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.
Open to
the Public
Open to
the Public
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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!
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.
October 31 – November 3, 2024
Only 15 more days! Join Chicago Area Mensans during our infamous HalloweeM weekend. Our Regional Gathering (RG) is the largest and the program offers plenty of variety to stimuate your mind. There’s also a superabundance of games and contests to challenge you plus 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 & lunch on Sunday.
Mensans, you can now register for HalloweeM! This Friday is the last day you can preregister.
The hotel is offering a special $129 WeeM rate through October 17th, subject to availability.
Win prizes by volunteering now!
You don't want to miss this incredibly fun experience.
“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 will be 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
Our Local Group is Exceptional!
Bragging Rights
Chicago Area Mensa (CAM) has developed a culture of caring and commitment facilitated by incredible volunteers, organizers, leaders, and members. The exceptional number of awards which CAM has won proves it. The 50,000+ members of Mensa nationwide are governed by an elected Board composed of 15 of its own members. The Board bestows awards annually. Even though the makeup of the Board changes every two or three years, the awards keep coming.
The highest, single award given out to local divisions is called the Diamond Award. CAM has won the Diamond Award for the largest division in the country eight times in the last eleven years (including 2014, 2016, 2018-2020, and 2022-2024) and a Ruby or Emerald Award in all the other years. Before 2013, the highest award was called the Group of the Year Award (GOTYA). CAM won this award nine times in thirteen years from its inception in 1999 through 2012. No other Mensa group comes close. CAM is a demonstrated leader in social events, membership, and newsletters. For a complete list of awards and years, please tap/click here. Lest you think otherwise, there is a place for you in our organization. We invite you to join.
Mensa Fame
Mensa was featured on CBS Sunday Morning (including notable Chicago Area Mensans!) some years ago. See the show on CBS's YouTube channel:
