Chicago First Dates has exceeded my expectations with venue choices, and quality of guys that show up. I am now dating a really great man thanks to this company! I'm an accountant by trade and consider myself fairly picky along with being a harsh critic. It was hard for me to jump back into dating after raising my daughter. It was hard not to be skeptical when considering the speed dating options... and I was for sure not going to attempt online dating. The customer service here has been nothing short of exceptional answering all questions, and standing behind their product (Thanks Jon!!) For those that like to meet face to face, but are careful to not give out personal information, this is a great option. I've been to Aloft, Neat, and Coach House for a speed dating event held by Chicago First Dates. There are usually 8 to 12 guys that show up. The girls sit, and the guys move from table to table. The majority of the men have had great qualities and were just looking for someone to meet. The company doesn't do any sort of background check, but the cost seems to keep a good quality control. I would go to an event with questions that were general, but would tell me enough about a person. By the end of 5 minutes it's usually not too hard to tell if there is a spark, and interest in moving forward to a date. Of all the events I went on, there were few that I chose to "match" and go on a date. This had more to do with me being selective and not the caliber of guys that showed up. If I could give any advice it would be to not be afraid of going to an event even if it's a bit far away. People travel from all over for example... the Schaumburg event had people from Lombard, Downers Grove, Chicago, Schaumburg, and other cities. Sometimes it is hard to hear, so I'd pull the chair a little closer to me before the event started (sitting next to the guy instead of across the table). Lastly, know if you are just looking to "date" or head into a more serious relationship. I have found all of the guys to be straight forward with what they were looking for, and very honest. Either way it's a really fun night whether you meet that special someone, or decide to go to the next speed dating event. The time goes quick, and the conversations are really fun!! Chicago First Dates is worth giving a try!!! read more

I would not recommend this company to anyone. This is a scam! Let's talk about canceled event after cancelled event. On top of it they will cancel your event a few hours before it is scheduled. So after 4 canceled events. I finally asked for a refund. I had canceled so many plans to make their event for them to cancel last minute. When I asked for a refund they said the I didn't tell them in time and needed to let them know 5 days before the event to cancel. But on the last email they sent out for the event it said please email confirm you are going. I never emailed them and they just decided to put me on the list. So just checking my email and I see I am on the list for event I didn't sign up for seems super sketchy. So I email back saying I can't make it and asked for a refund. To get a response back the best we can do is give you a free code for another event. These events rarely happen if ever... I just wanted a refund which I rightfully deserved after that whole experience. Please if you are looking for love go to an actual speed dating company not this scam. Also yes I created an account just for this because it was such an awful experience... read more

Chicago First Dates - Cancelled event number 1 - Matchmakers Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

See all

If you've never done speed dating before, you could do worse than Chicago First Dates, but it's by far not flawless. Prices are fine (usually between $20-40) and you can expect typically around 6-10 dates on average for that price. The speed dating venues aren't bad, but their singles parties are very lacking--both in size as well as activity, but I've only been to one (which was extremely boring), so I'm probably not a good resource on how they've been recently, if they ever stepped their game up. But at the end of the day, if you want a so-so experience at decent venues that this company does literally nothing more to enhance beyond simply "showing up", check them out. read more

I went to the event last year and I meet nice women there. I find that their events are very effective. I'd recommend the services to my single friends and family. read more

I have attended several events recently, and I find that the online Speed Dating works very well. You go on Zoom and the host asks icebreaker questions before each round of speed dating, and then they use the breakout room functionality on Zoom to allow people to meet privately for the time allowed. I prefer doing it on Zoom because it is easier to hear the person you're talking to, since there is no crosstalk from other participants. I should also add that the events have been happening as scheduled and not being cancelled as in the past. read more

IF looking to break yourself into the world of speed dating, this is not the definitive. In other words, try it (speed dating or speed mingling) with other dating companies first. Their events are hit or miss, I'd say mostly miss. There are clues to making their business better but I don't think any management is paying attention. They have a no-hands business model that allows them to skate responsibilities and cash-in on your hard earned cash. Unfortunately due to unknown circumstances the better dating service once known as Mingle Around is now defunct and it seems may have sold some business to this company. Dating companies rarely operate for many years, so when a great one is found, you have to hit them up at their peak. Trust, I miss Minglearound.com They threw some awesome singles parties. What makes awesome? Quality singles, quality venues, differing types of parties, moderators on hand that pay attention to the event, parties w/ games that are engaging and get singles to communicate.. Back to this company. The parties they advertise about online, have hardly the numbers of attendees boasted. They have recently ramped up "The Hotel singles party." It's held downtown on LaSalle Ave and boasts record numbers of singles. It is often advertised through Meetup.com groups and claims to have 176 +/- attendees. I think I've read that same detail more than once. It is usually not the case. I've seen events where less than 60 showed up. I can understand, sometimes folks sign-up for something and blow it off. But, how often are folks blowing off events that result in 100 less people than advertised.. I've also come across attendees (in public situations) that would share that report. False advertising turns people off. Not only to this company but also attending singles events in general. I've been to a couple of their different events over a long span of time. They aren't great. There isn't any structure or "game" that's put in place to get people to be more vocal or in the mood to meet. They have moderators on hand that sit more than do anything. I've heard too many complaints from attendees. Women have been berated by men and in some instances stalked or harassed. Stalked within the event by someone unable to take a hint. These are instances where moderators should corral daters or introduce them to other people, give helpful advice, etc. This company is listed on Yelp as matchmakers but really, they are event planners. They offer a room, charge a fee and let you do the rest. And it's passable though not greatly entertaining. These guys advertise through a couple different websites and via partnering with other groups on Meetup. Many of their events can be found via Eventbrite as well. Events carry a cost of $32+. read more

Meet my love of my life. Happily married. Truly a happy ending all thanks to you guys. If your single and wanting a serious relationship, i would definitely recommend signing up. Your lover might be waiting... read more

It is a great experience and meeting a variety of people. I recommend people to give it a try.

I really like this format for dating it's great it gives you the option of speed dating online or in person always a great mix of women and men I absolutely love it. read more

I enjoy the opportunity to meet new people and this company provides that for me.Sometimes there's not a equal amount of both genders ,but overall it's a good experience.I highly recommend it. read more

I was skeptical at first but then ended up having so much fun at my first event! A lot of the people showing up were very friendly, and it was very helpful. read more

I really enjoyed the online dating event, specially after how in person meetups are more difficult. I did an in person event a few years ago and had a good time, but eventhough i no sparks flew with the other ladies, it's still nice to socialize and meet with other people. I definitely recommend this type of event if you are the type of person that doesn't go to bars or are bored of the online dating and want to try something new. I will definitely do this again and hopefully try an in person dating event now things are slowly going back to normal. read more

Not very pleased with this service. The first event I attend was okay, I didn't have any expectations and was looking forward to the experience of speed dating. I didn't have any matches and the location was easy to find. The event was $35. This dating service offers events for different groups, ranging from age, race, and educational level. However, on more than one occasion; the same event for a particular group has been canceled. Then I attempted to attend a another speed dating event. It was canceled, earlier that day since there wasn't enough men signed up to attend and I was given a voucher code to use for another event. So I thought I'd give it one last try. Yet again, the same group I signed up for was canceled and the location was horrible. There were 3 women who attended and 7 men. It was located at the Ivy Hotel. My major complaint was that it was extremely cold in the bar area where the event was being held. Guests of the hotel were sitting at this small bar area, the draft from the doors was freezing, plenty of people still had on their coats and there were space heaters on the floor. It got to the point, where I was thinking to leave because it was no longer fun. It was literally 6° degrees outside and sitting in a cold bar was not how I wanted to spend my Friday night. Then on my last 5-7 minute date, the guy told me there were space heaters on some empty tables and suggested we sit there. I ordered mint tea from the bar to keep warm. The group of gentlemen were okay, but to be honest I was so distracted from being cold I don't remember much of the conversations. The host was even wrapped up in her scarf. I'd recommend if your looking to connect with new people. I wouldn't recommend signing up for the African American dating group, since it's been canceled a few times due to not enough people signing up. read more

I've really enjoyed virtual speed dating with Chicago First Dates. The events are well organized, there weren't any tech issues and it was nice to socialize over an evening. The folks invited were warm and friendly and I had some good conversations. I haven't met anyone from the events, but it's a fun way to meet people during the pandemic. Sometimes there were too many guys or girls, so the match-up was weird. Customer service followed up with me to see how things were going and make sure I was satisfied with my experience. read more

I had been to a few in person events and the dates are good mostly. It depends on the specific day and event. The locations are good too. Overall a good option to grab a drink and talk to a few potential matches. read more

They were super fun and I met a lot of nice people. I look forward to meeting more people. I tried speed dating, something that I'd always wanted to try, and so when this was offered I decided that it was worth a try. The host was really nice and kept things going smoothly and gave us plenty of time to meet each person and get to know them a little bit. I was a little nervous about the type of people who might be there but the people were super friendly and easy to talk to. It was really fun and I can't wait to get back into it. read more

Initial review: This company gives terrible customer service. More likely zero service. I contacted them to switch my event to a different date and they did not call me or email me back. I contacted them for a refund given no contact and the guy finally answered, he was argumentative and telling me because I booked the wrong venue, I "should take the hit" No refunds ever. Do not use this service. Update: After many emails and phone calls, the manager offered a refund and a final resolution to the problem as well as an apology on behalf of the rude employee who was quite frankly harassing me via phone. I offered to edit my review in exchange, which is what I am doing. I cannot comment on whether the quality of the service is good or not (i.e. good selection of dates, etc) since I never attended an event. My review is strictly based on the customer service I received when dealing with a rescheduling conflict. read more

I used their speed dating service in SF after seeing a Living Social deal and attend with friends. My friends bailed so I went alone. Surprisingly, I had tons of fun. Although there were more guys than girls at this specific event, I was able to speak to every single girl who attended. Also, I was surprised at the quality of women who attended the event. I'm planning on going to their next speed dating event. The only disappointing thing was that there were no drink specials for attendees. I paid full price for my drinks. Nonetheless, I had two dates lined up afterwards. I would do it again. read more

My friend and I signed up for an event back in January. That event was cancelled the day of, only a few hours before the scheduled start time. We asked for a refund but were offered selecting a different event instead. Each additional event we've signed up for has been cancelled the day of again. It has happened 3 times now and we are still fighting for a refund. I would not recommend this service, the events don't seem to happen and getting your money back is difficult. read more

I was offered a voucher (delayed and had to request it twice) for a rescheduled event. Perhaps it was a miscommunication. However, there continues to be unprofessional behavior on the part of the staff. They kept calling me over and over again after I posted a bad review. Six times in less than 5 minutes. I texted them letting them know that I was unable to have a phone conversation at the moment but they kept calling. This was beyond unprofessional and borderline harassment and I am seriously considering filing a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission. I did remove the original bad review, but due to this current experience I have posted this update. read more

I have been to a few events and it's definitely a great way to meet new people. I really like that the speed dating events are broken down by age and sometimes even interest. Women who like Tall Men, or Men that like Blondes, or Singles with Advanced Degrees. It just makes it easier to choose an event and sort of know what you're getting into. read more

I saw they recently had an event where the men had to be over 6' and women had no requirements. They threatened to measure men at the door to prevent 'rounding up.' Needless to say, not many men showed up, since they were begging men to sign up the day of. The idea that only men 6'+ are somehow more worthy of dating is sexist. If you said oh tall men and women, that would have been fine. How about this, have an event where women have to be less than 110 lbs or a bmi of a thin woman. You say 'we'll weigh you at the door to prevent rounding teehee.' This way it's fair to men. You see how sexist that would appear? The male equivalent happened here. #doubleStandards read more

The event was greatly organized. The staff was very helpful and professional. The location is nice and clean and I would love to try with them one more time!! read more

it was arranged by my cousin who s always worried that i m being single. just a trip to chicago for a week, i was not willing at the first. but the venue was good and every gentlemen being gentle at this event. one even bought me a coca cola(since i told him i dont really drink) will def. try their event in nyc/nj. read more

This was my first speed-dating experience ever. My friend really wanted to go, so I decided to tag along and see what it was all about. It wasn't as weird as I thought it would be, but it could have been better. I'm not surprised by the bad reviews. The whole event seemed very unorganized, and the hostesses were not friendly or helpful at all. The entire time no one had any idea what was going on. We didn't know when to start, stop, when it was over, what to do, nothing. We pretty much figured it out as we went. There were way more guys than girls, which the guys were not happy about. I ended up meeting about 20-25 guys. By the last few I was just tired and ready for it to be over. I thought $35 was expensive for what it was...I'm still not really sure what I paid for. I will say that from what I know, everyone was in the age range that was indicated and they were all professionals, so that's good. If I did this again, I wouldn't go with this company again for the fact that the staff was terrible and that is was so unorganized. read more

I've been to two events here: a rooftop party and a speed dating event. I would say that both events were O.K. Nothing to rave about, but something nice to do when you have free time. Nothing came of either experience. I think the men are looking for a certain type of woman that I do not fit, but it's still good to get out and socialize nonetheless. I can agree with everyone on here, though, that the hosts do not have much enthusiasm. It would be nice if they would mingle in with everyone and ask how everything is going, but you don't even get a smile from them. I think the hosts could be friendlier and when they see shy people in a corner, try to pull them into the crowd (sometimes shy people just need a little push and encouragement!). read more

This was an awful experience. The location was sub par and the men that came were not eligible bachelors. One of them tried to email five of us. Then he tried to friend us on Facebook. Then he found us all on LinkedIn. This was not a good experience, unless you'd like to find a stalker. Save your time. read more

I do not recommend this service at all, mostly for the very aggressive and threatening treatment I received from Chicago First Dates but also my event experience. I signed up for a South Asian singles night advertised as: "This event is for South Asian single professionals from the Chicago metro area. At this event, we expect up to 10 men and 10 women to participate, and each date will be for 5 minutes." Here was my experience. They merged this event with another event the same night. This was due to the lack of South Asian women (not the company's fault in any way). However, the company failed to notify us of their plans to merge the events beforehand. They insist they did, but it's absolutely untrue. I confirmed this with (male) friends I met at the event. When I showed up, it was unclear what they were doing. The host herself seemed very confused and we started 90 minutes late. It was only after meeting all the woman that I realized I wouldn't meet a single South Asian woman. Several others (at least men) were angry by the conduct of the hostess and general experience. Upon asking the company for a refund. they actually told me that I should have "looked around" upon arriving at the event, seen the lack of South Asian women, and *left*. I acknowledge I did have that option, but as my first speed dating event I thought this 1) be very poor etiquette 2) was not a wise way to judge the availability of South Asian women since everyone was very scattered and there was no way to see everyone attending the event. So I went with the flow hoping I would get what I paid for. In the end I didn't meet a single South Asian, and the company was unapologetic. Whether you're signing up to meet "Successful", "Cougars", "Professionals", "Fit and Active", "Christians", etc. (all events they offer), just be aware they may merge the event you paid for with any other event. In my case it was easy to see I didn't meet anyone in my intended group and they still didn't acknowledge their failure to deliver on the promised event (or refund me if it was beyond their control). In other cases, this could only be tougher. The last part is really disturbing. Apparently the company is so offended by my request for a refund that a man behind a Private Number calls me to tell me "you're banned from future events" (as if there was any chance I would even consider that). "get out of town", as well as telling me this conversation is recorded (illegal In Illinois without two-party consent) and they would use it to prove I attended the event - which I never tried to hide in the first place. This company is really awful (and scary). read more

I've been to a few speeding dating events at different locations. For those who are Asians, don't expect many people from your country show up (in fact there are very few ). However, if you enjoy conversations with people and have the tenacity to seek the special one among different ethnicities, this is worth a try. read more

I called customer service to swap out a friend who couldn't make it for another friend and they were really helpful. We spoke for 20 mins on the phone and he even told me about other interesting events coming up. If the actual event is anything like that conversation I may find my boosnack at one. read more

Paid for event just to have it canceled. Then attended a speed dating event that was a complete waste of time. Hardly anyone was there, and the people that were seemed desperate. Don't bother! read more

This was a good experience, I look forward telling my friends and attending again.

There are never the amount of singles advertised. Generally about 25% or 30% of the number they say will attend. The quality of the singles is shaky in the sense that maybe they aren't very social and hence there to begin with? I've had very, very little luck. Also this company needs to create an atmosphere where people are willing to interact instead of basically letting us do all the work. read more

Very poorly managed and I would suggest people give their business to another group. I read the reviews however my experience on two separate occasions with Chicago First Dates have been horrible. They are very unprofessional and unorganized. read more

If this was last year I would have rated this higher, this was when the hostess would take everyone's match sheets and they would manually match people based on their selection. If a match occurred they would email you on your matches and you go from there. This year they changed the format where you keep your match sheets and login into their website and pick your selection through their website. If matches occur I'm guessing it notifies you that you have a match electronically. Last year I had plenty of matches and went on a few dates, which obviously didn't work out as planned since I've speed dated a couple times this year. But this year I haven't had one match yet ?! Now I know my social skills haven't deteriorated that much from last year and I know for sure I've made plenty of connections on these events this year, but zero matches?! I'm not sure if their "electronic" way is working or it's just me. But going from plenty of matches last year (manual way) to non-existent this year (electronically)... I'm starting to feel this is company has gone downhill and doing things way too shady, making you go through plenty of speed dates @ $35 a pop with no matches c'mon!!! NOTE: I would admit if I was the problem if I never had matches before, but going from plenty to zero when they change the way they do matches now makes no sense. read more

I saw advertisements for the speed dating events, I was skeptical because years ago I signed up for a speed dating event with another company; the event never happened! They kept re-scheduling and never refunded my money :((. I decided to give Chicago first dates a chance. It was a pleasant surprise. Not only did the event actually happen, the hostess was very friendly and gave great direction as to how the event would take place. The venue was nice and surprisingly there were more men than women so some of the guys had to sit out a few rounds. I did not make a lasting connection but overall it was good experience. I will definitely go again. Next time I will bring friends. read more

Went to a speed dating for "young professionals" (didn't realize how literal people took the 'professional' part - no one I talked to had an interesting hobby or any passion outside of their job). It was $30 for what ended up being about 10 short speed dates, over in about an hour, which seemed expensive for what you got. Ended up not really clicking with anyone, putting 1 or 2 of the closest as a match just to feel like I hadn't wasted my time, and neither of them put me as a match, so I essentially spent $30 to do nothing. Also, their website is pretty bad. It said that my age was "99" and didn't list any phone number for matches to contact me at. I let them know about the problem the day before the speed dating, and no one ever responded or fixed it. read more

I've been to several of their speed dating events. They're a lot of fun and a great way to meet a lot of women in a short time. If you're not into the bar scene, and don't like online dating, this is definitely the way to go. read more

Please read this review in all exaggerated angry capital letters. I am furious with the management. I bought a deal from living social "Admission to a Three Hour Speed Dating Event" for my friend and me, I was confused because the event was associated with 312 Chicago Events but the full schedule pulled up to Chicago First Dates website. Because I was worried I wouldn't be able to attend with the voucher, I SPECIFICALLY contacted BOTH living social and Chicago first dates to confirm if it was redeemable. Living social said that it should be perfectly fine to attend other events and chicago first dates, I quote Jen Harris "You can use your voucher to attend any event of your choice. " However when I went to the event yesterday they WOULD NOT RECOGNIZE THE VOUCHER. The host was sweet and called her boss, a guy I forgot his name, starts with a D, maybe Demetri, but I'll go with Dick. The boss claimed that it was never an event associated with Chicago First Dates, EVEN THOUGH I EMAILED THEM AND GOT A CONFIRMATION. The host gave the phone to me to talk to Dick and he was EXTREMELY RUDE. Is that how you treat customers in the service industry???? He RAISED HIS VOICE at me and insisted that it was Living Social's problem and that we could not attend the event if we don't pay the walk in price of $40. After the host talked to him, it came down to the conclusion that my friend and I would both have to pay an extra $18. Chicago First Dates is RIDICULOUSLY UNPROFESSIONAL AND RUDE. I feel empathy for the host who had to keep apologizing to me while her dick boss NEVER ONCE APOLOGIZED. A company with potential but will never make it because of SHITTY ASS STUCK UP MANAGEMENT WHO ONLY CARES ABOUT MONEY AND NOT QUALITY. I am so fucking angry, that rude ass management guy, DICK. read more

False and/or misleading advertising. I went to a $25 "love is a numbers game" event at the Willis Tower's French Accent. It was billed as having an "evening of drinking, dancing and merriment" with "complimentary appetizers, drink specials, icebreakers, hip-hop and top-40s music all-night..." Dancing? No. No space for that in this small bar, and the music was not very audible anyway. Appetizers? Yes. Until the one serving they supplied was gone. Icebreakers? Plural? No. Singular? Barely. You picked up a playing card from a deck of about 200 cards when you arrived. The hostesses explain that if someone else picked up the same card as me, we were "a match." Really? Just like that? You mean just by pure chance? That's not an icebreaker, nor a way to "match" people. It's just a way to ruin four decks of cards. Besides, there was far less people there than they had cards for, so your "matching" card may not have been picked up in the first place. It was not very well thought out. Minimal effort was the theme of the evening. There were two bartenders for about 90 people, which was not sufficient. Many complained about not getting drinks quickly. The hosts were also not friendly. Upon leaving, I said, "Have a good night" to both hosts as they sat by themselves near the entrance, and one looked at me like I barely existed and didn't respond. Lastly, a few days before the event I received an email encouraging me to attend because 67 women had signed up, and 58 men. As a guy, this was encouraging. While I'm sure I wasn't the only one to get the email, and obviously some people who sign up don't show up, there was about a 4-1 ratio of men to women. And a woman told me she'd received an email around the same time as I did saying more men had signed up than women. That could be true if they're just continuously playing one side against the other, but it seems implausible that both emails would be true given the paucity of women at the event. Did I meet people? Yes. Did I meet a lot of people? No way. Waste of money and time. read more