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.

Tweens at a Monthly Gathering

Playing in the hosts' gazebo at North Suburban Games

HalloweeM Excursion: Glass Making

Youth event

Uzbekistani cuisine brings smiles at an Ethnic Dining event

Pride Parade

July Picnic

Former Loc. Sec. Beth Anne (left) greets new members

Annual Picnic

SwAG Star Wars Themed Party

Teens enjoying themselves at a Monthly Gathering

HalloweeM is coming next fall!

Snacks at a Monthly Gathering

West Suburban Games

"A Gathering of Gamers" (AGOG) attendees

Fun and games at a Monthly Gathering

Sip 'n' Paint

West Suburban Games

A separate room is available for young children at Monthly Gatherings, thanks to Christine.

Dining in southern Wisconsin

Part of the crowd at the Single Mensans Over Thirty Something summer barbecue

Trivia at the Pub - Winners!

Studying the next move at "A Gathering of Gamers" (AGOG)

These tweens qualified for and became members of Mensa

Smiles at a Monthly Gathering

Considering possibilities at
"A Gathering of Gamers" (AGOG)

Enjoying the party at a Monthly Gathering

Mensans who have been members for over 20 years!

Checking in at a Monthly Gathering

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. For fun, see how you score on the International Challenge. 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. Mensa also offers many benefits for gifted youth.

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

"A Gathering of Gamers"

Games, games, and more games!

Only 55 days until AGoG . Join your fellow Mensa members on February 14th – 16th for fun and games.

Register NOW to qualify for the reduced rate of $90 (ages 18+) and $55 (ages 9-17). Friday, January 31st is the last day you can preregister. Registering at the door will be an additional $30 for ages 18+ and $25 for ages 9-17 over the current preregistration rate which is good through Friday, January 3rd. Non-Mensa members (ages 9+) pay an additional $5.

Do you like games? Do you spend the entire WeeM weekend in the games room? Would you like to do again? No, we're not asking you to wait almost an entire year until WeeM 2025. Instead, we're saying you can do it again this February!!! Every winter, Chicago puts on AGoG — A Gathering of Gamers (this year, February 14th – 16th). It's a weekend-long gathering of just games while socializing with fellow Mensa members and guests. All the games we have at WeeM and more, because folks like you can bring your own to share. We provide food, non-alcoholic beverages, and all the games you want for a reasonable price.

Friday, January 24th is the last day to book a room for the amazing rate of $122.

“I’m vindicated!” says Daisy, Mrs. O’Leary’s favorite cow. She asks you to join her in Chicago from Wednesday, July 2nd thru Sunday, July 6th for Mensa’s 2025 Annual Gathering (AG). Will she truly be absolved of the allegations made against her after the Great Chicago Fire? You’ll have to attend to find out!

The 2025 AG will be held in the downtown Hilton Chicago on south Michigan Avenue. The room rate is only $139/night for single, double, triple, or quad rooms. Yes, you saw that correctly! There will be free WiFi in hospitality as well as your room. Included in your $279 AG registration price, good until Saturday, November 30th, will be four breakfasts, three lunches, and snacks — all available in hospitality.

Come be part of Daisy’s herd as she explores the area around the hotel, located across from Grant Park, and also close to Buckingham Fountain, the Museum Campus (Shedd Aquarium, Field Museum, Adler Planetarium), and Queen’s Landing (where Queen Elizabeth II disembarked from her ship in 1959) on the lakefront. Milk your access to Chicago’s wonderful sights. This will be THE annual gathering people will be mooing, erm, talking about for years to come!

Details on tours, the Gala Dinner speaker and special events are still being pasteurized, homogenized, and separated, and will be announced on the AG website as soon as they are packaged. AG and hotel registration is available at ag.us.mensa.org. Daisy and our AG Team look forward to seeing you there!!

Karen Gruebele and Allison Reeves
2025 AG Co-chairs