EO Chicago

EO/EOA/Kellogg Cohort 136 Diwali Mashup
2023-11-11 19:00 - 22:00 (America/Chicago) | Emporium Arcade Bar, 839 W Fulton Market, Chicago, IL, 60607
Come celebrate Diwali with Chicago Entrepreneurs Organization.

November 2023 Moderator Dinner
2023-11-15 18:00 - 21:00 | Chicago Firehouse Restaurant, 1401 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL, 60605, United States
Please join us for the quarterly Moderator dinner. If you can not attend, please send your Moderator-Elect in your place.

EO Chicago Holiday Party - Old Chicago
2023-12-02 18:00 - 23:00 | Stan Mansion, 2408 N Kedzie Blvd., Chicago, IL, 60647, United States
Sweet home Chicago! Join us for an evening celebrating our great city and the holiday season with your fellow EO members.

Business Marketing w/Tim Padgett
2023-12-06 11:00 - 15:00 | 8th Light LLC, 25 East Washington Street #suite 509, Chicago, IL, 60602
Join Tim Padgett to learn about results-driven marketing tools.
When EO Chicago launched our Accelerator program, he was one of the first mentors. Tim will share some of his experiences and philosophies on how to market yourself, your company, products and services. Bring questions regarding your marketing challenges!

SLP Exclusive Event - Double Good Private Tour and Holiday Dinner
2023-12-06 16:30 - 21:00 | Double Good, 16W030 83rd St., Burr Ridge, IL, 60527
Get Ready for another fun EO SLP Experience! Touring the Double Good Popcorn Factory floor will delight and excite you. You’ll experience the taste and smell of our delicious popcorn flavors being made fresh! Following the tour, we invite you to join our vibrant SLP community for a delightful dinner.

EO Women's Holiday High Tea at The Ritz-Carlton
2023-12-07 13:00 - 15:00 | The Ritz Carlton, 160 E Pearson Street at Water Tower Place, Chicago, IL, 60611, United States
Women of EO please join us for an intimate holiday High Tea experience. Take a break from your day and spend the afternoon with us…don’t worry, your work will still be there tomorrow!

Intimate Dinner at The Elm
2023-12-13 18:30 - 21:00 | The Elm, 23 West Harris Avenue, LaGrange,, IL, 60525, United States
Join us for an intimate dinner at The Elm where we will enjoy exceptional American and seafood fare, deep conversation, and warm hospitality.

SAP Luncheon With Meghan and Michelle
2023-12-14 11:30 - 13:00 | Beatnik On The River, 180 North Wacker Drive, IL, 60606
Join Michelle & Meghan for a Special SAP Lunch!
Let’s take a break from work and enjoy some quality time together. We want to get to know you better so we can improve our communication and collaboration skills. Tell us about your experiences and share your needs and wants.

Holiday Lights: Illumination - Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum
2023-12-20 18:00 - 21:00 | The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle, IL, 60532
Celebrate the holidays and marvel at how light transforms a magnificent landscape. Explore 50 acres of the Arboretum’s majestic trees during this one-of-a-kind spectacle of color, light, and sound.

Holiday Lights: Lightscape at Chicago Botanic Gardens
2023-12-20 18:00 - 21:00 | Chicago Botanic Gardens, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, IL, 60022
Bask in the glow of thousands of twinkling lights in favorites like the Winter Cathedral and new delights you’ve never seen before.

Spark 2024 with Vision Board Magic!
2024-01-09 18:00 - 21:00 | IL
Unleash your creativity, set intentions, and manifest a stellar year ahead at our Vision Board Party – where dreams come to life in a burst of color and positive energy!
As we gear up for a brand-new year in 2024, let’s kick things off with a burst of creativity and positive vibes! 🎉✨

EO Talks with Sally Lou Loveman
2024-01-30 16:00 - 19:00 | ZO Clubhouse @ CME, 10 South Wacker Drive 10th Floor, Chicago, IL, 60606
Our very own “EO Talks” is coming to Chicago with 4 of our bold, courageous and hard working members – Cathy Genetti, Mike Nellis, Yan Pesotskiy and Ernest Swierk. These four leaders have been honing their story over the last 2-3 months with the support of our guest host/speaker, Sally Lou Loveman. They will be hitting the stage to share more about who they are, how they got to where they are today and what makes them uniquely themself.

Backstage Breakfast with EO Chicago & Special Guest, Kevin Willer
2024-02-01 08:00 - 09:30 | Valley Lo Club, 2200 Tanglewood Drive Glenview, IL, 60025, United States
Join us for an exciting morning at the Valley Lo Club in Glenview, IL! Get ready to meet and mingle with the entrepreneurial community of EO Chicago, as well as our special guest, Kevin Willer. This in-person event promises to be a fantastic opportunity to network, gain insights, and learn from a businessman who has been making his mark on Chicago . Don’t miss out on this exclusive chance to connect with like-minded individuals and learn from a seasoned entrepreneur.
Attendees: This event is open to EO Members, Strategic Alliance Partners (SAPs), Accelerators and Chicagoland business owners that revenue $250k +. Feel free to bring another entrepreneur to join you. (Please register them).
About Kevin Willer:
Kevin is a Partner at Chicago Ventures and professional sports team investor.
After graduating from Boston College in 1996, where he managed newspaper delivery on campus for the Boston Globe & The New York Times, Kevin worked a summer at the A-Bar-A dude ranch in Encampment, Wyoming. Returning to Chicago, he started his career by joining tech manufacturer, U.S. Robotics, before heading back to the east coast to help build a portfolio company of leading technology incubator, CMGI. The dot.com bust forced a new path and in 2000 he joined a fledgling venture-backed search engine, co-founding the Chicago sales office of Google Inc. As the first “Kevin” to work for the company, he spent over a decade helping to build Google’s local presence to over 400 professionals and developed relationships across Chicago’s business and tech ecosystem while also earning his MBA from Chicago Booth in 2010.
In 2011, now Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker sketched the idea for 1871 on a napkin and recruited Kevin to help make the idea a reality. As the first CEO of 1871, Kevin worked to establish Chicago’s innovation hub which became the #1 ranked private business incubator in the world. In 2013, Kevin joined Chicago Ventures as a Partner. Over the next decade, CV invested in leading Chicago companies SpotHero, G2, Project44, Cameo, and HealthJoy. In addition to his venture work, Kevin is the Chairman of the Board of Directors of manufacturing and hardtech incubator, mHub.
Passionate around all sports, especially proper football, in 2020 Kevin and his family began investing in professional soccer teams in the U.S. and abroad including the Chicago Red Stars (NWSL), Leyton Orient Football Club (EFL1), OneKnoxville Sporting Club (USL1), and Rhode Island Football Club (USLC). In 2022, he became Vice Chairman of the Board of the Chicago Red Stars, helping to lead the club through a challenging time and sales process to new ownership, led by Chicago Cubs co-owner Laura Ricketts.
Kevin is a proud husband to Victoria and father of 3 amazing children residing in Winnetka, IL. After attending Loyola Academy high school, he has strived to live the Ignatian motto of “Men and Women for Others” and serves on several non-profit boards including Loyola University Chicago, Northshore University Healthsystem, the Big Shoulders Fund, the Finance Council of the Archdiocese of Chicago, and the US Soccer Development Council.

Breaking the Chains: AI Empowerment in Your Business w/ Todd Brook
2024-02-06 08:45 - 11:00 | 200 W. Madison Street, 4th Floor, Chicago, IL, 60606, Chicago, IL, 60606
“Breaking the Chains: AI Empowerment in Your Business”, explores the transformative potential of AI in modern businesses. Todd will share his personal journey of how he broke free from traditional, time-consuming methods and embraced AI to elevate his business operations.
He will highlight practical examples of how AI has transformed his businesses, from automating research for sales presentations to streamlining HR processes. These real-world applications provide a clear demonstration of the transformative power of AI, moving it from a buzzword to a tangible tool for business improvement.
The presentation will also delve into the realm of mindset, discussing its pivotal role in helping employees to adopt new technologies like AI. He will detail his experience with Unchained, a service that guides clients to implement AI solutions, highlighting how this can free up employees to focus on tasks that require human ingenuity.
Lastly, he will provide an overview of AI tools available in the market, offering practical examples of how these can be utilized immediately. The discussion will also cover his approach to deploying these tools, providing attendees with valuable insights and takeaways.
Key Outcomes:
By the end of this presentation, attendees will:

Understand the opportunities and threats that AI presents to their businesses.
Gain practical insights from real-world examples of AI adoption in a successful agency.
Recognize the crucial role of mindset in adopting and leveraging AI.
Be familiar with a variety of AI tools on the market, along with practical examples of their use.
Understand Todd’s approach to implementing AI in businesses for improved efficiency and insights.
This presentation promises to be an engaging and enlightening journey into the world of AI, equipping business owners and leaders with the knowledge and inspiration they need to transform their own businesses.

EO Chicago Breakfast
2024-02-09 08:00 - 09:30 | Café Robey, 1616 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL, 60647
Start your day with connection and inspiration, and join your fellow EO’ers for a casual breakfast/coffee gathering to get your day started.
Bonus: Interested in AI or Large Language Models? One of our attendees knows a lot about them so come pick their brain!

EO Chicago Prospect Test Drive
2024-02-12 09:00 - 11:00 | DLA Piper, 444 West Lake Street #900, Chicago, IL, 60606
EO Chicago invites you to our “Test Drive” event where prospective members can meet our members and learn more about this dynamic organization.
The Test Drive is interactive, fast-paced and focused around experience sharing. It is designed to provide potential applicants with information on the organization including benefits, expectations, and the opportunity to participate in a mini-forum experience. Forums are where EO members meet on a monthly basis with a small group of like-minded entrepreneurs.
Attending the Test Drive is the first step in the application process to join EO. This is an important part of our process, as both EO members and potential applicants have an opportunity to assess fit.
We hope to see you there!

Scale to Sell w/ DLA Piper: How to Go About Selling Your Business
2024-02-12 11:30 - 13:30 | DLA Piper, 444 West Lake Street #900, Chicago, IL, 60606
In this Part 2 workshop we will provide a “how to” in terms of steps you can take with respect to the sale of your business, including what professional service providers you should consider engaging and how you might want to frame the process to your leadership team, other employees and customers. We will also explore common pitfalls that we have seen as a business owner is going thru the process of selling their business.
You do not have of attended Session 1 to get benefit out of this workshop. It will be full of great information for you to use today and in the years to come.
A light lunch will be served.

EOA People Learning Day
2024-02-15 08:30 - 17:00 | TeamWorking by TechNexus, 20 North Wacker Drive #12th Floor, Chicago, IL, 60606
Welcome to People Day! Together we’ll explore People from our perspective – as a CEO.
Prepare: Please bring the results of your recent strategy work – they are essential for your People to know, and to align with core values, culture, accountability and many other things we’ll explore together.
Bring your core values – whatever stage they are at and a
lso your questions and experiences with our core topics:

Core Values
Culture
Accountability
GWC
Feedback & shared language of ‘personal dimensions’.

We will have a fantastic panel later in the afternoon, and lively discussions all day.
A little about Lesley: For you curious souls – here is her online bio (including her TED talk on Leadership).
For those of you who love to read (like Lesley) there are three People chapters in Scaling Up worth reviewing – and we’ll share a few great books during the day that you may want to find afterward.

North Shore Dinner
2024-02-20 19:00 - 21:00 | The Barn Steakhouse, 1016 Church Street #Rear, Evanston, IL, 60201
Join your fellow EO members for a cozy winter dinner at one of the top dining venues located in the heart of downtown Evanston.
Hidden away down an alley, The Barn Steakhouse is a “meat-centric hide-a-way”. Housed in an old brick barn built in 1883 was once the home of Borden Milk’s stable housing the horses for their horse and buggy milk delivery service, the barn has not been used in over a hundred years. Maintaining the integrity of the structure and utilizing as much of the original space as possible The Barn is haven for those seeking an impeccable, yet relaxed evening out.
Parking/Valet: They may be a little tricky to find…They are located in the alley between Davis, Church, Maple and Oak Streets. The Barn is a brick structure with an old green-blue barn door that is directly next to the front entrance. Pull on up and our valet will gladly park your car.

February 2024 EO Chicago Moderator Dinner
2024-02-21 18:00 - 21:00 | Steak 48, 615 North Wabash Avenue, Chicago, IL, 60611
Please join us for the quarterly Moderator dinner. If you can not attend, please send your Moderator-Elect in your place. We look forward to a valuable discussion and providing some useful tools you can take back to your forum.

Forum Training in the Western Suburbs
2024-02-27 09:00 - 17:00 | Hyatt House Chicago / Oak Brook, 210 W 22nd Street, Oak Brook, IL, 60523
This will be a full day, in-person forum training for all new Members & SLPs.
Forums are at the heart of EO. These safe, confidential groups foster EO members’ peer-to-peer discussion and reflection in a supportive, noncompetitive and nonjudgmental atmosphere. An SLP Forum works the same way, but allows members’ SLPs to meet regularly with others who may share a similar mindset and who may be going through—or have gone through—similar experiences as the SLP of a leading entrepreneur.
In preparation for Forum Training, we would like to help set your expectations to ensure you get the maximum value.
You might be wondering how this training could possibly consume a full day. We understand that you are busy and getting away for a day is challenging! So please allow us to explain…
The training will provide you with the knowledge and techniques necessary to get the maximum benefit out of your Forum – for both your business and personal growth. You will learn the mechanics of how Forum works, best practices to help you get added value, and you will actually practice the tools the techniques with your new Forum. You will learn and share with your Forum mates, and start discussing what you want out of this Forum experience.
Please view this day as an investment in your own development, where you will gain tools that you can utilize in both your personal and professional life – not just in Forum!
Please plan to work without technology. There will be small breaks for you to check your phone.

Oakbrook location information coming soon!

The Story of Us: Cultivating Connection Over Time w/ Dr. Alexandra Solomon
2024-02-29 16:00 - 18:00 | The Franklin – L44 Sky Lobby, 227 West Monroe Street, Chicago, IL, 60606
A Night for Couples:
This workshop is designed for couples to strengthen their bond and create a roadmap for the future.
Embark on a transformative journey as we delve into “The Story of Us” with the acclaimed relationship expert, Dr. Alexandra Solomon. Join us for an evening of inspiration and insight, as Dr. Solomon shares her expertise on cultivating deep and meaningful connections over time.
Journey Together Through Time:

Reminisce About the Past: Reflect on the journey you’ve taken together, celebrating the moments that have shaped your love story. What has changed, and what remains constant?
Connect in the Present: Engage in activities designed to deepen your connection today, fostering a renewed sense of intimacy and understanding.
Envision Your Future: Together, explore your dreams and aspirations, creating a shared vision for the years ahead.

Agenda:
3:45pm – Doors Open/Soft Start
4:00pm – 6:00pm – Workshop
6:30pm – Dine Arounds
**After the workshop each couple will be sent to dinner with a group of 6-8 people. (3-4 couples). You will find out your group and restaurant at the event. Dr Solomon will be sending conversation starters as a continuation of the event. Please make note in the registration if you will NOT be able to attend the dinner portion.
Attendees:
Members, SAP, SLP – This event is focused on couples, so we encourage you to attend with your SLP.
RSVP by: 2/19/24
Cancellation Policy: All no shows or cancellations within 48 hours of this event will be billed a $250 cancellation fee per person attending. Event attendance will be on hold until all invoices are paid.
Facilitator:
Alexandra H. Solomon, PhD, is internationally recognized as one of today’s most trusted voices in the world of relationships, and her framework of Relational Self-Awareness has reached millions of people around the globe. A couples therapist, speaker, author, professor, podcast host, retreat leader, and media personality, Dr. Solomon is passionate about translating cutting-edge research and clinical wisdom into practical tools people can use to bring awareness, curiosity, and authenticity to their relationships. She is a clinician educator and a frequent contributor to academic journals and research, and she translates her academic and therapeutic experience to the public through her popular and vibrant Instagram page, which has garnered over 200K followers. She is on faculty in the School of Education and Social Policy at Northwestern University and is a licensed clinical psychologist at The Family Institute at Northwestern University. Her hit podcast, Reimagining Love, has reached listeners across the globe and features high-profile guests from the worlds of therapy, academia, and pop culture. She is the award-winning author of two books: Taking Sexy Back: How to Own Your Sexuality and Create the Relationships You Want and Loving Bravely: 20 Lessons of Self-Discovery to Help You Get the Love You Want which was featured on the TODAY show.

Downtown Dinner @ Bar GOA
2024-03-06 18:30 - 20:30 | Bar Goa, 116 West Hubbard Street #Suite 1, Chicago, IL, 60654
You’re Invited to an Exotic Culinary Adventure at Bar Goa!
Escape the ordinary and join your fellow EO’ers for an unforgettable evening at Bar Goa, where the vibrant flavors of India’s southwest coast meet the energetic spirit of Chicago’s River North district.
Prepare your taste buds for an indulgent journey as we celebrate the rich culinary heritage of Goa, a land where Portuguese influences intertwine seamlessly with Indian traditions. From mouthwatering seafood delicacies to the iconic Vindaloo, the menu promises to tantalize your senses and transport you to the sun-soaked beaches of Goa.
Join us for an evening of delectable dishes, handcrafted cocktails, and lively conversation as we create unforgettable memories together. Whether you’re a seasoned explorer of global cuisines or seeking a new culinary adventure, Bar Goa welcomes you with open arms.
We look forward to sharing this culinary journey with you.

Accelerating Youth with Christina Harbridge
2024-03-09 13:00 - 19:30 | American Airlines Conference Center at Wrigley Field, 1101 West Waveland Avenue, Chicago, IL, 60613
Imagine if you had found the learning of EO in your youth. This is an event for our kids to learn how to communicate and for the parents to learn from our kids. Let’s let our little EO’ers have a chance to look in and grow. Young adults will transform their college experience, their communities and their lives with improved confidence and communication. This will be a highly interactive learning event for all the young people in your life.
(10-18vo) will experience a half-day of learning around communication. The chapter will then experience integrated communication learning with some of the young people modeling talks.

March New Member Welcome Dinner
2024-03-19 18:00 - 20:30 | Chicago Cut Steakhouse, 300 N. LaSalle, Chicago, IL, 60654, United States
What’s great about EO is that we have resources to help you grow in all aspects of your life. Whether it’s direct peer-to-peer learning and networking, connections to experts or once-in-a-lifetime experiences, EO can help you reach your goals. This dinner is designed to discuss your EO Membership and how you can best utilize EO’s resources to help you grow. We will review various committees, the forum placement process, events, tools and offer insight into how EO is structured so you get the most out of the next 30, 60, 90 days and beyond.
This is also a night to introduce your spouse (or significant other) to the organization. We welcome all members that joined within the last two years.
We look forward to connecting with you!

EO Breakfast @ Buttermilk Café in Naperville
2024-03-27 08:00 - 09:30 | Buttermilk Café, 1715 Freedom Drive, Naperville, IL, 60563
Start your day off right with a delicious breakfast at Buttermilk Cafe! We’re excited to invite you to join us for a morning of delectable dishes and warm hospitality.
Indulge in a mouthwatering array of breakfast delights, from fluffy pancakes and savory omelets to crispy bacon and freshly brewed coffee. Whether you’re craving something sweet or savory, the menu has something for everyone to enjoy.
Join us for a leisurely breakfast and soak in the cozy atmosphere of Buttermilk. It’s the perfect way to kickstart your day and fuel up for whatever lies ahead.
Please let us know if you can join us so we can save you a seat at the table. We can’t wait to share this delicious breakfast experience with you!

EOS Session 2: Companies Self Implementing
2024-04-05 09:30 - 13:30 | IL
LEVEL UP HOW YOU RUN ON EOS®
Are your company’s designated EOS champion, or the one accountable for onboarding your team to the EOS Tools in your organization? This workshop will help accelerate your journey to running better and stronger on EOS through guided breakouts, tactical feedback, and the expert-level insights you need to sharpen your existing foundational tools. Using EOS Tools without the leadership and coaching of an EOS Implementer® comes with a unique set of challenges. The EOS Self-Implementer Workshop is your opportunity to bring your tools, roll up your sleeves, and take a long, hard look at how you can level up to use the tools to their full potential.

EO Northern Suburbs Breakfast @Jasper's Cafe
2024-04-10 08:00 - 09:30 | Jasper’s Cafe, 1913 N Waukegan Rd, Glenview, IL, 60025
Good morning, early risers and go-getters!
Hungry for success? Join EO for Breakfast!
Rise and shine with a side of inspiration as we gather over delicious eats and engaging conversations. It’s not just breakfast, it’s a chance to fuel your ambition, connect with fellow movers and shakers, and kick-start your day on the path to greatness.
Don’t hit snooze on this opportunity! RSVP now and let’s make breakfast the most productive meal of the day.

Backstage Breakfast with EO Chicago & Special Guest, Sam Yagan
2024-04-11 08:00 - 09:30 | IL
Embark on a dynamic morning of inspiration at DLA Piper! Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of EO Chicago’s entrepreneurial community, alongside our esteemed guest, Sam Yagan. This event guarantees a remarkable opportunity to engage, share insights, and glean wisdom from a trailblazing Chicagoan. Seize this exclusive moment to connect with driven peers and absorb valuable lessons from a seasoned entrepreneur. Uncover the power of networking and knowledge-sharing in a uniquely enriching experience – don’t let this chance pass you by!

EO Sanctuary Dinner in the City (Lincoln Park)
2024-04-13 18:30 - 20:30 | Surprise Location TBD
Gathering over a meal is one of the oldest forms of community bonding, where people sharing food forge deep connections. Nourished bodies and relationships create fertile ground for enhanced collaboration and friendship. Join us to cultivate relationships within your local community and among fellow members as we welcome you back to Sanctuary Dinners with an invitation to connect on a deeper level. Step into the warmth of intimate gatherings where EO members come together in the comfort of a fellow member’s home. Sanctuary Dinners offer a unique opportunity for meaningful connections in an intimate setting.
But here’s the twist: the host’s identity remains a surprise until it’s time to arrive, adding an element of anticipation to the experience. Ready to embark on this journey of connection and discovery? Register now and get ready for an unforgettable evening.

Exact location to be announced the week of the event (Lincoln Park).
You are expected to bring one bottle of wine per person, two bottles per couple.
Dinner is provided. Please indicate any dietary restrictions you may have when you register

Please be aware that your registration does not guarantee you a seat for the dinner. We aim for a diverse mix of new and existing members at each dinner. Your seat is not confirmed until you have heard back from Michelle or Meghan, no later than Monday, April 8.
