r/chicagofriends

Wondering if there are others who have completely started over in Chicago. I recently moved here partly for work, but more so due to a divorce. Most of the people I know here are coworkers, and I am interested in hearing from others who have done this about how you went about building your personal network. I am very nice and easygoing, but just not sure where to start.

Hi !
I recently moved to Chicago suburbs.
A new country - new city - new home and a brand new husband ( boyfriend of 5 years)

With this - I recently figured that I enjoy cooking. I am not the best but I like it - I also noticed that whenever I do cook, I cook for like 4 people when it’s just me and my husband home.

So - here is what I offer - I make food, you eat food and give me compliments- hopefully it leads to nice friendship but no pressure.

24F - Indian if that matters

The Argyle Night Market is every Thursday in July and August from 5-9 p.m. on Argyle between Kenmore and Sheridan.

The first Argyle Night Market of the year is this Thursday, July 2nd!

It's a fun opportunity to check out some Asian spots, hear some music, and wander through local vendor booths.

Who's going?? A group of us from Invisible 2 Invincible: Asian Pacific Islander Pride of Chicago (i2i) are going this week.

Hello all!

My friend group is not the most athletic and I'm passable in this regard as well. HOWEVER, one thing I love is baseball. I went to purchase a T and some balls and have been hitting off of it for the last 4 weeks. I had the opportunity recently to play with some Japanese tourists in a pick up game and I forgot how much fun this is playing with a group of people. So I ask you; does anyone want to play? I'll be at the diamonds near the Irving Park Rd exit of the LSD, on the southern end of the golf course around 1230pm. Bring a glove and extra balls, all levels of experience welcome. It's a great day to play!

Hi! I’m a new 30F just moved here looking for new friends! Im half Arab, I don’t drink but I do love karaoke and just do hangout at bars in general for the vibes, I love museums, trying new foods, and just overall walking. I also have a furry friend. I heard that there’s a parade tomorrow so wondering if there is anyone going? I would love to meet and potentially hangout with new people!

Hi everyone!

My name is Anna and im a 22 year old nonbinary woman from the south side looking for new friends! I recently graduated with my music degree and am working two part-time sales jobs while freelancing as a musician (opera singer/vocalist, conductor, composer, guitarist)

I like: swimming, social dance, bar pool/darts/karaoke (dive bars in general), going to the beach, going to the symphony/opera/any other kind of concert, indie folk/rock/alternative music (Lord Huron, Novo Amor, Bon Iver, among others). I also love to find an excuse to dress up!
I also like video games (RPGs and chill ones), cosplay, sewing, painting, drawing, reading (history, fiction, poetry), writing sometimes, D&D, and going to the renaissance faire or cosplay conventions!

I would love to meet other musicians, other queer people, but anything goes. Feel free to comment or DM! 🫶🫶

Watching Supergirl at the 7 PM showings the Century Landmark on Clark! I’ll be hanging out by the theater bar to socialize and chat about the movie! I originally posted about seeing it earlier though received more interest than I thought and rescheduled to accommodate availability.

About me: I’m 33M, love seeing movies in theaters. I’m a pretty big fan of most genres, but have a soft spot for anything superhero related. Posting to meet fellow movie/comic book fans that are in the area!

Update: Some of the shows I am interested in seeing are Bob Dylan, Journey, Noah Kahan, Black Keys, Riot Fest, The Strokes, Band of Horses, Big Thief, and a bunch of others.

I am a recently divorced 42m who moved to Chicago from out of state. Live in the north shore and work in the west loop. Very easygoing and fun professional type.

Live music is one of my favorite things to do, and I just do not know many people here yet beyond coworkers so would be interested in making friends to see shows with this summer.

Hi! I moved to Chicago about two years ago and have had a hard time meeting friends as an adult. I work from home and am pretty sedentary, but would like to change that. I'm also a pretty big introvert, so going to bigger events like Meetups have really drained the social battery. I wind up leaving early or finding my corner and staying there...

I'm 31 M/NB (he/they), I'm still figuring it out. On the surface, I'm pretty straight presenting, but beginning to explore that a bit. It's nerve wracking but also kind of exciting? I really mostly get along / would prefer to meet girls/gays/NB folks. I feel more comfortable in expressing myself and being more authentic in more diverse crowds.

Interests are really varied. I like exploring the city neighborhoods and finding festivals, new places to eat, and going to events (sports, music, etc.). I feel like I haven't seen any of the city yet. People to shop/thrift with would be fun. I also enjoy the beach, but haven't been able to make a trip happen yet this year. I can honestly even just go to a park or a bar and people watch and kind of just chat all night and be totally content.

I'm also a pretty huge nerd - I love gaming (Switch/PS5/Steam), but mostly single player (Final Fantasy, Pokemon, SMT). Anime, movies, music (rap/alternative rock/edm), all of it's an interest.

I want to get more active, so I'm up for walking buddies or friends to go to yoga with (I love mindfulness/breathwork kind of stuff). I could use the push to kind of get back out there and move. I've been getting into self care more, so things like a spa day/shopping would be fun.

Lastly, I'm non-religious, and pretty left wing and very 4/20 friendly. I'm in an LTR and am only seeking friendships.

Edit: I had an original post a few weeks ago. Trying again just to be a little more specific about myself and what I'm looking for

Hi all! 28M here - bespectacled, partially smart, contextually funny, overly patient and rationally empathetic.

For tonight specifically: if anyone's open to joining me for dinner and/or drinks at an Italian restaurant in River North, give me a holler.

A bit about me: I've been in Chicago for about 15 months, live alone, and genuinely feel at peace living here. My parents just wrapped up a visit (they're overseas) and I had a big life conversation this morning - both conspired to make me realize I really wanted some company.

I'm an ambivert (introvert-leaning) who steps it up in the right company. Into sitcoms on rotation, action/animated/horror movies, long walks, outdoorsy stuff, and sports - though I haven't played much since I don't have a crew yet (hint hint). I like all sorts of music. Want to go for a run or a walk? I may be your guy. Want to go to window shop or visit a coffee shop? I also may be your gal. A lengthy conversation about clean energy or global politics or philosophy, yes please - in digestible amounts of course. Recently got back into gaming: just finished FF7 Remake + Rebirth and It Takes Two, which I loved. Down to try basically anything.

Good day, all!

Edit: dinner any day any surrounding neighborhood ☺️

I have a high rise pool that is awesome and it’s supposed to be hot af next week. Was thinking of doing a mid week long walk and then grill by the pool if anyone is around. It is downtown in Chicago

Hi everyone! 😊
I’m a 30-year-old African woman living in Arlington Heights, Illinois. I was born in San Ramon, California, but I’ve been living in Illinois for about 12 years. I’m looking to build genuine, long-term friendships with kind, down-to-earth people.
A little about me:
I work in healthcare and will be starting medical school next year.
I love traveling and hope to see more of the world.
I’m currently learning Mandarin because I enjoy learning about different cultures.
I love trying new cafés, restaurants, and exploring new places around the Chicago area.
I enjoy talking about travel, food, different cultures, healthcare, life goals, and just about anything interesting.
I’m also a Christian, and my faith is an important part of who I am. That said, I’m simply looking for genuine friendships—not a Bible study group or anything like that. I’m open to people of all religions and backgrounds and believe everyone deserves kindness and respect.
If you’re local, it’d be great to grab coffee, try a new restaurant, or explore the area together. If you’re not nearby, I’m always happy to make online friends too.
If you think we’d get along, send me a message and tell me a little about yourself. I’d love to meet some new people! 😊

I live in Edgewater and work in Lakeview/LP area, looking to make new friends in these areas, I’m 30, born and raised here in Chicago, grew up on the south side and lived here on the Northside for over 10 years now. I’m a simple guy, I just like walking near the lakefront, finding new street art to look at, watching movies, arcade bars, and when my shoulder heals, add bowling, lakefront biking and basketball to those activities, I’m sort of an introvert which is probably a primary reason it’s hard to connect with people, I feel like between me being quiet and POC that doesn’t fit that yuppie aesthetic(even though I am one), that I’m not that approachable so I myself would have to go out of the way if I want to make friends so why not give it a shot . I listen to mid 2000s rock music but I’m a fan of all genres except country. If you’d like to know more, feel free to reach out.

Moved here 3 years ago to teach and be near some friends.

My social life from Oct-May is pretty quiet and stable, a few close friends and out to eat or grab a drink once a week. Occasionally a weekend away. Over the past theee summers though— friends with kids travel with their kids / are far busier than me.

I’ve been a bit bored when not traveling out of town and hoping to stem that off a bit this summer. I figure there may be others with similar schedules that would be interested in meeting up

I have the next two months almost entirely free and instead of just traveling out of chicago looking to meet people with time to spare this summer that might be up to explore new places, maybe go on an occasional hike, or just get to know one another.

I like trying new hobbies: lately gardening and painting. I like comedy, movies, art, museums, and being outside Not particularly sporty but willing to try in a non competitive context— I like hiking a lot and just finishing up a solo hiking trip in the western US.

Looking for people around my age preferably!

I’ve lived in the Chicago suburbs (20 mins away) my whole live. I only rly go there for hotpot and museums tho lol.

I like talking to new people online but I get sad when I realize I could never hang out with them because of distance, so I’m trying here.

I like trinkets, bugs, records, old stuff, video games, and a bunch of other random things.

DMs welcome :)

Hey guys! I am very passionate about fitness and obviously there’s so many other people in the city in the same boat. I’d like to meet some new people that share that same passion. Whether it’s running, climbing, yoga, biking, etc. I think it would be awesome to meet friends that aren’t just trying to go to a bar. Feel free to shoot me a message or you could comment.

Id love to get a fitness activity arranged within the next week and hope to meet some cool people along the way

still looking for tennis partners within the northside of chicago

I'm free mostly during the evenings or weekends

I don't know my level: I can't serve properly, but I do give powerful forehand strokes, and backhand needs work. am to rally back and forth, maybe 10x if we have a good flow going.