1/Mon­day

  • March ChiMe Activ­ity Bulletin Dead­line. Last day for these submissions to the March ChiMe. Interested in organizing and hosting a virtual or in-person event? There’s bound to be an activity or a restaurant you want to try, but you just want some other people to experience it with you. So invite your fellow Mensans. Find out how by visiting our guide to hosting events.

  • March ChiMe Editorial and Ad­vertising Dead­lines. Last day for editorial submissions to the March ChiMe. Please submit original ar­ticles, insights, puzzles, brain teasers, photographs, or short poems. Your fellow Chicago Area Mensa members would love to hear from you.

2/Tues­day

  • Zoom Lunch 1 PM. Perhaps the longest running Mensa event anywhere, Chicago’s Zoom Lunch (formerly known as the Downtown Lunch) is held every week, alternating between Tuesday and Thursday. Join us for conversation, laughs, and attempts to define words you’ll never use again. The Zoom id is 836 1178 6315 and the passcode is 190710; it is also included as part of your host Jon G.’s contact information if you prefer a link. Questions? Contact Jon via email or call/text him. You may also RSVP via Meetup. We’d love to have you join us!
    Virtual Event!!

  • Imparting Truths That No One Wants to Hear 1:30 PM. Inspired by Helen Moulinos's Talking Point article Imparting Truths That No One Wants to Hear (Jan/Feb 2026 IQ, pp36-37), this discussion will explore how to effectively communicate difficult or uncomfortable truths to those in powerful positions.

    Helen will draw on her experience as a changemaker and on case studies of historical challengers to argue that courage alone isn't enough. She will speak about techniques and effectiveness in influencing, which require strategy, credibility, and emotional intelligence. She will cover six key principles for challengers and what every changemaker needs in their toolkit to deliver inconvenient truths in their daily lives. The talk will emphasize the balance between honesty and diplomacy, prospects of fighting or fleeing, showing that successful truth-telling depends on preparation, timing, self-care and understanding human psychology as much as on conviction.

    For the full write-up, registration instructions and how to become a guest on the British Mensa website, visit the American Mensa event.
    Virtual Event!!

  • groundhog

    Ground­hog Day

4/Thurs­day

  • Conversation with London Mensans 8 AM. Join a video chat with our kin from across the big pond in London at 2 PM BT. RSVP (via Meetup preferred) to local host Carey S. to receive the Zoom sign-in information. The London host is Ian David Moseley.
    Virtual Event!!

6/Satur­day

  • lunarNY

    Lunar New Year
    Year of the Fire Goat

7/Sun­day

  • lantern

9/Tues­day

  • mardi

    Mardi Gras

10/Wednes­day

  • GOBS Request Deadline Noon. Today is the last day to submit a request for GOBS funds to be approved at this Tuesday’s virtual Business Meeting for any planned, eligible event, activity, or class taking place after Tuesday, February 16th through the end of March and, optionally, later; to be eligible, events involving CAM members must be published in the issue of ChiMe corresponding to the month in which they occur. For CAM events, it’s recommended you submit the GOBS request and get it approved before submitting your event information for publication in ChiMeso no later than today for events planned for April. April event details need to be submitted by the 1st of March to the activities editor to be included in the April ChiMe. An article must be featured in the April ChiMe for GOBS-subsidized May events with an RSVP deadline in April (1st of March deadline and article emailed to the editor; see editorial deadline).

11/Thurs­day

  • Armchair Conversation : Kindness 6 PM. Northern New Jersey Mensa's Armchair Conversations are a friendly environment for serious conversations. This conversation will be about kindness. Visit their website, to view their House Rules, other Armchair Conversations, and for the Zoom link.
    Virtual Event!!

12/Fri­day

  • Poetry Dis­cus­sion 7 PM. Our poetry group is using Zoom for meetings. Please send a poem or two to Joe D. by Monday, February 8th. Interested persons who are not currently members of the poetry group can contact Joe D. , and he will email the poems to be discussed. Contact Bill K. for the Zoom links or any help you might need. Do NOT RSVP via Meetup. This event is usually held on the evening of the second Friday of the month.
    Virtual Event!!

  • lincoln

    Abraham Lincoln’s Birthday
    Illinois Holiday

13/Satur­day

  • Rock­ford-Area Lunch Noon. Join Dave and other Rockford-Area Mensans for lunch at the Olive Garden Italian Kitchen, lo­cated at 6367 E. State St. in Rockford (on the south side of State St. between Mulford and Perryville). To RSVP , for more information, or to get on our email list, contact Dave L., our Rockford-Area Coordinator . RSVP required in case of cancellation, time, or venue change. Do not RSVP via Meetup. This event usually recurs on the second Friday of the month.
    Schedule Change!!

14/Sun­day

  • Ethnic Dining: Japanese 1 PM. Join us for a GOBS-subsidized lunch at a venue TBA. Save the date. For Ethnic Dining notifications, updates, and all the details, join the Mensa Connect Ethnic Dining Group, but do not respond using Mensa Connect. This event usually recurs on the 2nd Sunday of the month.

Happy%20Valentine’s%20Day!
  • SFRM : From Earth To Mars: Steps Toward the First Human Journey to the Red Planet 4:30 PM. The first human mission to Mars will be humanity’s greatest adventure in space exploration this century. As with all expeditions, its success depends on planning. The first steps are already under way, as we build more efficient rockets, achieve longer space flights, plan our return to the Moon, and work in extreme environments on Earth viewed as Mars “analogs.” We will discuss progress made around the world, from the Arctic to Antarctica, from basement labs to the International Space Station and the Artemis Program, to achieve the first human voyage to Mars. We will examine in turn the what, why, how, when, and who of the first human mission to Mars.

    Dr Pascal Lee is a planetary scientist with the SETI Institute, the Mars Institute, and NASA Ames Research Center in Mountain View, California. He is the director of the NASA Haughton-Mars Project, the leading planetary analog field research project on Devon Island in the High Arctic. He is also professor of planetary science at Kepler Space University. Dr Lee studied physics and geology at the University of Paris-Sorbonne, and earned a PhD in astronomy and space sciences from Cornell University where he was Carl Sagan's last T.A. He is internationally recognized for his work on the history of water on Mars, the study of ice and caves on the Moon and Mars, the origin of Mars' moons, and planning the future human exploration of Mars. He has led over 30 expeditions to the Arctic and Antarctica to study Mars by comparison with the Earth. He also led the Northwest Passage Drive Expedition, the subject of the award-winning motion picture documentary film Passage To Mars (2016). Pascal Lee is also committed to science education. His first book, Mission: Mars, won the 2015 Prize for Excellence in children's science books from the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

    For more details, visit the SFRM Zoom RSVPs FB Group or the SFRM List of Presentations.
    Virtual Event!!

15/Mon­day

  • Irish Mensa Lecture and Discussion: Calendar Curiosities for February 29 1 PM. Irish Mensa meets virtually on the third Monday of each month at 7 PM Irish Time; a discussion then follows the lecture.

    Did Archbishop Whitgift really die on February 29, 1603? Why are there more Friday 13ths now than in the Middle Ages? How did a famous composer (who died on Friday 13th) manage to write all his 39 operas before his ninth birthday? And how can we explain the mysterious date of the death of St. Teresa of Avila? This lecture will cast light upon the quirks of our calendar, and you'll also learn a quick way to work out the day of the week of any given date.

    Professor Tony Mann has taught mathematics and computing at the University of Greenwich for over twenty years. He was President of the British Society for the History of Mathematics from 2008 to 2011 and is editor of the Newsletter of the London Mathematical Society. He has always been fascinated by the interface between mathematics and computing, and he began his career writing software for the mathematical modelling of power plants in the electricity supply industry. Since moving into academia he has taught subjects ranging from abstract algebra and the history of mathematics to digital media and human factors in computing.

    For the full write-up and to join, visit the American Mensa Event. One does not have to register early for the event—simply click on the Zoom link before the session starts (check back here for that link on Monday, February 15th).
    Virtual Event!!

  • mtrush

    Presidents Day
    Federal Holiday

16/Tues­day

  • Monthly ExComm Virtual Business Meeting 6 PM. Held via Zoom. Our ExComm and any other interested members discuss various topics and issues as well as GOBS requests. Members are welcome to attend and voice their opinions, but only the five elected members of the Executive Committee can vote. The Zoom login info can be found on our Contacts webpage.

    The Nomi­nating Committee is looking for qualified candidates to run for the five elected po­sitions on the Chicago Area Mensa Executive Committee. If you’re interested or just curious, view details on the Bi-Monthly Gathering webpage or see the ar­ticle about nominations in the February 2026 ChiMe for details. You can also view the job descriptions and the required qualifications. The business meetings recur on the third Tuesday of the month.
    Virtual Event!!

17/Wednes­day

  • MWW : Nonfiction Book Discussion 4:30 PM CDT. Please join us in discussing The Psychology of Money: Timeless Lessons on Wealth, Greed, and Happiness by Morgan Housel. We generally discuss what we liked about the book or found challenging. We also discuss what we would like more or less of, what format we read the book in, and whether it was a recent read. Can't make it this month? The next books will be March (Omnibus edition) by John Lewis (March 18), The Technological Republic by Alexander Karp (April 15), and Outlive: The Science & Art of Longevity by Peter Attia (May 20).

    See the full write-up and find contact info on the American Mensa Event.
    Virtual Event!!

18/Thurs­day

20/Satur­day

  • Conserv­atives Lunch 11:30 AM. Join other members of the Mensan cell of the Vast Right-Wing Conspiracy for lunch and civilized un-PC conversation. No forbidden questions, no unchallengeable answers. This lunch happens on the third Saturday every month. The venue will be The Patio, 2780 S. Highland Ave. in Lombard (NW corner of Butterfield and Highland, but you can enter only from Highland). RSVP by emailing Jim Z. the event coor­di­na­tor. You may also RSVP via Meetup. Open to non-Mensans; bring a curious friend.

  • Beverly Area Saturday Salon (B.A.S.S.) ~Noon. Spontaneous conversation in far SSW Chicago, approx­i­mate vicinity of 107th St. & Western Ave. Please contact Rick E. the Beverly Area Coordinator , for this month’s lo­ca­tion and the exact time as well as more information; if emailing, put “BASS” in the subject line. This event usually recurs midday on the 3rd Saturday of the month.

  • SFRM : Wormholes, Spacewarps, and Tunnels to Otherwheres 4:30 PM. The advent of general relativity transformed our understanding of gravity and introduced us to the idea that the underlying fabric of the universe is a tapestry we call “spacetime.” That fabric is a dynamic entity, constantly evolving and changing. It can be bent, twisted, warped—and perhaps ripped. In the hundred years that we have been aware of spacetime, our understanding of it has been informed by astronomical observations, detailed mathematical calculations, vast computer simulations, and wild speculation. Some ideas and predictions, though exotic, have been found to be wholly true; others we are skeptical of, but cannot disprove; of others, we still have no idea what to think. This talk will discuss the nature of spacetime and our measurements of it, and examine some of the most remarkable predictions we have made about it: black holes, wormholes, and time warps.

    Shane Larson was a research professor at Northwestern University, serving as Associate Director of CIERA (Center for Interdisciplinary Exploration and Research in Astrophysics) for more than a decade. He joined Clarkson University in the summer of 2025 as a Professor of Physics and the Director of Integrated Engineering and Applied Science Projects. He works in gravitational wave astrophysics, studying compact binary stars and the galaxy with the forthcoming space-based observatory LISA. He is an award-winning teacher and a Fellow of the American Physical Society. He contributes regularly to a public science blog at writescience.wordpress.com and posts at Bluesky with the handle @sciencejedi. Dr. Larson received a BS in Physics from Oregon State University (1991), an MS in Physics from Montana State University (1993), and his PhD in Physics from Montana State University (1999).

    For more details, visit the M-Wisely's Cafe.
    Virtual Event!!

  • SEMM Presentation: Incompetence and Corruption in the U.N.? 6 PM. Join Southeast Michigan Mensa for a look behind the scenes at the U.N. Attorney and former U.N. investigator Peter Gallo will provide us with a unique insider's view of his claim that the U.N. failed to properly investigate allegations that some Gaza staff members of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency, or “UNRWA,” played an active role in the terrorist attack in Israel on Oct. 7. He will also discuss charges that UNRWA operations there were infiltrated and influenced by Hamas.

    Before joining the U.N.'s Investigations Division of the Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS/ID), Attorney Peter Gallo worked in the private sector in Asia for nineteen years, 18 of which were spent as an investigator and consultant specializing in counterterrorism financing and anti-money laundering. During this time, he was recognized as one of the leading authorities on the methodologies of money laundering. Mr. Gallo has also done some part-time university lecturing on investigation management, spoken at numerous conferences, and authored about two dozen articles published in various professional journals and news magazines. He is a lawyer admitted to practice in Scotland, Hong Kong, and New York.

    See the full write-up and find contact info on the American Mensa Event. All attendees must preregister by visiting the SEMM Monthly Gathering page and choosing "February 21, 2026 5:30 pm" from the dropdown. Due to rising Zoom costs, SEMM asks for a $5 donation via PayPal , if you can afford it. Details on how to donate are also on the SEMM MG webpage.
    Virtual Event!!

21/Sun­day

  • Theodore Talk: Munich and the Rise of the Nazi Party 2:30 PM. Adolf Hitler once referred to Munich as the “capital of the Nazi movement,” a title he officially conferred on the city in 1935.

    Dr. Shelly Cline, Historian and Director of Education at the Midwest Center for Holocaust Education, will explore Munich's central role in the rise of National Socialism—from its roots in the aftermath of World War I, through Hitler's transformation of the Nazi Party, to the city's function within the broader machinery of the Third Reich. The presentation will also examine how Munich has since reckoned with this complex and troubling legacy.

    The list of all the Theodore talks are be on the American Mensa Event Calendar. Provided you register for the live talk, you will receive a link to a recording of the event. Closed captioning enabled.
    Virtual Event!!

22/Mon­day

  • AML Leadership Workshop: Level Up! Permission to be Human: Rewriting the Gifted Identity to Prevent Burnout 7 PM. Many gifted people will recognize the weight of high expectations and how it can shape an identity rooted in achievement, perfectionism, and over-functioning. In leadership roles, this identity can drive excellence, and also makes burnout more likely. This talk explores how the early formation of a “gifted identity” can become a double-edged sword, especially when adult realities don't match childhood projections of exceptionalism. We'll examine how reframing identity to include the core of being human can open the door to self-compassion, sustainable self-care, and more effective and inclusive leadership. By understanding limits, imperfections, and vulnerability in a new way, gifted leaders can protect their well-being and lead others with greater empathy and authenticity.

    Dr. Rebecca Hubbard is a licensed clinical psychologist, TEDx Speaker, and certified Kemetic yoga instructor based in Chicago. With personal experience navigating hustle culture, she understands the toll that burnout and chronic overworking can take on mental health, especially for high-achieving individuals. Since earning her doctorate in Counseling Psychology in 2014, she has provided therapy in private practice to athletes, graduate and professional students, and people with immigrant backgrounds. She uses both clinical tools and holistic practices to help clients reconnect with themselves and avoid burnout. Dr. Hubbard is deeply committed to helping others redefine success, reclaim rest, and thrive beyond the demands of constant productivity.

    For more details, visit the AML Event which includes the Zoom link for this event.
    Virtual Event!!

  • washington

    George Washington’s Birthday

23/Tues­day

  • Break­fast in Mount Pros­pect 10 AM. Breakfast or lunch and conversation at Jelly Café lo­cated at 1784 W. Golf Rd. in Mount Pros­pect (northwest corner of Golf Rd. and Busse Hwy.), featuring a large and diverse menu. Sepa­rate checks are available. Use Meetup, but if not on Meetup, RSVP to Ken L. via email. If you RSVP by email, your reservation is not confirmed until you receive a confirmation email.

  • MEANS (North Suburbs) Dinner 6:30 PM. Join Mensans Eating Around North Suburbs (MEANS) at Hackney’s on Lake located at 1514 E. Lake Ave. in Glenview. Free parking. Separate checks available. Limit 12. Please RSVP via Meetup (preferred) or email Brent B. Recurs on the 4th Tuesday of the month.

25/Thurs­day

27/Satur­day

Our next Bi-Monthly Gathering occurs on June 20th.
at the
Georgetown West Club House
301 S. Prospect Ave., Wood Dale, IL 60191

* * * * * *
The next ExComm Business Meeting is being held at 6 PM on Tuesday, June 16th via Zoom.

  • Bi-Monthly Gathering
    (Date & Location Tentative)
    Our February Month­ly Gath­ering may be on a date TBD at in the Rolling Mead­ows Com­mu­ni­ty Center at
    3705 Pheasant Dr. in Rolling Meadows.

    Games and hos­pi­tal­ity are in the spacious auditorium, with overflow space in the lobby. Every month, after the business meeting, we offer exciting, engaging workshops just for the kids while you enjoy the main meeting. The speaker event is in the Card Room. Park in the NW lot behind the building and use Entrance K (near inner corner). Please note that we have this venue only until midnight, so plan accordingly. This gathering is open to the public. So if you’re interested in learning more about Chicago Mensa, come join us. There is an admissions fee to help cover costs (major credit cards accepted).

    Test:
    5 PM.
    Youth Program:
    6 PM.
    Game room opens:
    6 PM.
    Nomi­nations for Local Officers:
    7:30 PM.
    Program:
    ~7:35 PM.
    Refreshments:
    8:30 PM - Midnight (food & beverages put out earlier than 8:30 PM is for AGOG registrants only).

    The Nomi­nating Committee is looking for qualified candidates to run for the elected po­sitions on the Chicago Area Mensa Executive Committee. Interested or just curious? See the ar­ticle about nominations in the February 2026 ChiMe or the Monthly Gathering webpage for details. You can also view the job descriptions and the required qualifications.
    * * * * *
    The Deadline for Candidate Statements is Saturday, February 27th. The statements for publication in the April ChiMe are to be no longer than 500 words and cannot include any boldface, italic, or larger type; the person to whom they should be emailed has yet TBD.
    * * * * *
    Volunteer
    Get involved! Hone your leadership, organizational, or web skills. We’re looking for vol­un­teers to fill some of the open po­sitions listed both near the back of ChiMe or on the List of Officers. Try your hand as a co-Program Officer, a website designer, web content creator, or a MG Hospitality Volunteer. You can view the job descriptions and the required qualifications for all the open positions and ones you may be interested in. Or consider supervising the children at the MG for some extra cash.
    * * * * *
    Express Yourself
    Write an ar­ticle, submit a photo, or create a puzzle for ChiMe; see our Submission Guidelines for contact information and deadlines. Host your own event or your own virtual event using Discord!

    MG Date/Location is Tentative!!
  • New Zealand Saturday Seminars: Global Forces, Local Impacts: How World Events are Shaping the NZ Economy 5 PM (Sunday Noon NZT). Between geo-political realignments, tariffs, AI, and many other forces, there's a lot going on in the world. This seminar will examine how current international developments may affect the New Zealand economy in 2026 and beyond.

    Shamubeel Eaqub is the Chief Economist at Simplicity. He graduated with Honours in Economics from Lincoln University and is also a CFA Charterholder. He has 25 years of experience as an economist in Wellington, Melbourne, and Auckland in leading financial institutions and consultancy (ANZ Bank, Goldman Sachs, JBWere, NZIER, Sense Partners and Simplicity).

    For more details, including how to register, visit the American Mensa Event. All attendees must preregister.
    Virtual Event!!

  • Deadline for Nomi­nation Statements . Candidates’ statements for publication in the April ChiMe are to be no longer than 500 words and cannot include any boldface, italic, or larger type; they should be sent directly to a person TBD.


* * * * *

1 March/Mon­day

  • April ChiMe Activ­ity Bulletin Dead­line. Last day for these submissions to the April ChiMe. Interested in organizing and hosting a virtual or in-person event? There’s bound to be an activity or a restaurant you want to try, but you just want some other people to experience it with you. So invite your fellow Mensans. Find out how by visiting our guide to hosting events.

  • April ChiMe Editorial and Ad­vertising Dead­lines. Last day for editorial submissions to the April ChiMe. Please submit original ar­ticles, insights, puzzles, brain teasers, photographs, or short poems. Your fellow Chicago Area Mensa members would love to hear from you.

Activities Bulletin
February 2027 (Tentative)

February
  1 2 3 4 5 6
7 8 9 10 11 12 13
14 15 16 17 18 19 20
21 22 23 24 25 26 27
28            

RSVPs - Always contact the CAM event host as specified in the event details—email , phone , text , or Meetup.

About
Meetup

Chicago Mensa Meetup - All our events are listed; see who signed up, get notifications, and add the event(s) to your personal calendar. Check out the current calendar

About
Meetup

Chicago Mensa Meetup - All our events are listed; see who signed up, get notifications, and add the event(s) to your personal calendar. Check out the current calendar

Top Join Contact Members
Only