regional events, leadership programs, and exclusive learning opportunities.

Questions? Reach out to the EO Chicago Membership Committee
This page is shared with prospective members only and is not publicly listed.
We look forward to welcoming you into the EO Chicago community.
membership@eochicago.org