After the email exchange I had with Allyson on Wednesday, I feel compelled to write this review…read more First, I will take you back to September of 2010; it was not my finest hour by any means. I had graduated from college that May and had been sitting around the house collecting dust ever since. Once you have been unemployed long enough to see Family Feud go through two hosts, you know that the time had come to once again give your life purpose, so I actively began to tackle items on my bucket list. Through some research on handy-dandy Yelp, I discovered Sweatshop of Love. Last September, I started with Allyson's 'Holiday Present Prep' class (which she is repeating again this year). It is basically the class you make out of it. Everyone in the class contributes to a Google Doc list of homemade gifts that they would like to make for their friends and family. All class participants can access and alter it so everyone can encourage each other and get ideas for their gifts as well. During this 10-session course, I learned not only the knitting basics, but also how to make scarves, socks, mittens, gloves, bags, the ever popular beer cozy, and 80% of a sweater (I ran out of steam on it toward the end; smaller projects provide more instant gratification!). Granted, I was knitting like it was paying the rent and the rent was due tomorrow, but I couldn't believe the quality and amount of instruction I was able to receive for $95. Allyson is so sweet and patient; she will never say anything but encouraging things to you in class. I may not have had a job, but I still had the satisfaction of knowing I could make practical items for myself, which was (and still is) so invaluable. Almost immediately after Holiday Present Prep finished, I landed a job...and started a lunchtime knitting group. The student had become the teacher? Not quite Allyson caliber, but I knew enough to teach a group of ladies at work how to make 'Grandma's Favorite Dishcloth'. I felt like such a proud parent when my coworkers would come up to me on Monday morning and show me the progress they had made over the weekend. Anyway, this Wednesday, Allyson sent out an email regarding her upcoming fall classes, which included another item on my bucket list: learn how to crochet. Nice! If you are not ready to make that 10-week commitment, she also offers a one-night introduction to knitting and individual one or two-night projects you can choose to work on. If you are completely new to this and don't know where to begin, Allyson will also buy your supplies for the first day for an additional fee. So to sum it all up, you can learn some yarn arts at a reasonable price with a friendly group of people in a cozy coffee shop in Logan Square. If you have always wanted to learn how to knit or crochet, this is a great place to start! The only thing you stand to lose is that trip to Target when you need a new pair of socks.

The Sweatshop of Love totally rocks!…read more I had my first class with Allyson last year and she was super patient and understanding with me and my clumsy fingers. After she taught me how to knit, I wanted to take it up a notch and learn how to crochet. I went to her beginner's crochet class with a friend and we had a great time! We all chatted and drank coffee and had so much fun! She always takes the time out to help you and she never makes you feel stupid for not getting something the first (or second, or third) time. BONUS: She always sends detailed notes and instructions following a class so you don't forget what you have learned! I would HIGHLY recommend The Sweatshop of Love for your knitting and crocheting education!

I have taken many classes at The Feltre School and I keep returning because The Feltre School is a…read morewarm, friendly place where people receive a wonderful education.There are not many schools that teach grammar any more. After taking Feltre's course your writing will improve because you will understand the principles of grammar; you have to lay the foundation before you can write well. If you want a more in depth study, there is Latin, philosophy, logic, ethics, and classical literature. I can tell you from first hand experience that it is thrilling to be able to read Latin and know what it means! The Feltre School is a place where people go who like to "think."

The Feltre School is an oasis of peacefulnes and learning right in the heart of the bustling River…read moreNorth neighborhood. The school, housed in a delightful old brownstone building, is a warm, gracious place. The instructors are friendly and polite. The classes are held in cozy classrooms filled with books and artwork; during break, the students cluster in the study downstairs to sip tea, eat cookies, and chat. The noncredit classes at the school encompass several fields of the classical liberal arts: grammar, rhetoric, logic, philosophy, Greek, Latin, and the humanities. Some students attend Feltre to brush up on their grammar and writing skills, but other students attend for the pure joy of learning. In addition to its classes, Feltre presents plays in the charming Library Theater, and also hosts a series of book discussions. In summary, Feltre is a one of a kind, welcoming place for anyone interested in studying the liberal arts.

My friends and I decided to take a painting class together last February and one of them happened…read moreto find one at Discovery Center that worked for all three of our schedules. Cut to December and we were *still* taking painting classes-- we just kept signing up for every new session! And it's all because of Sara, our downright *amazing* teacher. Seriously, I would follow her anywhere. Her passion and encouragement are...just everything. All the three of us wanted was a bit of fun and an evening we knew would be set aside to see each other every week, but what we got was so much more. I don't know that I can put into words just what this class has meant to us. My friends will continue studying with Sara this year, and the only reason I am not is that I'm moving away from Chicago. Sara's painting classes are perfect for beginners (which we most certainly were) and experienced painters alike. I cannot recommend her enough, and I already miss seeing her and learning from her every week.

Arrived at a class to find out the time had changed to an hour earlier and I was not notified…read more Rescheduled for another date and time. They decided to cancel that class a few days before. I was offered to reschedule yet again. I declined. They do not refund your money even if they cancel your class.

Renaissance Court is located in the Chicago Cultural Center. Randolph St. Entrance is the most…read moreconvenient. Once you get past the double doors, Renaissance Court is to your right. This is one of the City of Chicago's six regional senior centers. This one is different than the other centers. If you are 55+ - you are welcome here. You have to be 60 to use the other senior centers. This one does not have some of the services the others offer, however, it seems to offer a lot more variety of classes and activities than the others. There is some info in the Chicago Dept. of Family and Support Services "Life Enrichment Programs".quarterly brochure which you can pick up at senior centers, libraries and probably some other city offices. You can also download a pdf. But the brochure only lists a sampling of the classes. At Renaissance Court you can pick up a calendar listing everything going on for the month. They also have some flyers with more info about some of the classes. Many classes are free, but some do have a fee. Some classes: chair yoga, hatha yoga, meditation & movement. Tai Chi, belly dancing, line dancing, variety of other exercise classes IMPROV, performance workshop, drawing, water color, book club and much more. You really have to pick up the calendar. On Saturday there is a Hoop Fitness class. Tried the class out for the first time. I don't remember being that good at hula hooping as a kid, so I was a bit skeptical about this. I met some ladies before the class that assured me that it is all about fun and not to worry. I probably spent more time picking up the hoop than twirling it. Instructor Andrea and rest of the class made me feel welcome and comfortable. Andrea is really nice and encouraging. Luckily, we did some other exercises with the hoop that did not include twirling it. The ladies were right - - it is great fun! On Fridays, you can get a 60 minute table massage for $30. This will be some of the best $$ you ever spend--if you can get an appointment. They can fill up quickly--Tisa is a very good massage therapist. Also, unless things have changed in the past year, you have to make the appt with the office and pay in advance. They didn't take credit cards, so I had to stop by to make and pay for the appt. My limited experience with Renaissance Court has been a good one. It would be nice to live closer and to be able to enjoy more of the activities more often. I do plan to try a few more classes and definitely to give that hula hoop another try :)

I love Roosevelt University. ( I graduated in 2005, so my review is of the University during that…read morefour year period). I attended both because my dad was an alum as well as for the fact that they offered me a full academic scholarship, and I have no regrets. Even if I had actually paid to go there I would have very few complaints. The course offerings were plentiful in my departments (double major in Psychology and Liberal Studies) and they offered an Honors Program which allowed me to take some very interesting courses as well as experience social and volunteer activities. I had some excellent professors here (particularly in the English and History departments). I attended both the Schaumburg and Chicago campuses, but was mainly based at Schaumburg. I also worked for the student activities office and was a member of several organizations- student government in particular, so I was able to experience all aspects of student life at RU, even though I was a communter student. I also made many friends here who I keep in contact with to this day. I made the most of my experience by taking full advantage of what the professors had to teach me as well as by getting involved, and from 2002-2005, RU was my second home. My four years at Roosevelt were a wonderful time in my life, one that I will never forget and very often wish I could return to (the real world kinda sucks).

Roosevelt University has a number of significant issues, and I will keep this brief…read more The university places strong emphasis on social justice in its messaging, but my experience did not reflect those values in practice. Administrative and bureaucratic processes are slow to respond when students need support, yet communication becomes very frequent when something is required from you. There was also a cybersecurity incident during my time at the university, and I felt the institutional response did not adequately address the impact on students whose information was affected. In addition, policy enforcement appears inconsistent across departments, which adds to the lack of clarity in day-to-day processes. Based on my experience, I would not recommend this institution.

Free English lessons, bring them on! New classes with trainee teachers starting every 4 weeks so it…read morenever gets boring :)

I attended the Teaching House in Chicago during the summer of 2014 and it was wonderful. The…read moreteacher trainers where extremely thorough in their feedback and help and they continue to help you and give advice about job searching even after the program has ended. They really know what they are talking about and are very experienced. I learned amazing things from the trainers at Teaching House Chicago. If you are willing to learn and ready to work hard and prepared for it all to pay off, join the Teaching House Chicago, you won't be disappointed

If you are an aspiring writer looking for a way to nudge yourself to the next level then The…read moreChicago Writer's loft is for you. The curriculum was developed by Jerry Cleaver and taken from his book "Immediate Fiction". Sadly, Jerry is no longer with us but the class is ably and cheerfully taught by Mary Carter. Ms. Carter has published close to a dozen novels and is a former workshop participant. The class is six weeks long. The first class is absolutely free. You pay nothing if you decide not to pursue the course. You do get a free copy of Jerry's book though. Each class goes through the basic elements of good storying writing (WOARS take the class and find out what that means). Each of the five remaining classes provides time at the end to write. The work is read and critiqued at the subsequent class. I think you'll be pleased at the jumpstart your writing projects will receive from participation. I've gotten great help from Mary on my writing projects from both in and outside of class. I'm afraid to take a workshop anywhere else for fear of rank disappointment.

From the owner: Chicago's longest-running and most successful writing workshop. Taught by USA Today bestselling…read moreauthor. Founded by Jerry Cleaver, author of best-selling writing book Immediate Fiction (St. Martin's Press). A workshop series designed to give writers of all levels the crucial skills that make every story and every writer a success. Learn everything you need to unlock your imagination and bring your ideas to life on the page, stage, or screen. "I recommend it to everyone who writes." -- Linda Lael Miller, author of eight NY Times bestsellers "The best there is." -- Michael Harvey, Emmy winner, Academy Award nominee for Best Screenplay

This is a great organization for active adults. It combines interesting courses in science, history…read moreand the arts with social interaction in and outside the classes.

I have been a member of ICL for over 5 years. I thoroughly enjoy learning new things via the wide…read morevariety of classes offered, and no homework! Plus, ICL hosts many social events and outings throughout the year, making it a great place to meet new friends. I love it!

If you are looking to improve your public speaking skills in a laid back and fun setting, then…read moreChicago Toastmasters would be a great club for you! This group meets on the first and third Thursday of the month from 12-1pm sharp at 30 N LaSalle St. 36th Floor in the Polysystems office. Check out the website for additional information on how to attend a meeting as a guest.

George Rumsey is a fantastic teacher of computers techniques and programs. I took his excel class…read morewhich I had taken twice before--as I am dyslexic and have a hard time with sequencing. But the way he teaches this class, I felt like a retained more and felt excited to start projects at home right away. Highly recommend.

Very good instruction in Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Access, and more. Everthing is…read moreexplained clearly and understandably and independent tutorials can be arranged.