Welcome to Chicago Area Mensa

Our Mission

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

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

Mensans come from all walks of life. They range from three to one hundred years old. They represent both sexes, 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. Each October, Chicago Area Mensa hosts HalloweeM, one of the grandest of all the Regional Gatherings. 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. There are also Mensa colloquia: "The Evolution and Revolution of Manufacturing" was the most recent one held this last July. Past topics included "The Nature of Genetics," "Between Science Fiction and Science," "Crime Scene Intelligence," "Social and Video Games", "Electronic Gaming and Its Impact on Society," and "Weather."

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

Participate & Socialize!

Mensa Fame:
Chicago won the Diamond Jewel Award in 2018, 2016 and 2014, the Sapphire in 2017, and the Emerald Jewel Award 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: