ABOUT US

a black and white photo of the front of the shop, looking out the window.  It reads Typewriter Service and Repair.  Various machines and artwork are on the wall.

SO, Typewriter service in the 21st century….

I’m sure you’re probably thinking, “wow, that doesn’t sound like a very secure line of work.” And you know what? Maybe you’re right, but we’re okay with that. Typewriter Chicago is a home for analog lovers dedicated to ensuring that physical media remains accessible to the masses. Though we support ALL forms of analog media, we primarily find ourselves waist deep in mountains of typewriters. If you think it sounds like heaven, it is purgatory at best: chill, but deeply unsettling.

The journey started officially in 2018 with the repair of a 1951 Smith Corona Silent, followed by the birth of Typewriter Chicago in 2019. We are now the only dedicated typewriter company in Illinois, and one of the few fully-capable brick-and-mortar typewriter shops in the country. We have worked hard to bring countless machines painstakingly back to life. Machines ranging from the 1880s all the way to the familiar era of 2023. No machine is too old, no machine is too new. There may be some machines that are too gross, but that’s a different category.

As of 2026, we are working to engage the local Chicagoland community more, by offering writing classes and typing workshops, as well as working with local area libraries to donate machines for their patrons to use. We have also been participating with in collaborations and events with other analog-minded businesses like the Chicago Stationery Fest, events at Swallow Stories Books in Lisle, and Central Camera Co.

So if you want a typewriter, or have a typewriter you want to use, or even just want to hang and chat about antiques and jam on some machines you haven’t tried out before, than this is the perfect spot. Even more perfect if you happen to be in need of accessories like cool ribbons in cool colors, and stickers, and stationery. Heck, we’ll sell you pencils or used napkins if that’s what you’re into.

We live in an ever-changing digital world ruled by instant gratification and Artificial Intelligence. There is value to taking a step back, and taking control over YOUR vision, whether that be art, productivity, or communication.

The point is: passion for creation drives the best of humanity. It only makes sense that you guys get the best tools for the job.

Contact us.

@ChicagoTyperCo@gmail.com
630-561-5853

1525 Ogden Ave, Unit L
Downers Grove, IL 60515

CAMERAS

Ellis Noel

ellisnoelmedia1324@gmail.com

Please do not text the phone number. Due to high volume of requests, it is VERY easy for contacts and inquiries to get lost. Call or Email. We will respond to social media contact, but cannot guarantee consistent service.

Meet the Team

A photo of Lucas Dul, owner and operator of Typewriter Chicago

Lucas: Typewriter Obsessive, 100% nerd.

A Photo of Charlie Doyle, repair apprentice at Typewriter Chicago

Charlie: Apprentice, is an actor so possibly an imposter

A Photo of Ellis Noel holding a camera on a bridge.

Ellis: A “totally normal” person who fixes cameras

A photo of a plush toy octopus, orange with white spots.  The nametag says "Store Manager."

Ruby Ribbons: The 8-armed hard-working manager.

A photo of a snowman in a beanie hat and goggles, with a nametag that reads "Frank."

Frank: The Seasonal Employee who is single and available

Catch us on Illinois Public Media!