Some would say you’re not really working, unless you’re coworking. With a list of benefits far beyond the eight mentioned here, coworking spaces are the new coffee shops for the innovation economy. They offer a place to work for the day, alongside a network and community that can support your growing business.
It’s understood that becoming a member of a coworking space is much more than a chair to sit in. Most coworking spaces offer resources that Starbucks simply can't give you, including: fireside chats, mentoring, and networking mixers. Don’t worry you can still get your cup of coffee. It’s for these reasons my company, Startup Institute, chooses to locate inside some of the world’s most vibrant coworking spaces.
Yet, with over 145 coworking spaces in the Chicagoland area, choosing one could take months. Instead, set up shop at one of these up-and-coming spaces that are sure to have waiting lists soon:
Photo Credit: WeWork.com
1. WeWork: A trusted name with a far-reaching network.Location: West Loop and River North coming soon
WeWork has been a pioneer in coworking, opening it’s first doors four years ago in New York City. These international coworking experts show no signs of stopping as they expand to even more cities and continents, including a second space in Chicago this year. You can be sure their new spaces will be just as beautiful as they are functional, and a great option if you plan on bringing clients in for meetings. They even have their own app for searching their member directory -- a useful networking tool -- and offer flexible options for people who travel between offices via the “WeWork Common” package.
Photo Credit: Kentaro Yamada
2. Brooklyn Boulders Chicago: For the active entrepreneur.Location: West Loop
What other coworking space can boast 25,000 square feet of room to pace, sit or climb while you take that conference call? Brooklyn Boulders opened it’s Chicago location late last year and is now a fully-functioning coworking and gym space. It’s perfect for the person who doesn’t have time to make it to the gym or wants to save on having two memberships. The space is complete with standing desks and exercise-ball chairs. Do note: if you spend a lot of time on the phone during your workday they have light music playing (the person curating their playlists does have fantastic taste, though).
Photo Credit: Liane J via Yelp
3. Free Range: Simple, cozy, no-frills coworking.Location: Wicker Park
Opened just last year, Free Range provides a home-away-from-home vibe. Lots of natural light makes this space perfect for long, productive days, and their flexible 10-day pass let’s you pick and choose the days you cowork each month. If your business doesn’t require a downtown location, then this space will provide a quiet locale without the heavy commute. Get in before it catches on!
Photo Credit: via Space by Doejo Facebook’s page
4. Space: A trendy office for serious startups.Location: River North
You don’t have to be an astronaut to go places at Space. One of Chicago’s newest coworking spaces is laser-focused on helping startups grow. Brought to you by Doejo founder Phil Tadros, Space is rooted in the theory that startups need mentorship and connections to thrive -- something we can all agree on. This may not be the ideal location for someone in a traditional or slow-growth industry, but for young entrepreneurs this shiny new space has a lot of appeal. The connections a highly-successful agency like Doejo can provide are definitely something to consider.
Photo Credit: Nick Fochtman via Curbed Chicago
5. 1871: The solar plexus of Chicago startups.Location: River North
Full disclosure, I’m sitting in 1871 right now. Startup Institute Chicago calls the new 1871 expansion space it’s home, but that’s not why it made the list. 1871 is one of the only coworking spaces in Chicago that can claim full tech-ecosystem diversity -- venture capitalists, university students and employees, digital startups, schools, incubators and accelerators all under one roof. It’s an impressive feat and a sure sign that the ecosystem will continue to expand here in the windy city.
Just in case there’s any doubt about availability of coworking space in Chicago, you can use the Desktime Directory to see all 145 Chicagoland spaces listed. Filter by amenities (open 25 hours, parking, pet-friendly, etc) to find the perfect space for you.
A final tip: if you’re in the process of choosing a space, give your top choices a call. Most spaces are more than happy to offer you a few days or even a week’s trial in their space. Like your favorite pair of jeans (casual dress codes are the best, am I right?), you’ll want to find the perfect fit before buying. Be sure to ask the right questions and you’ll be coworking in no time.
Emma Zimmerman is a visual designer on the marketing team at Startup Institute. Startup Institute’s eight-week program gives individuals the skills, mindset, and network to get jobs and thrive in high-growth companies. Startup Institute Chicago is hosting a free info-session on February 3rd at 6pm. Register to attend on Eventbrite.
