Working with Madison has been fantastic. I came into IJL Chicago a bit hesitant despite the strong reviews, but that hesitation disappeared quickly. From the very first call--where everything from services to pricing was clearly explained--to a smooth onboarding process, the experience has been seamless. Madison, my matchmaker, has been a true standout: professional, thoughtful, and genuinely attentive. She's never set me up with someone I wouldn't have chosen myself, and every match so far has been high quality. The value for money is absolutely there, but the real payoff is the relief of not having to grind through dating apps. Knowing someone else is handling the hard work--finding great matches and arranging dates--has made the entire experience refreshing and enjoyable. read more

I find it hysterical now after reading the reviews that the men give positive reviews in general and most of the women give negative ones. How could I have been so naive. Read to the end and figure it out. I was charged between $5k and $6k for a six month/sixth date membership. I was fixed up with a nice gent and we went out 1 x and decided to go out again. He did meet my the criteria that I had requested (other than that he be committed to finding a relationship). We went out 4 or 5 times and he made no romantic overtures-not even asking to hold my hand. I told him I wasn't looking for a friend. In conversation I also am pretty sure he may have committed a financial felony. In my field I can't be associated with anyone who may have done that. We also had some differences as to how we approached money personally that would in the long run be an issue. After that they offered to move me to their more elite membership at "elite" where they had more candidates for me to date who were committed and met my requests for a professional, well educated man ( I am an attorney and at the top of my field with several years of advanced studies, experience, teaching etc in my field). They again had offered 6 dates or 6 months. They charged another $23,000 in fees giving me credit for what I had paid the other service. I met a few men who were frankly not as intellectually challenging or stimulating as I had hoped and gave that feedback. I conversed with the service several times about getting more narrow as to my specific desires. Again. I was assured that they had people to fix me up with. Long story- it took them a year to find me 6 dates. Half way though with the mark missed often, I asked for some money back. No go. Only one or two of the 6 were really up to the specs I requested. One of those asked for my number and then never called The others all asked for my number but one. None ever called. I had specifically stated that I had put a lot of resources into this and wanted to meet someone with the same level of commitment, if not dollar wise, someone who had at least put their wallet behind the commitment. I was told by my last date, another woman who used the service, and a friend who had her daughter use the service the following: 1. The women pay, the men do not. One guy stated the had gone out with "many of these desperate women" and had gotten " more than dates. wink wink". 2. That both gals had paid much less that I had for it's just lunch and for the "elite" dating service. 3. One had been fixed up with non-heterosexual gent. I asked the service for a published rate schedule and they said they would provide it, but did not. I asked for 1/2 of my money back acknowledging that they put effort in and they refused. This is a total scam. They even tell you that you will need to pay them a $5000 success fee if you end up in a 6 month relationship I think they believe that this makes them sound like they have success and often. I highly doubt that based on the dates and service I received. This is a total scam. And worse-it's women driven and they scam women. In response to the business owner comments: yes thank you for listing your my request for a specific religion. The fact stands that I paid it's just lunch a smaller amount and met a nice person but not someone who was looking for or ready for a relationship. When I paid a significant amount more for your sister service that was to be a higher caliber of match, with two exceptions, the vetting and quality of match were terrible. The men I met were not vetted well and o none case the match was simply chosen because he was of the religion I specified. No other traits matched what I was looking for. The vetting was horrible and the people were no more "elite" than the people I met through the first service. That is what I asked for 1/2 of my funds back. You didn't provide what I was told you would. I acknowledge that some of them matches were ok. But overall the quality of trains and personalities was not what was promised to me. read more

I've had a great experience with It's Just Lunch. The experience has been wonderful. They do a great job of making you feel comfortable and confident. Working with Madison has been like working with your best friend. She always has my best interests at heart. I'd recommend giving this a try. read more

My experience was sub optimal to say the least. Based on the sales pitch, I was extremely optimistic about the match making process. However, as someone who lives in Chicago proper - the men that they were matching me with all lived by the airport or in the suburbs. And the "matches" had so little in common with me - that it became just a total waste of my money and time. There are success stories but if you know what you're looking for - do your research and ask all of the questions before handing over the deposit that you have no chance of seeing again. I wish I had taken the time to read other reviews but instead allowed my hope for success out weigh logic. Once they have your money, there is very little in it for them - and it shows. read more

Absolutely the best customer service and support. Company is incredibly professional. Calls are returned promptly and all questions answered. I was hesitant in signing up for a matchmaking service -- IJL has been well worth the investment. I have been much more comfortable in meeting a person who was "vetted" then taking a chance on an internet dating app. Madison and Vanessa took care to understand my concerns and I believe all concerns were addressed. I do believe once you use a matchmaking service you would never go back to a dating app. Simply too risky to put info out on the internet read more

I enjoy interacting with the team at IJL, they are fun and great listeners. I've mostly worked with Madison, and she's fantastic. I've been able to quickly meet some really great ladies, and gotten out to a number of new restaurants and pubs throughout the city that I've not been to, which has also been fun. Madison is helping me zero in on the type of lady I'd like to meet, and I'm excited about the possibilities in the coming year. Keep up the great work IJL. Let's go 2026! read more

Delivered on all services they advertise themselves as being able to provide. Their frequent and consistent communication with their clients demonstrated care and investment. I truly felt they were "for me," and always operated with my best interest in mind. read more

It's Just Lunch-Chicago has been a great experience for me. I tried a different dating service a couple years ago and it did not compare. Everyone has been super helpful (especially Madison) and they are truly there to help you find a match. read more

I have so deeply appreciated my experience with It's Just Lunch. I really value my interaction with the IJL team and their responsiveness to my feedback regarding the matches that have worked well and those that haven't. Their timeliness and sincere interest in my having a positive date are outstanding. Needless to say, making great matches is an incredibly challenging enterprise. Not all of my matches have worked but I really value their dedication to always striving to learn from the feedback. I am deeply grateful for their genuine interest and the fruits of their labor. This is no small task. Thanks. Doc read more

It's Just Lunch offers an exceptional service for busy professionals who prefer a more personalized touch over online dating. They handle the matchmaking for you, ensuring that you meet people with shared interests in comfortable, public settings--usually at top-tier restaurants, which makes the experience feel special. Madison, in particular, has been incredibly responsive and a pleasure to work with. She takes the time to genuinely understand what you're looking for and is dedicated to finding the perfect match. So far, my experience has been extremely positive, and I'm excited to continue working with the IJL team in the future. read more

I am a fairly new client but am trying this and being very open to all of it! Jenn-my MM has set me up on several dates (all have asked for 2nd dates!) so that's a positive! I would tell anyone to try this especially if they are sick of the apps-like I was. I just couldn't do it anymore! so this approach-you meet up, it is a completely blind date as far as knowing what they really look like-but you do get a bio read to you about who they are. it's sort of a trip! be open, be kind and do it!! read more

I work closely with Jenn and she has been great. very committed! best dating site I've been part of .

As of this writing, I've been a member with IJL for about five months. I've been on six or seven first dates, no second dates so far. The guys are very different than men I'd pick for myself, which is exactly why I hired IJL. The guys have been high quality, just no matches yet. The IJL team is very caring and responsive. The IJL profile questions do not include members' political leanings, which I've suggested they change because we live in such polarized times. read more

It's just lunch is alot of fun. Super shout out to the match makers. They're very attentive & really care about getting u connected with the right people. read more

This is the second time It's Just Lunch has called me after not engaging with the business for over a decade. They are awful people trying to reheat old leads. Just lame and sad. Just close down already and please leave me ALONE. read more

It's Just Lunch? More like It's Just a Waste of Money! I was inspired and excited to start this experience but the matchmakers are just business people who are looking to make money. They have no intention of setting up soulmates. Contractually I have to pay my dues but I'd pay $3500 to just put this behind me. Stick to Bumble. read more

This place is a scam it sends you.out on dates with people who are not compatable . They put any woman with any man just to say you are fixed up. Please do not give this org. Any money. they charge what ever they can squeez out of a person . Some pay 4 k or 2 k. Big scam do not sign the contract read more

Briana, and the entire IJL team are a pleasure to work with, in this journey to find love and happiness! Briana takes the time to listen to what you're looking for in a relationship, and works with you to help you meet your goals. She, and the rest of the IJL team will share their advice on how to approach your relationship goals. Brian is a definite asset to IJL! read more

I've been with IJL for over half a decade. They charged me 3K to sign up followed by $90 a month when my account was active or $50 a month if I put my account on hold. If I cancelled & decided to sign up again I would have to pay all over again so I tried to stick it out. On average, I got a date once a month. I told them every time what I was looking for in a partner. They completely ignored it. They always set me up with people that had nothing in common with me or people that I wasn't attracted to. If I told them off then they would threaten to cut ties so that they could keep the money without me as a client. They also set up your dates at expensive restaurants that they have contracts with. I have been told off more than once for only getting drinks when they promised the restaurants we would buy food (at full price). They are also always far away. They always say it's halfway between the 2 who are dating but I've had to Uber an hour away before. I have yet to meet anyone who actually liked the service (most of my dates wound up with us trashing them over drinks before parting ways) & I know 3 different people who tried them & subsequently quit their service almost immediately (one actually just got engaged to a girl he met about 2 months AFTER he quit their service) read more

This is the worst dating service ever I told them from the beginning my requests and they have not even come close. My first set up had young kids which was my biggest thing I didn't want. My first actual date the guy was not over his last girlfriend and had no business dating. I was just told my second date lives hours away and I also stressed location is an issue when I signed up. I told them I had a dog and wouldn't travel. They assured me they had matches and wouldn't be a problem. Do not believe anything they say to you. It's all about getting your $3,000 plus $100 a month. They are only concerned with sales. Go buy yourself something nice and don't waste your time. I've never been so disappointed. I'd give no stars if possible. read more

I have been at IJL for a few months now and had a fantastic experience. Working with the Chicago team - Tiffany, Paige, and Chelsea has been awesome. They are friendly, helpful, and kind and make the overall experience hassle-free. I understand that it takes a lot of effort to find my matches while taking into consideration my feedback. Most importantly, they bring the "human" touch that digital services lack. Based on my experiences so far, I look forward to working with them on my relationship goals, hopefully in the near term. And, when my goals are met, I will miss working with the Chicago team. read more

It's just lunch final My experience has been deceiving, misrepresented,disappointing and unsatisfactory. I worked with Vanessa and Briana.You will see in the reviews that Vanessa is never mentioned as someone who stands out. Unfortunately, Briana is- but not as much as others. So should you decide to pursue this scam of a service, be sure to request someone who has been repeatedly recognized. It's is also important to note that they rarely respond to your emails via email. They do not want to have anything in writing. Additionally, should you look at reviews which initially show 5 stars, make sure to click on and view all the reviews. You will find there are many complaints (actually more complaints than positive reviews). Here's how the process works. You receive persistent calls and texts after submitting interest on the site. Once I got on the phone with Vanessa she was kind and thoughtful, she had a great pitch, similar to a used car sales person. She was empathic to my frustration with other dating apps. After you pass their "interview" process and agree to move forward she asks you questions about your hobbies and what you're looking for in a partner. These Questions included age, religious preferences, and important personality traits. And other important factors to finding the right match. I emphasized that I did not want to meet someone outside of the Chicago and that I would not be driving long distances to meet people given my schedule. This was acknowledged and appeared to be agreed upon. Once I agreed to move forward,you're offered this one time deal only valid on that call: I learned this after I asked to call her back so I could think about it since it's an obscene amount of money. She then sends you the contact on the call and insists that you read it while you are on the call "take your time." So well planned out because you feel pressure to sign because you don't want to keep her waiting. Of course signing it was on me. You hang up feeling excited and apprehensive about spending all That money, but also excited to meet the two new matches they claim they have for you. You have 3 days to cancel and get a refund. You are bombarded with calls daily from your matchmakers sharing all the services and advantages with your membership. Based on my understanding, men are required to pay a smaller monthly fee for as long as they want, while women are required to pay a larger sum for a duration of only six months. I was matched with individuals who had been with the company for a while, which is not an issue in itself. However, at that point, one wonders if the matchmaker is properly conducting their due diligence. Are they genuinely striving to set you up on a date that would provide a positive experience, or are they simply arranging a date for one of the male clients they know is in need of a good experience? The first time I discovered that my date was in Oakbrook, I reached out to express my concern. I was told that my dating options would be limited. However, considering the fact that there are 2.5 million people in Chicago, there must surely be potential matches within the actual city! Despite this, I continued to be matched with individuals whose midpoint was a 45-minute drive away from me. After going on three dates with people who were far away or from far away (one person even came from Rockford), I reached out once again to discuss my frustration. Vanessa is only available through appointment by her employees below her. I had to wait a week because she was out of town. She was frequently out of town and unavailable. Vanessa was deceivingly personable and appeared to understand and address my concerns. At the end of our conversation she said "I actually feel closer to you and feel I know you better to find the right person." I thought we were on the same page, only to discover that my next match was once again in Oakbrook (yet another midpoint), resulting in another 40-50 minute drive for me. That is when I conducted further research to determine if I was the only one experiencing this frustrating situation. It turns out that many people have also experienced it. There was a class-action lawsuit filed (and settled) in NY against them concerning the contract. News stories claiming the same complaints in Denver and Florida. They do not engage in a email exchange, a careful strategy to minimize legal responsibilities. If you look closely in the reviews, their responses to negative feedback lack any accountability. They may reply indicating that the team will reach out to you. They did for me, and I never received a call. Anything other than "I'm so sorry for your disappointment. I recommend that you thoroughly do your research. Seek other matchmaking services. read more

Vanessa and Brie with IJL were very personal and professional. The restaurant choices were very nice and communication and scheduling was great. Overall great expierence, they made the process very easy! read more

I am a software developer and someone whose dating life was non-existent in high school, college, and my early career. Needless to say, I had a LOT of catching up to do. Luckily for me, Maggie has helped me along the past year in finding dates and linking me to dating guides that have started my journey trying to understand the modern dating environment. I have already had one date result in followup dates, and Maggie has been professional and courteous towards me and numerous other individuals. Thank you IJL for kickstarting my dating life! read more

The Chicago Team really came thru for me. My dates all have been great ..in every way that I had requested.... 2nd & 3rd dates are in the works. Thank You IJL Chicago!! Mike G. read more

Bri and the whole IJL staff have been nothing but professional. Having said that it's not cheap , but IMO you get what you pay for. Bri goes out of her way to accommodate you. Very professional service read more

Some of the reviews talk about the high cost versus the value? The best part of this service which by no means is "free" or low cost, is the reason I like it. Both Rebecca and Alexi are a value add, to the process. Thank buddha, god or the Great spirit, it's mostly good people that get over that higher bar/cost. People that understand that saving money does have a time and place. I have met high quality people and have had interesting times and conversations. Quote, There's not too much traffic, on the extra mile. read more

If you are a busy professional and ready to get serious hire Vanessa at IJL. Within weeks of joining Vanessa and Briana had 4 high quality matches for me. The team does everything start to finish. They have a proven process that works. Jason B. read more

My client advisor Briana Johnson has made my experience all the better by taking the time to really get to know who I am and what kind of match I am looking for. She has been upbeat, supportive and encouraging every step of the way. My latest match and I are going out again on an exciting date this weekend. read more

Wanted to take a minute to give mention about my experience at IJL. I have been with them for a little while and truly enjoy it. I work with Naomi and she's awesome, good at what she does and just a pleasure to talk to. The matches I have been on dates with have been great. For the most part, pretty accurate aligning with my interests. In my opinion, IJL are professionals and it's nice letting professionals do what they do. read more

My IJL subscription was one disappointment after another. After speaking with IJL matchmakers on the phone at sign-up, I received the Bio they wrote for me. I was alarmed because much had been embellished and was not true. I submitted a corrected, truthful Bio back to IJL. After going out on several dates, it seemed IJL was continuing to use the original Bio instead of the edited Bio that I had shared, because matches asked about interests from the original Bio. If IJL was embellishing my profile to "sell" me to other clients, what was IJL doing to other clients' profiles? It seems misleading that IJL is not matching clients on actual likes and dislikes, but rather on exaggerations or alterations of profiles. I provided IJL with photos of the kinds of men I find physically attractive. Unfortunately, I don't believe that IJL considered these. I don't judge people solely on appearance. However, many dates I was set up with were the antithesis of the type of man I'm attracted to. Where matches lived was an issue. Someone living hours away from me (even in another state) does not make for a realistic match. I was appalled to learn that matchmakers did not know what actual jobs their clients have. They seemed surprised when I told them what my dates did for a living. This was something IJL should have investigated and verified when writing their clients' Bios. Signing up with IJL was a financial investment. I hoped that the matches would be vetted and evenly matched for me. IJL sent me on wild goose chases and set me up with low quality matches that I could have found on dating apps on my own. I expected that IJL would provide the professional services they advertised. Unfortunately, they did not. I was asked on multiple occasions to write reviews for IJL. I have much to say. It's not glowing. What IJL is doing is unacceptable. I'm looking out for the safety of other potential customers. Buyer beware. Unfortunately, I wasted my time, money, and hopes with IJL. read more

It' s just a horrible experience. You get few blind dates, based on very basic criteria, none of my dates was in any way personalized. I only met 2 guys and could not take this any more and cancelled. The first man I met told me he is using this service as he cannot get dates otherwise, also showed me how he created a fake female profile to prove women have advantage on dating sites. The second one was staying in the US illegally, told me his visa expired six months ago. Scary. I don't think they do even a basic background check. Please save your money. They charged me around 5000 for 6 months, felt like being scammed. Honestly this made me appreciate dating sites, with all the flaws they are so much better. read more

Briana has listened to what I am looking for in my search. She continues to be there to offer advice and applies my feedback from dates when she is looking for future matches. I would highly recommend working with her ! Ryan G. read more

Briana is my representative for It's just lunch. She is fantastic, very personable, and energetic. I highly recommend her. Briana carefully matches me with the type of dates I am looking for and is always very helpful in giving dating advise. She is fun to work with and very upbeat. Respectfully submitted, Richard Roberts read more

I wanted to say this for people who is in mixed feelings about this dating site just lunch, please don't waste your money and time, i paid 2300 for nothing, only desperate people who can't find a match are there, behind that blind dating. I had blind dinner date with 3,4 people during 3 moths and omg what a waste, i will not recommend this one to anybody, ill tell everyone who is looking for a match, stay away from this scam, stay away!!!! read more

Overall I feel like I am getting the value of the subscription. The matchmakers are really informative and care about the clients. If I've had a question they always answered ASAP and made sure I have been comfortable through the process. I still haven't had many dates but the ones I have had have been quality compared to what I had in swiping or just picking up someone at the bar. read more

This service lacks quality candidates, and at times it felt that they set you up to fill the quota for a guy who has no life and does not fit any of the requirements. Perhaps, there are more quality people in the city, but if you are looking to date in the burbs, this $$$ service is a waste of time and money. Take that money and book yourself a fabulous vacation instead. read more

I have been a member off and on for a couple years. Paige and Vanessa are amazing. A couple months ago, I met my life's partner! Great Job Ladies! So much gratitude ! read more

I'm embarrassed that I fell for this scam and can't believe I wasted all of this money on false promises and worthless matches. They have amazing sales people and make you believe they have a robust database of clients - but, I haven't been matched with a single person worth dating. So, either all of my criteria and requirements for a match were lost after my intake session or they are pairing me up with the other handful of suckers that forgot to check Yelp before wasting thousands of dollars on this service. No wonder it takes so long to get your next date - they have to spread matches out across months, otherwise you would blow through their entire client base and they would have to admit there is no one else. Do yourself a favor and spend your money elsewhere. read more

A great way to safely re-enter the dating landscape. A solid effort to meet me and the potential dating partners/friends. Bri and the other ijl staff members are attentive, thorough and encouraging. They understand the needs and wishes of their clients. I have met two interesting people so far and look forward to continuing this adventure with confidence and fun. read more