FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO WWW.GATCHICAGO.COM Push your training to a new level! Learn a system that teaches you not only how to defend yourself, but how to avoid attacks and to dominate your opponent. Learn an art proven in modern warfare! Special force operatives from all branches of the military extensively use techniques from Filipino Martial Arts in Close Quarter Combat. Test yourself while learning new skills! FMA integrates easily with all styles of martial arts. Further, unlike othe …

A few months ago, I finally made the decision to take control of my health and well-being, which included eating smarter and exercising more. Last fall, I began walking on Sunday mornings and discovered not only a greater appreciation for nature, but a much needed boost to my self-esteem and outlook on life. I even lost a few pounds, toned and strengthened my muscles, too. I feel so much better now and want to continue this journey with others that are willing to do the same. Nothing fancy, just …

We started this group to be able to leisurely explore the Parks and Forest Preserves in the Fox River Valley Area with our pug mixes - Guinness & Dunkel and other dogs while socializing with their owners for about an hour. We have walks on Saturday mornings and Sunday afternoons in winter (weather permitting).  We also offer walks on weeknights and weekends in the Fox River Valley Area during spring, summer and autumn. The walks are usually scheduled within Kane County Forest Preserves, parks an …

We've all seen or know the type of woman who has a magnetic personal presence.  The type of woman to whom people are naturally attracted and drawn to.  The kind of woman who walks into a room with an air of confidence that gives her instant credibility; who connects with people easily; who attracts the kind of attention SHE wants and deserves without having to try so hard to get it.  She always seems to be seen by the right people at the right time, and is so effective in both her professional a …

"The purpose of this meetup is to provide a venue for individuals who walk the esoteric/inner path but also strive for a balance with their more exoteric & worldly nature. I seek others like myself who walk the inner path and have experienced inner transfigurations and can examine these powerful, spiritual experiences from a scientific & psychological lens, who introspect ruthlessly, who are open to exploring the inner realms of self-identity, and who value knowledge and wisdom above all.  I hav …

If you are seeker of the truth, working to reach the self realization of your internal real being, looking to develop the latent powers of your divine and human soul and better comprehend the unlimited mysteries of nature, if you are thirsty for the wisdom that illuminated the minds and warmed the hearts of many sages and saints through the ages... then this meetup group may be for you. Although the spiritual path must be walked individually by each one of us, in our way we enjoy the company of …

This group was created to get the word out about events supporting the health and well-being of animals, Chicagoland shelters & rescues, and Chicagoland park preservation efforts. Most of the meetups are philanthropic in nature but we'll also be meeting up for pup friendly picnics, walks, and play dates at dog friendly parks. If you have a passion for improving the lives of animals in your community or if you're looking for fellow animal lovers to hang out with on a pretty day we’d love to meet …

Chicago has a lot to offer and this seems like a good way to meet people with similar interests. Events include activities like nature walks, eating out, cultural events and whatever else you would like to suggest. All ages welcome, single or coupled, this group is for everyone that has an endless list of interests like myself.  A photo of yourself in your profile is required to join. Membership is free but donations to the organizer to defer the cost of maintaining the Meetup site are always a …

Nature Trail Runners is a casual running club that hosts group runs in Montgomery, Oswego, Aurora and Naperville. We aim to take advantage of the many scenic bike paths and trails the area has to offer. We also host social events so we can all hang out and relax after those tough runs! I started this club because I was unable to find one near where I live. There are wonderful running clubs for Bolingbrook, St. Charles, Downers Grove, and many other surrounding cities, but none for the large city …

THE NEW YEAR HAS BEGUN!! LETS GET STARTED WITH OUR GROUP AND FUN STUFF TO DO!! EXPLORING AWESOME, COOL, FUN PLACES IN CHICAGO, DANCING, ART, MUSEUMS, UNIQUE THINGS TO DO, INDIE MOVIES, CULTURAL, SOCIAL EVENTS, FUN EXPLORING PLACES TO EAT:), WALL-CLIMBING? PARACHUTING, HOT-AIR BALLOON? BOATING, WALKING OR ON WHEELS? NATURAL/OF NATURE, MAN-MADE WONDERS, SIMPLE OR EXTRAVAGANT EVENTS, PAMPERING SELF, GIVING TO COMMUNITY, MEMBERS SPEAK, INVITE GUESTS ON VARIED TOPICS, OUTDOORS AND INDOORS THINGS TO D …

We are a group of amateur artists who love hiking and sketching in all seasons and in all types of weather. We will meed at various locations for a short hike and then sketch. All mediums welcome: graphite, watercolor, marker, pen, charcoal...and a sketchbook of course! The group can split up if they want, or beginning artists can stay with me as I show a step-by-step demonstration. Dress for the weather and bring a sack lunch, we can eat when finished and share our artwork.

SHOP (and swap) Til You Drop Are you a natural born shopper? Do you like to dress up and do some on the town shopping? Or do you like to dress down, put on some comfy walking shoes, roll up your sleeves and get ready to do battle to get the best goods at the greatest prices? Are you one of the newly emerging who has found the ease of shopping online, being able to scan for treasure trove from the convenience of your own bed while reclining and still in your jammies? Well you can be all three and …

Let's get together for photo walks around the Naperville town and surrounding areas. We can offer each other support and also critique our work. The group is open and flexible to new ideas. Post your work on this site for sharing and feedback. We have meet ups during the weekdays, nights and weekends to practice our craft at various lighting conditions.

The IMA is comprised of mycologists and laypeople from all walks of life who share a common interest in the study of mushrooms. Individual members often have specific areas of interest and expertise, including mushroom foraging, taxonomy, cultivation, mycoremediation, mycorrhizas, medical mycology, yeasts, lichens, food spoilage, fermented foods, plant diseases, symbioses with animals, and edible, poisonous, and entheogenic fungi. If you are new to mushrooming, joining a mushroom club will give …

Looking to expand your social circle, have fun, and get off the couch? This is a group for adults in their 20's and 30's in the Plainfield area that mixes going out, volunteering, staying active, and meeting new friends. Meetups are open for physical activities, such as trampoline dodgeball, hiking, biking, and sporting events. As the weather warms up, we will also be doing activities like BBQ’s, festivals, and tubing down the Dupage River. Other meetups will include snow tubing, get-togethers a …

This group is for all the nudists out there. Join us for great, all level, yoga classes, beginner to advance students welcome. The goal is to create a variety of classes, beginners, partner, coed, men only, etc. As the group grows so will the offerings. All classes are taught by certified yoga instructors. We are an open group, with like minded people. Complete acceptance of all people will be requested, and people from all walks of life welcome. If you are a beginner looking to get more flexibl …

For all of you interested in meeting like-minded dog lovers who share space in Grant Park, let's take some time every month to introduce ourselves and our furry friends. If you are interested in joining the K9 fun, meet us at the Grant Park dog park on the fourth Sunday of every month. This is an equal opportunity dog group. Everyone is welcome!

This is a group for anyone interested in improving their health naturally and achieving optimal health and wellness. We are looking for like minded people who bring positive energy, are open minded, are eager to learn about prevention and many topics that lead to improving overall health. I started this group because my daughter and I had several health challenges we were facing.  It was a long road and my husband and I were very concerned and thought, “Is this as good as it’s going to get?” In …

This group is for people who love their dogs and want to enjoy the company of others (human too:) while enjoying the great outdoors in and around Naperville. I work out of my home and have a 6 pound toy poodle who loves to get out. I'll be scheduling walks weekdays for those who can make it and weekends for those who can't. Come join us we'd love the company.

Outdoor Afro is a social community that reconnects African-Americans with natural spaces and one another through recreational activities such as camping, hiking, biking, birding, fishing, gardening, skiing — and more! Outdoor Afro disrupts the false perception that black people do not have a relationship with nature. We remember our history in nature, leverage social media, and support relevant local leadership to create interest communities, events, and partnerships that support diverse partici …

The FB Mission; Fishin’ Buddies! mission is to train children through fishing and conservation programs. To help instill a deep, abiding love for the sublime art of sport fishing. To instill an immutable concern for the air, land and waters of our planet, and a desire to nurture the soul through communion with the outdoors. Our Philosophy; Fishin’ Buddies! believes in the emotional and psychological restorative powers of the outdoors. We believe it is important to expose this philosophy to c …

This is a group for people who enjoy the Chicago lakefront and lakefront parks in the nice weather months. We will meet at a different place along the lake each time and walk wherever the mood takes us, enjoy the scenery, the weather, and nice conversation. It will be low key, not an intense hiking group. For those who love to take advantage of the beautiful Chicago lakefront and want to meet new people while doing it, this is the group for you!

Sunrise over Lake Michigan--Best and most inspiring way to start your day! This group is for weekday morning runners who love running in the most beautiful and scenic part of Chicago--Lincoln Park just north of North Ave, zoo area, nature boardwalk, conservatory and along the lakefront. We'll meet Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings at 5:45 a.m. @ North & Clark, NE corner fountain and go at a leisurely pace (9-11 min miles) for 3-5 miles. Can't wait to meet you! :)

This group is for those who enjoy taking a walk with their sketchbook. A little fresh air, some field sketching, and some camaraderie on a quiet Sunday afternoon. It will be fun and encouraging to compare notes and see each others' styles and perspectives. All skill levels and all mediums welcome.

This is a group of anyone who loves their dogs as much as childrean. Who love outdoors and hiking with their best friend, And who want to get healthy while having fun with people with a common intrest. I have a large Siberian husky who likes any size dog. She is also a service dog who is in continous training. So if people would love to share training techniques. Please only bring dogs who are atleast semi- trained or submissive. Also, biking or skating with the pups would be fun. There are se …

Let's get out walking 3 or 4 times weekly. Let's walk or hike different venues. This is a group for women only who are interested in walking for exercise to improve our health. Any recipes and/or health tips more than welcome.