Chicago Area Mensa

Our Mission

Chicago Area Mensa is a welcoming organization that provides a framework for intelligent individuals to discover like-minded people and pursue common interests in order to build a social community.

Participate & Socialize!

Monthly Survey

Help us improve your CAM experience by filling out a short survey.
See last month’s results.
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Monthly Gathering

Our July Monthly Gathering scheduled for Saturday, July 31st will be a video conference event held via Discord.
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This Month’s Events

Find out what’s happening this month!
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Summer Picnic

Saturday, August 14th
at Salt Creek Park in Elmhurst.
Register today!
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Open to
the Public

HalloweeM

HalloweeM 45

October 28 – 31, 2021
at the Westin North Shore Hotel.
Register! Book your room!
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Code of Conduct

Chicago Area Mensa is a safe and inclusive in-person and on-line community for CAM members and guests regardless of gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, race, ethnicity, age or religion.

Unacceptable behavior will not be tolerated. Unacceptable physical, written or verbal behavior includes, but is not limited to: intimidating, harassing, abusive, discriminatory, derogatory, or demeaning conduct.

Please be aware that the other members are real people; gossip and negativity negatively impact the group as a whole. Controversial topics are part of Mensa; that is not license to be tiresome or exhibit a belief that everyone else is wrong. Assume good intentions. If your interactions frequently turn negative, please consider self-reflection.

CAM encourages members to report any illegal activity to the proper authorities. CAM’s response to unacceptable behavior is not dependent on the involvement of outside authorities.

Consequences can include being removed from an event, denial of access to future events and/or CAM on-line communities, and referral to a regional or national hearing.

If you encounter inappropriate behavior, please immediately report it to the event host, a CAM Board member, or the CAM Ombudsman.

Join us!
One out of every fifty people qualifies for Mensa…
Are you the one?

Mensans come from all walks of life. They range from just under three to over one hundred years old. They represent all gender identities, all races, various professions, and many beliefs. In fact, there's only one thing all Mensans have in common: high intelligence. To qualify for Mensa, you must have scored in the top 2% of the general population on a standardized intelligence test. There are many tests we accept. Once you've decided to join us, a world of social and intellectual opportunities is open to you.

If our local events don't keep you busy enough, there are many other opportunities to meet other Mensans from all over the globe. In the summer, Mensans from around the country get together at the Annual Gathering, which is a feast of presentations and activities for our omnivorous minds. Travel to Regional Gatherings (RGs) hosted by other groups throughout the year, including October, when Chicago Area Mensa hosts HalloweeM, one of the grandest of all the RGs.

In a Twitter world, it's good to find some PBS minds. Come, see what we can do for you.

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HalloweeM 45: The Vinyl Frontier

Only 91 days until HalloweeM 45: The Vinyl Frontier!
Join Chicago Area Mensans at our infamous HalloweeM weekend. Our Regional Gathering (RG) is the largest and the program offers plenty of variety to stimuate your mind, plenty of games and contests to challenge you, and many opportunities to have fun, converse and just enjoy yourself. The pun-tastic costume parade entries will make you laugh (or groan). Meals, snacks, and beverages are included with the exception of dinner on Saturday. Click/Tap here for all the details.

Mensans, you can now register for HalloweeM 45: The Vinyl Frontier! You don't want to miss this terrific and incredibly unique RG featuring programs, tournaments, and online games. HalloweeM runs from Thursday, October 28th through Sunday, October 31st. October 15th is the last day you can register online and qualify for a discount.

And at this time, the hotel is offering an amazing WeeM rate of only $119 until October 7th. So book your room today. If the hotel block is full, please contact our WeeM Chair who will try to expand the block.

Our Local Group is Exceptional!

Mensa Fame

Chicago Area Mensa is one of the best local groups in the entire country. Chicago won the American Mensa Diamond Jewel Award in 2020, 2019, 2018, 2016 and 2014, the Ruby in 2016 and 2014, the Sapphire in 2019 and 2017, and the Emerald in 2015. Chicago is also the only nine-time GOTYA (now replaced by the Jewel Award) winner in Mensa.

Mensa was featured on CBS Sunday Morning (including notable Chicago Area Mensans!) some years ago. See the show on CBS's YouTube channel:

Part 1

Part 2