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
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Considering possibilities at
"A Gathering of Gamers" (AGOG)
Northern Exposure Dinner
West Suburban Games
Dinner Out West
Trivia at the Pub - Winners!
These tweens qualified for and became members of Mensa
HalloweeM Excursion: Glass Making
Uzbekistani cuisine brings smiles at an Ethnic Dining event
Playing in the hosts' gazebo at North Suburban Games
Annual Picnic
Mensans who have been members for over 20 years!
Smiles at a Monthly Gathering
HalloweeM is coming this fall!
Volunteering at a Food Pantry
Ms enjoying CAMBeer outing
Annual Picnic
Enjoying the party at a Monthly Gathering
Checking in at a Monthly Gathering
Pride Parade
Sip 'n' Paint
SwAG Star Wars Themed Party
Studying the next move at "A Gathering of Gamers" (AGOG)
Tweens at a Monthly Gathering
A separate room is available for young children at Monthly Gatherings, thanks to Christine.
Fun and games at a Monthly Gathering
Dining in southern Wisconsin
West Suburban Games
Teens enjoying themselves at a Monthly Gathering
Snacks at a Monthly Gathering
"A Gathering of Gamers" (AGOG) attendees
Part of the crowd at the Single Mensans Over Thirty Something summer barbecue
Former Loc. Sec. Beth Anne (left) greets new members
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.
HalloweeM 49: Hip to Be 72
October 30 – November 2, 2025
Only 177 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! The rates increase after Monday, July 14th.
The hotel is offering a special $129 WeeM rate through October 9th, subject to availability.
It's Halloween and you want to dress up and go to a party, of course. Well, it is rare that Halloween and the WeeM costume party both converge. The stars have aligned this year and this is a fun opportunity to join the largest Halloween party by attending our RG Friday, October 31st.
You don't want to miss this incredibly fun experience.
Daisy has been keeping a close watch on the Annual Gathering (AG) Team as they work tirelessly to prepare for the 2025 AG, happening Wednesday, July 2nd through Sunday, July 6th in Chicago. She also made a surprise appearance at a local regional gathering on Halloween weekend!
The 2025 AG will be held in the downtown Hilton Chicago, located at 720 S. Michigan Avenue. And get this: the room rate is only $139 per night for single, double, triple, or quad rooms. Yes, you read that right! Plus enjoy free WiFi in hospitality as well as your room.
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!
Your registration
includes four breakfasts, three lunches, and plenty of
snacks—
We’ve got a lot of exciting programs and interactive opportunities lined
up for everyone to enjoy. And who knows, Daisy and her herd might even make a
few surprise appearances! Be sure to check out the
AG website
for details on tours and more. Note: tickets for the Gala Dinner have sold out.
The tours we have selected for the 2025 AG really highlight the essence of our
city—
Registration for the AG is available at ag.us.mensa.org. Remember, you’ll need to register for the AG before securing your hotel reservation (hotel link included in your confirmation email). At this time, rooms are available for Wednesday, July 2nd through Tuesday, July 8th. Rooms may be available prior to and after those dates but not necessarily our great Mensa rate; rooms in our block may free up if there are cancellations.
Daisy and the AG Team can’t wait to see you in Chicago!
Allison Reeves and Karen Gruebele
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:
