9 Workshops & Classes in Chicago Worth the Money

1.Chicago Perfume Making Classes on Magnificent Mile

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 44 reviews · 1 hour 15 minutes (approx.) · from $85Our pick

In a small class of up to six, you’ll test natural and synthetic fragrance notes, blend a custom scent with an instructor’s help, and fill a personalized 1-ounce bottle. Guides have included Alana, Makayla, and Nia, though your instructor may differ. The 75-minute class meets inside 900 North Michigan Shops.

“This was so much fun. A great way to do something special with your gal pals. And you go home with your own chosen bottle of fragrance.”

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2.Deep Dish Cooking Class at Pizzeria Uno in Chicago

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 25 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $59

At Pizzeria Due, Pizzeria Uno’s sister restaurant a block from the meeting address, you’ll shape an individual deep dish pizza, add cheese, sauce and toppings, and make Ike’s vinaigrette for a garden salad. The 90-minute, English-language class includes a meal and a drink. Gluten-free and vegan options are available.

“Lots of fun. Highly recommended as couples or with a group of friends. Included drinks was a nice touch”

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3.BYOB Spray Paint and Sip Workshop

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 22 reviews · 1h 30m · from $45Best value

At Studio W.I.P. by Native 312 Events, you’ll learn stencil techniques and spray-paint application, then make a canvas to take home. The 90-minute indoor class is open to all skill levels and BYOB for adults 21 and over. Instructor Jus has led sessions that work well for couples, friends, and families with older children.

“I love the instructor. She was very kind and professional. I really enjoyed the experience.”

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4.Chicago Candle Making Class On Magnificent Mile

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 20 reviews · 1 hour 15 minutes (approx.) · from $75

At Reggie Hathorn on the sixth floor of 900 North Michigan Shops, you’ll make an 8-ounce soy candle and blend a personal fragrance with step-by-step help. The class lasts about 75 minutes, includes supplies and journaling time, and is BYOB. It works well for friends, couples, families, or a solo creative break.

“Fun! My friend and her 14 year old daughter went…lots of fun picking scents, then pouring our candles. Were at a table with three old high school friends who were friendly. We were definitely ready to get into less-scented air by the time it was over, so if someone is sensitive to smells they should be aware, but overall a really fun time!”

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5.Private Indian-Mexican Fusion Cooking Class with a Modern Cook in Chicago

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 5 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $84

Spend about three hours with Ruby in her Hoffman Estates home, learning to make three dishes from scratch in a private, hands-on class. Choose modern Indian-Mexican fusion or request traditional Indian cooking when you book. Then sit down together for the meal, with alcoholic beverages included.

“Completely charming and knowledgeable and willing to craft a menu experience just for our experience. I would totally recommend this instructor.”

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6.Artisan Italian Pasta Class in Chicago (Includes 3-Course Meal)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $125

At a cozy Chicago apartment, an English-speaking chef leads a hands-on pasta class for up to eight people. Knead and shape gnocchi, prepare bruschetta and tiramisù, then sit down to your three-course meal. The 2.5-hour class starts at 6:30 pm, costs $125 per person and is BYOB. Chef Coco has been praised for her warm, patient teaching.

“Chef Coco was amazing! She was so warm and inviting and a patient teacher. She even took pictures for me to have later! The gnocchi and tiramisu was so much fun to make and eat! The bruschetta was excellent. The cozy apartment was a wonderful environment to learn a new skill on a Friday night. I would absolutely book again!”

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7.Exclusive Sushi-Making Class in Chicago (Includes 3-Course Meal)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $125

At this two-hour Cozymeal class in Chicago, a local chef guides a group of up to eight through knife skills and sushi rolling. You’ll make spicy ahi-tuna and shrimp-tempura rolls, then finish with tropical fruit, tōgarashi, and honey. The class starts at 6:30 pm at 2316 S Leavitt St, and you may bring wine or beer.

“Our chef was great! He put the art of sushi right at our fingertips! He geared the class to everyone’s skill set and made me feel comfortable. He provided additional kitchen skills for the everyday cook.”

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8.Traveling Spoon Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza Private Online Cooking Class

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $59

Cook Chicago-style deep-dish pizza and a chocolate chip cookie bake in a private 90-minute online class with Illinois host Nancy. She can tailor the session to your cooking experience and dietary preferences. You’ll need to buy the ingredients and prepare the dough ahead of class, then cook in your own kitchen and ask questions as you go.

“Loved the recipe & private class! We are going to make this many times! Instructor was so fun! Not intimidating at all!”

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9.Private Chicago-style deep dish pizza or pasta making class

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $99

In Naperville, about 40 minutes from Chicago, Nancy hosts your private, three-hour cooking class in her home. Choose Chicago-style deep-dish pizza or seasonal fresh pasta, then help make salad and dessert before sharing the meal. The dough is prepared ahead, and Nancy defaults to pasta unless you request pizza when booking.

“It was great. Felt like we were at a friends house. Very hands on. Food was delicious. Definitely worth the money. Got to take some home.”

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