Chicago, IL
Find Friends & Meet new people in Chicago
Quick Summary: Discover how to find friends in Chicago with Meet5, the safe and platonic way to meet new people through small group activities. This guide explains how to socialize in neighborhoods like Lincoln Park or River North without the pressure of dating apps. Learn how to build a genuine social circle in the Windy City by joining real-life experiences with a community of over 3 million members.
Living in the Windy City is exciting but learning how to build a genuine social circle in neighborhoods like River North or Wicker Park can be a challenge. Whether you're new to Chicago, wondering how to find new friends or just looking to break out of your daily routine, Meet5 makes it easy to connect. By focusing on real-life experiences, from strolls along the Lakefront Trail to grabbing a deep-dish pizza in Lincoln Park. We bring Chicagoans together to build lasting connections in a natural way.
Quick social Tips for Chicago
- Show your hobbies on your profile to attract like-minded locals in Chicago.
- Join at least one small group activity per week to build lasting social connections.
- Follow up with new acquaintances within twenty-four hours to maintain the social momentum.
In this article
Why Meet5 is the safest way to make real friends
Where to find new friends: Popular meetup spots
Step-by-Step: How to use Meet5 to built friendships
Who is Meet5 for?
Expert advice on how to find friends
What's the safest way to make real friends in Chicago? Why Meet5 works
Unlike traditional social apps, Meet5 shows you how to socialize through small group activities. No endless swiping, just the most effective way to meet real people at the city’s best spots. Whether you’re into the Chicago arts scene, relaxed dinners, hikes, or after-work drinks, this is how you find the local community waiting for you.
+3M
Registered Users
4.7
In Play and App Store
+45k
Monthly Activites
Where to Find New Friends in Chicago: Popular Meetup Spots
The Hubard Inn (River North):
A perfect spot for sophisticated after-work drinks and meeting young professionals in the heart of the city
The Lakefront Trail:
Ideal for our Meet5 walking groups—enjoy the skyline view while making new connections
Pequod's Pizza (Lincoln Park):
Nothing bonds people faster than legendary Chicago pizza. A favorite for our 'Foodie' groups
Step-by-Step: How to Use Meet5 to Build Friendships in Chicago
Create your Profile
Set up your interests and what you are looking for in Chicago.
Join a Group
Browse the app to spot activities in your prefered neighborhoods and locations.
Meet in Person
Show up, relax and enjoy the company of like minded locals.
Who is Meet5 Chicago for?
Meet5 is designed for anyone looking to meet new people or who wants to find new friends via natural and relaxed real-life experiences instead of digital swiping.
Meet5 is perfect for:
Newcomers: Just moved to Chicago? We are your instant social bridge to the city.
Activity Seekers: People who want to explore Chicago’s restaurants and parks but not alone.
Beyond Dating: People who don’t enjoy classic dating apps and prefer how Meet5 facilitates genuine, platonic friends without the pressure.
Expert Advice on How to Find Friends in Chicago
What is the best way to make new friends in Chicago, Illinois?
How can adults over 40 find a social community in Chicago?
Is the Meet5 app free for finding friends in Chicago?
Is it safe to meet new people via Meet5 in Chicago?
Simon Goslar
Psychologist & Social Connection Expert | COO of Meet5
Simon Goslar, a Psychologist and the COO of Meet5. As an expert in social connections and event speaker on social apps, Simon has dedicated his career to building a platform that fosters authentic, real-life human connections.