The organizers of the events listed on this calendar have expressed willingness for members elsewhere in the world to join in. Please don’t give them a bigger crowd than they can handle, and do be careful about time zones. The displayed time zone is GMT! If you add them to your own calendar, the time zone should convert to your specified time zone.
To have your virtual event added to this calendar, contact Matt C., the CAM International Calendar contact.
There may be other virtual events, as well as in-person events, which may be of interest to CAM members, hosted by various local groups listed on the American Mensa Calendar of Events.
1/ Saturday

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ChiMe Activity Bulletin and Advertising Deadlines. Last day for these submissions to the May ChiMe. Interested in organizing and hosting a virtual or in-person event? Find out how by checking out our guide to hosting events.
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ChiMe Editorial Deadline. Last day for editorial submissions to the May ChiMe. Please submit original articles, insights, puzzles, brain teasers, or short poems. Your fellow Chicago Area Mensa members would love to hear from you.
4/ Tuesday
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Downtown Lunch: Virtual 1 PM. See Tuesday, November 30th.
5/ Wednesday
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Passover begins
6/ Thursday

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Conversation with London Mensans 8 AM. Join a video chat with our kin from across the big pond in London at 2 PM BDT. I [Carey] participated previously, along with a few other CAM members, and had a very nice chat with some of our “siblings” in the London area. RSVP to local host Carey S. to receive the Zoom sign-in information. The London host is Ian David Moseley.
Virtual Event!!
8/ Saturday

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Saturday Movie & Dinner 3:45 PM. We will view the 3:45 PM showing of Air, at the Classic Cinemas at 1050 Elk Grove Town Center in Elk Grove. Lisa and I usually opt for seats on the aisle, closest to the theater entrance, and the first row up. You, of course, can sit anywhere you like. Afterwards, we’ll dine at Good Tequilas Mexican Grill located at 950 Elk Grove Town Center in Elk Grove, a short walk/drive/flight from the theater. Both are located southwest of the intersection of Arlington Heights and Biesterfield Roads. After the movie, one of us will wait around and make sure everyone knows where to go for dinner. To RSVP (welcome, but optional), send an e-mail Bill S.. If you show up and can’t find us, text Lisa S.. We hope to see you there!
9/ Sunday
11/ Tuesday

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Breakfast/Lunch in Buffalo Grove 11 AM. Breakfast and lunch are both available at Original Bagel & Bialy, a Jewish deli located at 105 McHenry Rd. in Buffalo Grove (in a strip mall at the NE corner of Lake Cook Rd. & Route 83). This is a self-service restaurant. Order and pay at the counter. Your food will be brought to your table. There is a $10 minimum charge for using credit cards. RSVPs e‑mail Ken L.. Look for Ken in the back toom.

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GOBS NSEW Dinner in Glenview 6 PM. Our subsidized dinner will be at North Branch located at 4520 W. Lake Ave. in Glenview (on the north side of Lake Ave., about ½ block east of Milwaukee Ave.). This is a a GOBS-subsidized event where ½ the total cost (including tax plus a 20% tip, rounded up to the nearest dollar) of a CAM member’s, and up to one guest’s, dinner will be covered for a maximum of fifteen people — for a maximum of $25/person for a dinner totaling $50 or more; cash or via PayPal only for your portion. RSVP (and get more details) on Meetup, but if not on Meetup, e‑mail Ken L. at least 24 hours in advance.
12/ Wednesday
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Northern Exposure Dinner 6:45 PM. April in Paris… Alaska? Then you should have dinner with us. Join us at Jameson’s Charhouse, in Vernon Hills for burgers, steaks, chops, fish, ribs, salads, and more. Located at 151 E. Townline Rd. in Vernon Hills. Please RSVP (Meetup preferred) to Janice E., so she can reserve a big enough table.

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Youth Zoom Gathering 7 PM. Are you a youth member (or the youth child of a member) and want to meet other members your age? We’re having a Youth Zoom Gathering to get connected. If the group wants to plan a get-together, either electronically or in-person, the Board is eager to help! Parents are welcome to join, but we’re hoping conversations to be primarily between youth members/family members. For questions, contact Beth W.. The Zoom info is available as part of her contact info.
Virtual Event!!
13/ Thursday
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Conversation with London Mensans 8 AM. See Thursday, April 6th.
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Downtown Lunch: Virtual 1 PM. Perhaps the longest running Mensa event anywhere, Chicago’s 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 e-mail or call/text him. We’d love to have you join us!
Virtual Event!!
14/ Friday
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Rockford Mensa Dinner 6:30 PM. Join Dave and other Rockford-Area Mensans for dinner at the Olympic Tavern, located at 2327 N. Main St. in Rockford (on the southeast corner of Main and Fulton). To RSVP , for more information, or to get on our e‑mail list, contact Dave L., our Rockford-Area Coördinator. RSVP required in case of cancellation, time, or venue change. This event is usually recurs on the second Friday of the month.
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Poetry Discussion Cancelled. Our poetry group is using Zoom — with closed captions — for meetings. Interested persons who are not currently members of the poetry group can Contact Joe D. , the SIG coördinator for general information about this SIG. This event is usually held on evening of the second Friday of the month.
Event Cancelled This Month!!
15/ Saturday
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Federal Tax Deadline
Extended to Tuesday, April 18th.
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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, but the location changes and can’t always be determined in time to make the ChiMe schedule. If you’re curious about the location at this month’s meeting place, e-mail Jim Z. the event coördinator. Open to non-Mensans; bring a conservative friend.

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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 Coördinator, for this month’s location and the exact time as well as more information; if e‑mailing, put “BASS” in the subject line. This event usually recurs on the 3rd Saturday of the month, about midday.

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ZOOMantics RG, hosted by the Southeast Michigan Mensans, held today as a free, members-only, Zoom experience with fun, games, speakers, and more. Advance registration is required. For more information, visit their website, where you can register and which will have the most up-to-date information.
Virtual Event!!
18/ Tuesday
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Downtown Lunch: Virtual 1 PM. See Thursday, April 13th.
19/ Wednesday

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City Dinner at Il Porcellino 7 PM. Il Porcellino, 59 W. Hubbard St. in Chicago (River North). This is a GOBS-subsidized event for which any CAM member and up to one guest qualifies; GOBS will cover ½ of your tab, including tax and tip, up to a maximum of $25/person. Any additional guest(s) and anyone RSVPing after the GOBS cap of 15 people is reached pays full price. To RSVP contact Hilarie C.by Tuesday, April 11th.
20/ Thursday
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Conversation with London Mensans 8 AM. See Thursday, April 6th.


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Mind Games® 2023 starts today. The event is being held today through Sunday, April 23rd, in Columbus, Ohio, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel located at 175 Hutchinson Ave. in Columbus, Ohio. Visit the website for all the details.
21/ Friday
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Gallery Talk - Dark Matter: The Next Frontier 7:30 PM. Part of the Fermilab lecture series, this one given by Doctor David Kaplan. This event is $4 and registration required. Also view previous event recordings.
Public Virtual Event!!
22/ Saturday
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Earth Day
23/ Sunday
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Rainbow Mensans Potluck 5:30 PM. (Dinner will start around 6.) At the home of Bruce and Matt on the northside of Chicago. Let us know what you will bring to the potluck so that we can balance the dishes. RSVP the Rainbow SIG coördinator Jim C. by the evening of Thursday, April 20th. We will provide you with an address and information about parking.

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Invisible Warriors: African American Women in World War II 2:30 PM. Invisible Warriors: African American Women in World War II is a feature length documentary illuminating 600,000 Black women — “Rosie the Riveters” — industrial and government employees who triumph over racism, sexism, and classism to help win the war. Their wartime service and patriotism ushers in a new era and expectations for African American women. See the full write-up and find contact info on the American Mensa Events website.
Virtual Event!!
25/ Tuesday

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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. Dining might be indoors or outdoors, depending on conditions. Separate checks are available. Use Meetup, but if not on Meetup, RSVP to Ken L. via e‑mail. If you RSVP by e-mail, your reservation is not confirmed until you receive a confirmation e-mail.
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Mensa Testing 6 PM. The location is in the River North neighborhood of downtown Chicago. You must preregister and prepay — very limited seating. Parking is very expensive; public transit is strongly recommended! Latecomers and anyone without a reserved spot will not be admitted. If you are or someone you know is interested in joining Mensa, see our Testing Information for contact details and additional dates/locations.
Event Cancelled!!
26/ Wednesday
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GOBS Request Deadline Noon. Today is the last day to submit a request for GOBS funds to be approved at this Saturday’s Business Meeting for any planned, eligible event, activity, or class taking place after Saturday, April 29th and through Saturday, May 20th or later; to be eligible, events involving CAM members must be published in the issue of ChiMe corresponding to the month in which they occur.
27/ Thursday
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Conversation with London Mensans 8 AM. See Thursday, April 6th.
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Downtown Lunch: Virtual 1 PM. See Thursday, April 13th.
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Dinner Out West 6:30 PM. Chicago Street Pour House + Kitchen, located at 1350 E. Chicago St. in Elgin, describes itself as “an upscale gastropub featuring scratch made fresh food served alongside handcrafted cocktails, local craft beer, and wine.” This is a GOBS-subsidized event. GOBS will cover ½ of your meal cost, including tax and tip, up to a maximum of $10, for each CAM member and their guest. Limit 20 people. Reservations are required so Beth knows how big of a table to reserve. RSVP directly to Beth W. no later than Tuesday, April 25th.
28/ Friday
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Arbor Day
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CAM Election Mail-In Ballot Deadline midnight. Today was the deadline for the receipt of all mail-in ballots.
29/ Saturday
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CAM Election Electronic Ballot Deadline 8 PM. Today was the deadline for the submission of all electronic ballots.

Our next
Monthly Gathering
is on
June 24th.
The June gathering
will be held
at
Benedictine University
in the Daniel L. Goodwin Hall of Business
near 5700 College Road, Lisle, IL 60532
The locations
of the MGs vary.
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Mensa Cares: Book Drive 6 PM. Bring a book for a child aged 8-12 to the April Monthly Gathering. All books will be donated to the Humanitarian Service Project. As part of their Children’s Project, boys and girls receive 4-7 new books in their birthday box (see their flyer). Please help children immerse themselves in the wonderful world of books.
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Monthly Gathering
The location of our April Monthly Gathering was the Rolling Meadows Community Center
3705 Pheasant Dr. in Rolling Meadows.Games and hospitality are in the spacious auditorium, with overflow space in the lobby. The speaker event is in the Card Room. A Parents-Kids Play Room is available after the Mensa Test. Please note that we have this venue only until midnight, so plan accordingly. This gathering is open to the general 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); the April MG is free to all members.
Test:5 PM.Business Meeting:5 PM.Game room opens:6 PM.Voting opens:6:30 PM.Program:7:30 PM.Voting closes:8 PM.Refreshments:8:30 PM - Midnight.Game of the Month - Telestrations:9 PM - Midnight.Review and vote for the new proposed Bylaws. You may vote in-person or have a trusted messenger deliver the envelope containing your paper ballot.
* * * * *
The CAM Board of Directors has allocated GOBS funds to be used for the reimbursement of either or Uber ridesharing services from/to the . Details are on our Monthly Gathering page.
* * * * *
Volunteer
Get involved! Hone your leadership, organizational, or web skills. We’re looking for volunteers to fill some of the open positions listed both in the back of ChiMe or on the List of Officers. Try your hand as the Gifted Youth Coördinator, Communications Officer, website programmer, or as 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
Try your hand at writing an article for ChiMe, submitting a photo, or creating a puzzle; see our Submission Guidelines for contact information and deadlines. Host your own event or your own virtual event using Discord!Program Topic: Who Wants To Be Neurotypical Anyway?
presented by Dr. Claudia Pitts
Join us for a thought-provoking talk by Dr. Claudia Pitts on the topic of neurodiversity, where she will explore the concept that neurological differences are a natural and valuable part of human diversity. In “Who Wants To Be Neurotypical Anyway?” Claudia will look at the neurobiological and psychological aspects of disorders such as ADHD and autism spectrum disorder, as well as delve into the drawbacks of a neurotypical-centric society and the benefits of embracing neurodivergent individuals and their unique strengths.
Show all…This talk will challenge your assumptions and encourage you to celebrate the diversity of human cognition. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain a fresh perspective on neurodiversity and how we can create a more inclusive and accepting world for all.
Claudia Pitts, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor in the College of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences at National Louis University where she is director of the Master’s in Psychology program. She is also a licensed clinical psychologist with a small group practice, working primarily with families and individuals dealing with transitions, chronic illness, divorce, grief, and loss.
She received her master’s and doctorate degrees from Northern Illinois University. Her research interests focus on the intersections between emotional and physical health, with an emphasis on the neurological and emotional effects of Adverse Childhood Experiences.
Show less
30/ Sunday

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CultureQuest® XXXIV 3 PM. Today, all across the country as well as Canada, all at the same time, teams of Mensa members will participate in a 90-minutes-long contest to test cultural literacy administered by American Mensa. Prizes will be awarded to twenty “Classic” (no age restrictions) teams and one “Next Generation” (youth) team with the highest scores! Get all the details including, if you want your team to meet virtually, how to request your own Discord channel. After CultureQuest® has ended, you may use the Reimbursement Form to get your approved GOBS funds. We wish our teams the best of luck today!
* * * * *
1 May/ Monday

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ChiMe Activity Bulletin and Advertising Deadlines. Last day for these submissions to the June 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.
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ChiMe Editorial Deadline. Last day for editorial submissions to the June 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.
RSVPs:
To protect our members’ privacy, contact information has been removed from this listing but is available on our website for members only. Each of the CAM events has a link to the host’s RSVP information which also takes you to this same information.
Password Issues?
You must use the AM password reset. If you forgot your id (e-mail address), contact the National Office. Their phone number and e-mail address are at the bottom of AM login webpage.
Event E-Mails
CAM members will get periodic Mensa Connect e‑mails about upcoming events, including ones that did not make it into ChiMe, or to get notified of any special events or last minute changes.
Activities Bulletin
April 2023
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30 |

Already a CAM Discord member?
Simply open up the Discord app, look for the
CAM
icon on the very left, and tap/click on it. You’ll often find fellow gamers online
even when no official CAM event is taking place.
New?
A few days before the event, check out the Introductory Guide to Discord as well as our CAM Discord FAQ for instructions about downloading the Discord app on the device you’ll be using, and registering yourself. Read the doc and/or peruse the various questions and answers to familiarize yourself with our customized version.
About three days prior to the event, the Invitation Link, needed only by new CAM Discord users, will be available as part of the event host’s contact info as a button. Tap/click on the button, then tap/click on the Invitation Link, and it will open the Discord app you installed. You must acknowledge the displayed Code of Conduct to see all the rooms (aka channels). Do this by tapping/clicking on the emoji symbol at the bottom that best describes Your membership category. Once you’ve done that, you’re in and won’t need an Invitation Link again.
When you join a Discord event you won’t automatically see all the participants like in Zoom when the host lets you in or you join a meeting in progress. Instead you’ll scroll down and find the channel specified as part of the event info. You get to see the list of names indicating who is in the channel before you tap/click on it to join. And if there is someone presenting, you’ll need to tap/click on the presenter’s feed or double-click the Live button next to the presenter’s name to enlarge the feed.
It may feel weird at first but the learning curve is pretty short and chances are you’ll like it better than Zoom and choose to use it to video call a fellow Mensa member/group who is part of the CAM Discord community and definitely to play online games while chatting with everyone participating.
RSVPs - Always contact the CAM event host as specified in the event details — e-mail , phone , text , or Meetup .
Meetup
Meetup often includes events that are not in the April ChiMe. So consider signing up for this great tool — an active Mensa number will be requested to verify your Mensa membership before you can be added to our CAM Meetup group.) Meetup will have the same RSVP contact information that is on our website and in ChiMe.
- RSVP, but you should always contact the CAM event coördinator as specified. A few CAM event coördinators are not members of Meetup, so for those events, your RSVP there only lets other CAM Meetup members know you are attending, plus you benefit by getting reminders.
- It’s easy to use Meetup to add the event info to your personal calendar.
- Set up notifications and Meetup will e-mail you about upcoming events. (You can adjust your Meetup e-mail settings to limit notifications to one e-mail/day.)
And why not host your own event, virtual or in-person?
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 calendar,
Facebook - The following CAM group has its own closed Facebook group which may have events not listed here nor on Meetup (contact them to join):
- Southwest Area Group (SwAG): Kevin & Steve - Coördinators
Meetup
Meetup often includes events that are not in the April ChiMe. So consider signing up for this great tool — an active Mensa number will be requested to verify your Mensa membership before you can be added to our CAM Meetup group.) Meetup will have the same RSVP contact information that is on our website and in ChiMe.
- RSVP, but you should always contact the CAM event coördinator as specified. A few CAM event coördinators are not members of Meetup, so for those events, your RSVP there only lets other CAM Meetup members know you are attending, plus you benefit by getting reminders.
- It’s easy to use Meetup to add the event info to your personal calendar.
- Set up notifications and Meetup will e-mail you about upcoming events. (You can adjust your Meetup e-mail settings to limit notifications to one e-mail/day.)
And why not host your own event, virtual or in-person?
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 calendar,
Facebook - The following CAM group has its own closed Facebook group which may have events not listed here nor on Meetup (contact them to join):
- Southwest Area Group (SwAG): Kevin & Steve - Coördinators