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!

AF&AM Oriental Lodge No. 33 is a wonderful group of men. In addition to a rich history and being…read morethe oldest lodge of Freemasons in Chicago in continued use since it's founding, the members are are of a very high caliber. This is particularly impressive given that membership ranges in age from men in their early 20's to men in their 90's, yet the average age is something in the mid-30's. The members are extremely knowledgeable resources for anyone interested in the fraternity as well as impressive ritualists for those who go on to experience the degrees offered by the lodge. Anyone interested in visiting should view the website and contact the secretary for an invitation to join us for dinner, the meeting if you are a brother, and refreshment afterward.

Great Group of Men of all different backgrounds. age range from early 20s to mid 90s! As my time as…read morea visitor, I gain alot of Wisdom from them that has helped me grow as a Man.

Jessica and her team are wonderful. They make all first timers feel very welcome. The Wicked…read moreHalloween bash is amazing. Make sure you check out the great events! Www.nextlevelplusevents.com ​

Great group! Loads of body positivity and love! Well guarded to keep out the crazies and the drama…read more- worth hitting up an event for sure!

The York Rite is the next step in Freemasonry once one has become a Master Mason. It is a…read morecontinuation of our ancient legend and reveals that which was lost. Information on joining can be found on our website (http://www.chicagoyorkrite.net) and we encourage all Master Masons to learn more about our fine organization which is conveniently located in Jefferson Park. Our website is a great resource for recent news concerning our groups as well as for learning about any of the individual organizations and degrees that we practice. However, here is a little information to get started with... The Old Chicago York Rite Bodies consist of the following organizations: *La Fayette Chapter No. 2: Mark Masters & Holy Royal Arch Freemasons *Chicago Council No. 4: Royal & Select Masters ~ Cryptic Freemasonry *St. Bernard Commandery No. 35: Masonic Knights Templar *Albertus Magnus Commandery No. 92, MKT... The only commandery of research!!! Stated meetings for St. Bernard and Albertus Magnus Commanderies occur on the 1st Tuesday of every month at 7:30pm while La Fayette Chapter and Chicago Council share the 3rd Tuesday of every month, also meeting at 7:30pm. Dinner for all 4 groups is always at 6:30pm. Location: Jefferson Park Masonic Temple 5418 West Gale Street, Chicago, IL 60630-2190 This address is easily accessible from the Kennedy Expressway (I-90), Milwaukee Avenue, the CTA's Blue Line, and Metra's Union Pacific Northwest Line. We welcome Master Masons interested in learning more about our organization as well as those who have not been able to attend meetings recently and those visiting from other York Rite Bodies. Additionally, the York Rite also has several prominent invitational (honorary) organizations located in Chicago for those who have advanced in their work with the York Rite. As the nature of these organizations implies, one must be invited and does not apply or ask to join them. *IL York Rite College No. 15: Supporting & promoting York Rite Freemasonry *St. Bridget Council No. 23, Knight Masons: Irish Green Degrees *Lux Ex Oriente Council No. 379, Allied Masonic Degrees *Even Me'Ukevet Council No. 167, Allied Masonic Degrees

3*5*7 BROTHERHOOD CHAPTER The 3*5*7 Brotherhood is a chapter…read moreof the Widows Sons Masonic Riders Association. As such, we subscribe to Masonic tenets of brotherhood, relief, and truth and values such as charity and community involvement. We are presently the only WS Chapter based on the north side of Chicago and are already enjoying an active riding season. Unlike many Masonic organizations, ladies are frequently invited to join us for many of the events we attend from rides and parties to rallies and weekend trips. We also host a small family-style picnic and participate in local charity events. WIDOWS SONS INTERNATIONAL As an organization, we have chapters in approximately 35 states within the USA, several provinces in Canada, and numerous countries including the UK, France, Belgium, Germany, Sweden, S. Korea, and Japan. Our core beliefs are a love of Freemasonry and motorcycles and an interest in furthering understanding of both. We are not a motorcycle club, support group for any motorcycle organization, or involved in nefarious activity of any kind. This is true of our organization and each one of our chapters. We are simply Freemasons who are active in their Lodges and within the community who love motorcycles and enjoy fellowship among brothers on the open road. Our members are everything from cops, firemen, teachers, social workers, and blue collar guys to doctors, lawyers, and businessmen. Like the majority of bikers, we have enormous hearts and will always help a brother in distress. VISITORS: We meet at Hops & Barley (4359 N Milwaukee) every 2nd Thursday of the month at 7pm and host rides every Saturday. If you would like to visit us, we'd welcome your attendance whether you are a member of another chapter, a MM, or a non-Mason rider. The 3*5*7 Brotherhood Chapter is expanding and we intend to build upon the momentum that we have been experiencing. If you are a Master Mason who rides a motorcycle (or maybe doesn't but would like to) or is minimally interested in learning more about our organization, contact me or any of the other members in my chapter to arrange a visit or to come out with us on the next ride. If you are not a Master Mason but... [1.] have begun the process, [2.] are interested in learning more about Freemasonry, or [3.] are simply looking for a good group of guys to ride with... we would love to meet you. There's no reason that you can't start riding with us! We have great trips planned and are always happy to have more guys along. ONLINE: Our website will be up soon and will be a great place to view our riding/social calendar as well as to stay updated on our organization. In the meantime, visit us on Facebook and LIKE our "Widows Sons 357 Brotherhood Chapter" to stay current on any last minute info that we send out or to contact us until the website is up and ready. Thanks everyone within the Masonic community, at home, and who's friends with us for all of the support you have shown for us!!!

As a four star rating indicates; Yay! I'm a fan. I recently…read moreattended a meeting of the organization, which meets only three times a year at 7:30 p.m. on the 2nd Tuesday of February, June, & October. As a relatively new addition to the Forest Glen neighborhood, I found the meeting to be informative and interesting, well worth my time to attend and the $20 to join (annually). The only thing I would suggest to improve the meeting would be to create some means by which the attending club members could mix and mingle to create stronger personal ties and familiarity with the neighbors, as opposed to sitting in a room of mostly strangers. I look forward to attending the next meeting and many more meetings to come.

Husband's family rotates hosting the large family holiday which alternates between Christmas and…read moreThanksgiving depending on the year. This year was our turn to host Christmas and I was stressed out about how we would accommodate everyone, which could range from 30-50 people. Not only were we passed the hosting torch from my in-laws, but we were the first to host outside of our home. I've lived in the neighborhood for almost a decade and passed this place countless times, but had no idea it was a VFW. When I reached out about renting the space, the post commander was super helpful. Husband and I took a tour and booked it. I came back once more to get photos and measurements so we could plan for the event. They have plenty of tables and chairs and the beams in the room have LEDs which we set to red and green to make it festive. We ended up with 50 people for a sit down dinner, which we did potluck. We got so many compliments on the party and the space. We had plenty of space for people to sit, food, and kids to play. The post commander was also our bartender (you can bring food, but alcohol goes through the VFW) and he was great with everyone from the older relatives to the smallest kids. We aren't up in the rotation again for 5y, but I wouldn't hesitate to host here again. They're not usually open, so you can't just show up and grab a drink at the bar, which is a shame because it's just the kind of place we would frequent. Overall this was perfect for our needs, including the price. You don't need to be a vet to rent the space.

This place just got a major overhaul. Fresh new interior and OMG, TV's galore!…read moreAlso, they host the best fish fry you will find in the state.

The food, presentation & execution was flawless!…read more I can not say enough about Chef Jaime and foodjoy! My husband and I were first introduced to this "underground restaurant experience" last year when foodjoy hosted our wedding rehearsal dinner; a five-course chocolate themed meal that everyone is still RAVING about! Since then we have attended two other dinners ("5 Oceans" and "Breakfast Favs") and both have exceeded our expectations. I would highly recommend this type of dinning experience to anyone looking to try gourmet cuisine in a fun intimate atmosphere.

Foodjoy is a wonderful experience…read more Foodjoy and Chef Jaime made a friend's engagement and my Father's 80th birthday incredible, delicious memories.

Don't count on them if you need assistance in a crisis. Doors are never open. No one answers the…read morephone. So what's the point of wasting donators money? Only for tax fraud and evasion.

Great group of veterans young and older coming together to make Chicago a better city for our…read morefellow service members. I've been privileged to be part of this organization and volunteer at many events. I wish them nothing but success!