Workshops and Classes

For writers and creatives

Typewriter Chicago

1525 Ogden Avenue

Unit J

Downers Grove, IL

60515

 

Click here to view all available appointments and classes!

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Available workshops

A Crafternoon in Chicagoland (Saturday October 17, 11:30-1:30PM)

In partnership with Chicagoland Journal Club and Swallow Stories Bookshop

Located at 4710-3 Main St, Lisle, IL 60532

Join us for A Crafternoon in Chicagoland — a cozy afternoon of creativity, community, and handmade art at Swallow Stories Bookshop.

Start by learning how to create playful typewriter art with Typewriter Chicago, then stay for a crafty junk journaling session with Chicagoland Journal Club. No experience necessary — just bring your creativity! All materials will be provided. No AI. You must register ahead of time to attend.

Typewriter Basics (Saturday November 7, 4PM)

Want to get the most out of your typewriter? This 90 minute introductory workshop is the perfect hands-on experience to set you up for success on your typewriter journey. This workshop will cover the basics like typing posture, typing technique, typewriter functions, and settings. It also covers the not-so-basic basics, such as formatting your page, setting tabs, typing columns, text formatting, and error correction!  Everything will be entirely hands-on with in-person instruction and assistance. No question is too simple or too complex. Bringing your own typewriter is encouraged, but not necessary. All materials from machines, tools, paper, and ink will be supplied for the class period.

Got a writing club? Book club? Poetry Club? Maybe you want to celebrate a life event, or get together with some friends and write incredible (or bad) literature. Typewriters are a bonus to all those things, and if you don’t have access to them, well…we do! Get in touch with our team to book the space and gear up for some analog shenanigans.

A photo of the writing room at Typewriter Chicago showing a large octopus mural on the wall.
One of the walls at Typewriter Chicago featuring artwork and a large steel sink
A view of a bookcase with a variety of old typewriters and publications on the shelf. On top is a CRT Tv and an old wall clock. It is next to the bathroom.

Get on our mailing list so you can hear when new workshops are announced! Space is limited!

  • We aim to be an inclusive space where everyone feels welcome, and comfortable to create.

    As a result, we have a few rules.

    1) Please be respectful of those around you, the space, and the typewriters provided. If you do not know how to do something, please ask and someone will be happy to help.

    2) There are no real limits as to what you can and cannot write, however if the topic or material is illegal, or may make others in the space uncomfortable (i.e., drug use/sex in the presence of minors) we may ask you to stop.

    3) Out of respect to the other tenants in the building, we want to remain conscious of volume. If the staff feels we may be due for a noise complaint, we may have to ask you to lower the volume.

    Failure to cooperate with these conditions may mean we have to ask you to leave. Thank you for your understanding, and enjoy your time!

We believe that creativity is a fundamental human right. The will and ability to create is a distinctly human trait, and an essential part in finding meaning and purpose. We manufacture our own worlds, carve our own emotions, and manifest our own gods.

To create is to be human.