Frequently Asked Questions

• Do I need a membership to work at a coworking space in Chicago?

  Yes, in some instances, a membership will be required for you to use the space. However, the options are highly flexible and many operators even provide day passes or certain arrangements, like meeting rooms, that are available on an hourly basis. Memberships are generally more cost-effective in the long term and come with extra perks, amenities and services included. Users who opt for a monthly membership, for example, are usually granted access to all the communal areas of the coworking space, the kitchen or the other amenities included in the subscription. One of the biggest perks of coworking memberships is that they enable members from different backgrounds to come together a form a community of professionals, who can grow together, network and participate in various events, generally organized on the premise.

• Can I book a coworking space by the hour? How about for a day/month?

  In Chicago, the majority of coworking spaces do provide flexible booking alternatives. However, keep in mind that, although monthly rates are widely available, not all operators provide daily bookings. Hourly reservations are generally used for meeting spaces and are less common when it comes to access to the general workspace.

• What types of coworking spaces are available?

  The majority of coworking spaces in Chicago provide different types of working arrangements to suit both individual workers and teams. For instance, if you only need a space for a few days a month, you can opt for a desk in an open workspace or you can choose a dedicated desk if you plan to use it more regularly. Meanwhile, private offices are ideal for smaller teams that require more privacy, while meeting rooms are available in most locations and are equipped to host presentations, brainstorming sessions or client meetings.

• What should a good coworking space in Chicago provide?

  A good coworking space should provide all of the basic amenities needed to get work done — like fast and reliable Wi-Fi, ergonomic furniture and different types of work or relaxing areas — but also extra features, such as printing, copying and scanning services or complimentary beverages or even snacks. Aside from these, coworking spaces provide different work arrangements that suit the varying needs of workers, from open desk areas to private offices. Notably, one of the most beneficial traits of a good coworking space is its community. In most cases, coworking operators foster and nurture a sense of community by allowing different workers from various backgrounds to come together and participate in exciting and fun activities, events and gatherings outside of working hours.

• How many coworking spaces are in Chicago?

  Currently, there are 105 coworking spaces up for grabs in Chicago. However, you can always expand your area of search based on your location or according to convenience. In some cases, you can even find coworking spaces in the suburbs or outside of the main business district.