What a cool place! I attended an all day work event here. As an attendee (and not as the planner) everything seemed to be well staffed and to run efficiently. The space we were in had plenty of tables and chairs in addition to separate areas with lounge chairs gathered together off to the side. They provided easels and the tables had all sorts of creative touches for use - play dough, pipe cleaners, colored pencils, etc. There was coffee, water and snacks in our meeting space. Our group also had breakfast, a snack bar and lunch while we were there. All the food was good and I appreciated that real dishes, glasses/mugs and silverware were used rather than a bunch of wasteful plastic and paper. We had access to 3 half baths on our floor but could use others if needed. The bathrooms were all clean and well stocked with feminine hygiene products, lotion, mints, etc. The staff I interacted with were all friendly and polite. A lot of thought and effort went into making a comfortable and unique space. I hope our organization has more events at this space in the future. read more

Catalyst Ranch really knows how to make planning an event as painless as possible! I reached out via the website to plan a work day event. Kira was FANTASTIC - very communicative and made the process very easy. You can tell that it's definitely not their first rodeo. LIFE IS TOO SHORT FOR SANDWICHES FOR WORK LUNCHES (unless they're Zingerman's or Katz Deli sandwiches) so I seriously can't say enough good things about the caterer they work with here. PHENOM. The food is really good - local sourced when they can. Because I had to solve for a few different food sensitivities, I ordered the following which was a hit with everyone! Roasted Chicken w/ Harissa GF, DF Sweet Potato-Chickpea Tajine VV, GF Cous Cous VV Mediterranean Salad VV, GF Pita Bread and Hummus V We also ordered desserts (so tasty!) and had a bar tender for an on-site happy hour, which was awesome as well. CR also went the extra mile to accommodate our requests such as having non-competitive product for the built-in snack breaks (which they honored and made a BEAUTIFUL snack basket!). We also shipped so many things in advanced and everything was there and in order! Lastly, the price is right here! It's such a good value for what you get here at CR. Would definitely host an event here again! read more

Recently, I had attended a small meeting at this venue. The venue, itself, is inside of a larger building. You need a code to enter the building then you need to go up to the third floor , if I remember correctly. We were instructed to where our meeting space was located. The room had a very cool vibe with multiple sizes of tables and very types of chairs and couches. This is not your typical meeting space. Don't be surprised you may have tables and chairs from the 70's and actual couches and mix match chairs, however, it all works. They do offer all of the audio visual equipment you may need. Outside of our meeting room, there was a kitchen area where you have food set up. After the meeting, we had the opportunity to wander throughout the venue. The venue has certainly has space to meet all of your needs. Since this venue is in the West Loop area, there is limited parking. Public transportation was plentiful. I would recommend to check out Catalyst Ranch. read more

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I knew this was the ideal place for a bash, but turns out it's even cooler for a meeting. I joined 15+ colleagues for a day of learning, bonding and eating! The atmosphere is so fun (love all the toys & candy) that it really gets those creative juices flowing. You also don't need to worry about going hungry at Catalyst Ranch. They kept our tummies full with an impressive spread during breakfast and afternoon snack time. Lunch was an option too, but we opted to head to one of the restaurants on Randolph instead. The peeps who work here happen to be total sweethearts and are beyond organized. It can be a bit pricier than some other meeting spaces in Chicago, but well worth it! read more

Wow. You truly have to visit here to get a feel for the place, as the photos do it no justice. The elevator is a little slow on the ride up, but it adds to the anticipation for what you're about to experience. When the doors open, you're greeted to an explosion of colors, textures, shapes, and objects that overwhelm the soul... in the best way possible! Think Times Square or Las Vegas type sensory overload, minus the electronics and the debauchery. Catalyst Ranch has an endless number of ways to ideate and brainstorm. There are small and big rooms, a multitude of seating and table options, and countless little nicknacks like play-doh, markers, puppets, pillows, masks, and costumes... to allow your creative juices to get going! For those seeking catering, I was able to experience a breakfast there, featuring bagels, donuts, yogurt (with fresh fruit and dry toppings), eggs, pastries, and cereal. It was actually a daunting task to choose. If you are looking for a place to host an offsite meeting or training event, look no further. I'm highly doubtful that you can escape this place without being inspired, energized, and happy! Also, the staff here is so warm and friendly, you'll wish this was your home! read more

In October our daughter was married here. The venue is very unique. We had the 3rd floor. Special wedding ceremony in the Cha Cha room and reception in the Polka room. Very good choice. It was great having everything on one floor. A big shout out to Jody, Lyndon and all the Ranch hands. They are experts setting up the venue, checking on everything. Always attentive to everything! Hard working staff made the evening a very wonderful experience. Thank you for all the work you did to make this wedding a wonderful memory!! read more

So, I didn't attend the Elite party at Catalyst Ranch. I saw the pictures. I heard the stories. But, I didn't 'get' it until I saw it for myself. Incredible. It's as though someone reached into my subconscious, realized that nothing made sense and proceeded to create an event space out of the chaos. I love it. I love the fact that little matches, yet everything goes together perfectly. I love the fact that, in a matter of steps, you can walk through three or four fantasy-scapes. I love the fact that, in describing the space, you can use the word 'whimsical' and have it not be ironic. I love the fact that there's a CHAISE LOUNGE! If I were a super hero (and who's to say that I am not; the power of super-bitchery is awesome), this would totally be my headquarters. Though, I wouldn't leave to fight crime. I'd just make the junior members fetch me some blueberry tea while I lounged and listed to Norah Jones. Yes, I said blueberry tea. In addition to having a meeting space that would give Tim Burton and Johnny Depp the vapors, the food here is quite satisfactory. Imagine breakfast with assorted bagels, cream cheese, banana bread, cereal, fresh fruit, coffee, AND BLUEBERRY TEA! I didn't have lunch here but I had a post lunch 'snack' of popcorn, cookies, brownies, and those flat chocolate things with the small white balls (like sugary roe) on top. You know what I am talking about? Those? Each time I went to get more, there was more. It was the Prometheus of sugary baked goods! I look forward to the day when I can return to Catalyst Ranch for more meetings, food, fun, and daydreaming. read more

Who knew an event venue could be a destination I could fall in love with? I certainly did not! But now, I've fallen in love with two venues. The second is Catalyst Ranch. We held our final day of Regional CM Training at Catalyst Ranch last week, and it blew away my expectations. Not only is the facility colorful, comfortable, kitschy, and cool, but the staff that work there are awesome too. They provided us with the basics (tables, chairs, water, coffee, etc...) but in addition, we had our a/v needs taken care of, fun props to play with at the tables, a catered breakfast and snacks, plenty of restrooms, etc... If you're looking for a fun, unique venue to hold a meeting, a conference, or even a wedding, check out Catalyst Ranch. Oh, and just in case you're wondering about "the first" venue I fell in love with, it's the Intercontinental Montelucia in Paradise Valley, AZ... and that just happens to be where I got married! In this case, second best beats the rest! read more

Looking for a place to hold that next important meeting or ideation session? Or how about a fabulous event that "normal" banquet halls would just seem to stuffy for? Then the Catalyst Ranch is your place. I have been here countless times for creative thinking sessions, meetings, research and events. Each time the place is transformed into something unique and different. Located in an old historic building- the large windows and loft like space adds an air of excitement to even the tiredest of meetings! There are 5 meeting rooms each with filled with old comfy furniture (think of that basement that you once used to hang out in), toys that you remember from being a kid, even rope swing chairs hanging from the ceiling. I've hula hooped here, jumped rope, played old table games and acted like a kid all the while thinking of that next new big marketing idea for my every day job. The staff is so helpful, the caterers that they use amazing (the last time I was here we used Jewell catering and the food they provided was great!) that you can't help but have a good event or meeting. Oh- and when reality sets in and you have to get down to work? They also have all the things needed to pull off a successful meeting like flip charts, Internet access, projectors, screens etc. But I almost hate pulling that out during meetings here as it brings people back to reality with a large "BUMP"! Go. Be a kid again. Laugh at yourself and others as you craft that big idea. You might be surprised at what you can come up with when you put aside the cares of your day to day life and escape to the Catalyst Ranch! read more

I went to this place for the first time last night to attend a Sofar Sounds event and it was awesome! The place is cozy, unique, homey, colorful, and has vintage furniture. It is also spacious to host various events- shout-out to Jitterbug. I wish I knew about this place earlier! Parking seem limited so public transportation might be the best and it is close to all the great restaurants in West Loop! Felt like a hidden gem of the city :) read more

My son said when he stepped off the elevator his whole vibe changed. Yes, each of my guest asked the same question "how did you find this place". When I walked in I knew it was "me". I wanted to book and pay in full within 15 minutes, but of course I had to go through the formalities like deposits and contracts, lol. First about the venue. Do you like color? Do you like midcentury décor? Do you like fun and funky? This is for you. They have everything you need and my caterer fell in love with the place. The staff - Yes, yes, yes. So accommodating and friendly. The care about you and your event as much as you do. Each and every request I had was met with personally care for and I had two staff members at my ready on the afternoon of my event. Even when we had equipment glitches, neither me nor my guest were aware of how much magic was going on behind the scene. It was a sunny day and the large windows brought in such light which contributed to the atmosphere. Everything was beyond expectations and I sure my guests are thinking about using the venue for their events. A couple even signed up to received email. If you don't like to be like everyone else, this unique venue if for you. Totally epic for any occasion. read more

We brought our staff team here for a staff retreat, hoping a change of scenery would increase their engagement and creativity. Boy howdy, did it ever. The staff was excellent. We were greeted warmly by everyone we encountered throughout the day. Our day started with an energizer led by a Catalyst Ranch staff member, which got us up and moving. The site serves continental breakfast and snacks throughout the day, which was a nice chance for staff to get up and mingle periodically. There was coffee, tea, and a stocked beverage fridge in the meeting space. The decor is hilarious and interactive -- my theory is that every staff member gets a thrifting allowance each month. There were dress-up clothes, hats, arts and crafts supplies, toys, quirky art... I would absolutely come back here again and am coming up with reasons to do so. read more

LOVE! What a unique, colorful, hippie-in-the-coolest-way space! I know that if I ever need to book a space for a corporate offsite or event, Catalyst Ranch is at the top of my list! Get your eyes ready because there's a lot to look at here! Paintings, mini magnets of words stuck to the bathroom wall, eccentric furniture, exotic dining ware, you name it! The staff was approachable and provided us with a nice spread of sandwiches, salad, and peanut butter whoopie pies for lunch. Validated $10 parking a block and a half away. The only thing missing seemed to be a guest appearance from Austin Powers or something. read more

This has to be the most creative event space in Chicago, if not the US. I love watching the reaction of folks as they get off the elevator for the first time. From the moment you step in the door you know that this is not going to be your typical meeting. And they host all kinds of events, meetings, networking, weddings. If you are ever looking for a space to host ... anything really, you need to check out this space. Catalyst Ranch should not be missed read more

We had a super event at this space. We are now a big fan of Catalyst Ranch and can not wait to use the space again for another event. Not only is the place unique, colorful and spacious; the people there make our event even more memorable for us. Drea, in particular, helped us out quite a bit. A big to Catalyst Ranch and the Jitterbug. read more

I've been scheming to get back to Catalyst Ranch for over a year... Most definitely, its a beautiful event space (funky wedding? Do it!)...but they also specialize in funky meetings as well! Situated in Haymarket Square (on Randolph between Halsted and Jefferson). Finally, I was challenged with organizing a meeting for a select bunch of my fantastic colleagues, and DING, ding, DING...Catalyst Ranch was my first thought! A beautiful, creative space perfectly equipped and outfitted for corporate (or not-so-corporate) meetings. Bright colors, ample elbow room, lovely facilities, efficient and friendly staff...and above all, a space that makes the brain go aflutter with new ideas and positive vibrations. The care and detail exercised in the interior is truly magnificent. Meticulously restored vintage furniture, bright paint, beautiful fixtures, fun little alcoves...nothing overlooked. It's all simply bright, shiny and stimulating. My favorite? Well, we were stationed in the Jitterbug (4th floor) and in the bathroom were painstakingly pressed old nighties, for a fabulous restroom experience....see, told ya, nothing overlooked. Not even the loo. Upon entering, our tables/chairs were all set up...including two flipcharts + markers for brainstorming and a projector for presentations. Every detail attended to...which made me look smart, which of course...I like. They offer catering, which must be ordered the week before the meeting, I suggest doing the continental breakfast which runs $16.50pp, but you won't have to worry about it. Also, the room rental includes two snacks and beverages (ice cold water, tea, coffee, sodas, juices). A few notes: *They are eco-friendly, and frown upon plastic water bottles. *No outside food. *Metered parking is available, though costly. Finding a lot is preferable. An absolutely wonderful meeting, a perfect space to motivate and enjoy. I highly suggest for private events, brainstorming sessions, corporate off-sites, etc. My crew was very happy, and thus...I am happy! read more

I went to a wedding here last June and it was the coolest, most fun wedding ever. We were in the "Polka Room". Such a great space and such a fun, unstuffy time. I would definitely consider this location if I ever needed it for a function. Any function. read more

Over this last weekend, I hosted a wedding shower at Catalyst Ranch on Randolph St. Every interaction with my coordinator Krissy was wonderful. She was not only professional and friendly, she made the process easy and gave me every assistance I needed to make my event a success. It was always "Sure, we can do that". I was very lucky to have her to help me. On the day of the event, Alan was there to assist. He, like Krissy, was amazing and was always asking what he could do for me. Clearly the staff at Catalyst Ranch has the best interest in mind for their customers. On top of the excellent service, the venue is bright, cheery and loaded with interesting artifacts everywhere. You will absolutely love this place for your next event and I would very strongly recommend you check them out!!!!!! read more

Work for a big company and got some $$$ to blow on a big ideation, brainstorming session or meeting? Getting married and want an unusual spot in the city that your guests will never forget? Catalyst Ranch is all that and more. Yep, the name sounds a little bit like a whorehouse, but there's nothing elicit going on there, unless you and your buddies from some conglomorate are hatching plans to corner the market on lysine during your session there. Catalyst Ranch provides everything you need for a fantastic meeting, and can arrange for some tasty catering to meet your munching needs. If invitees have a penchant for wearing nutty hats while they imagine the next 100 calorie pack, there are fedoras and sombreros to spare. A great site for an off-site. Many wild ideas have been hatched there...and that's why they call it the Catalyst Ranch. But you knew that. read more

This place is unique and funky! Great place to meeting with coworkers. It would also be good gatherings with friends. Love the layout and food is awesome. read more

How effin' cool is the Catalyst Ranch? Never seen a work space or venue quite like it! When you walk in, you feel as if you've somehow wandered into a hipster's apartment. Kitschy decor reigns supreme here - from the poodle head cookie jar to the tiki wicker furniture. The exposed brick in our space reminded me a little bit of home, too. Only this place is WAY cooler than my apartment back in St. Louis And the feeling of being home doesn't end with the decor - our area was equipped with everything that you could possibly need to be a creatively productive worker. Board games, silly putty, scented markers, desktop 'puter, a myriad of fun costume items, candy on the tables, coffee machine, mini fridge stocked to the brim... I could go on but I was too busy getting work done! Oh, and the snacks! I *almost* regretted gorging on a 3-course lunch just a little while before since the snack selection was superior to any work function that I've seen yet. Popcorn, more candy, pie ... makes me hungry just thinking about it. The staff was helpful, but kept quiet and let us do our thing in the private room. I *wish* we had a spot like Catalyst Ranch in STL, as I'd be jonesing to do an event here. Or just come back for the food and home decorating ideas :) read more

What just happened? I'll tell you. I was lucky enough to be invited to an event at the Catalyst Ranch. I could not have been prepared for this space. What a treat to see a collection of creative, green, friendly minds and vintage EVERYTHING. The thing that stood out above everything was the staff. Every single staff member had honest smiles on, and a complete understanding of the event and what was happening where. I must have been greeted by 7 different charming employees with actual personalities tonight. The Catalyst Ranch has a firm grip on outstanding customer service, that is for sure. The space is a collection of well placed (but easily moved) tables, chairs, harem-like sitting areas, and great little cabinets full of neat old toys and games. All the nostalgia you could want, without the smell! The physical location of the building is ideal, especially for a large gathering. Plenty of street parking, inexpensive lots if needed, and easy access to 90/94. The street is well lit, and has a light but steady flow of traffic. Honorable mention for the bathrooms. Cool paint jobs, plentiful toilet paper, extremely clean and neat, complete with stocked cabinets for anything that may ail you from heartburn to dry skin to the unexpected start of a woman's most un-favorite cyclic event. This is one ranch a cowgirl could get used to. read more

My design firm has conducted research in this space twice in the past few months. We love the space, and have gotten excellent results each time. The atmosphere is so much nicer vs. the usual, dull conference room space with the one way mirror. The participants were so enthusiastic, which in turn made my team more enthusiastic. I think a lot of it had to do with the casual atmosphere, and the fact that they could see us, the people who were trying to learn from them. The food was excellent...I'm not sure where the catering was from, but I was very impressed. The one thing that did not work out so well...we ordered taxi's for a shopping trip (there were about 25 of us, so we needed several). We were told they would be waiting downstairs, and would accept credit. The Ranch had supposedly organized this for us. No one had an easy time with credit, or directions, and half of us had to hail our own taxi's because the original ones didn't show. Overall, I would highly recommend this location for reserach. read more

I couldn't agree more with what everyone was saying. I too attended the Elite event a while back - but this was the second time I came to Catalyst Ranch, and just realized that I never posted a review! I"m slacking, sorry!! The first time, at the elite event, was quite the experience and I had a fun time walking around - admiring the rooms, and trying to keep an eye on people, but this time was so much different! The space is quite the cluster f*ck, but somehow it all works and makes for a great place for a party! I don't think I would personally book my own party here - BUT I would continue to attend several more events here! (If that makes sense) read more

We had our annual Playmoney charity aution here two weeks ago and we just loved it. This is the second year in a row that we have chosen Catalyst Ranch. The staff are friendly and easy to work with and the space is amazing. There are a number of different spaces, usually a combination of different sized-rooms decorated in an electic mix of knickknacks and chotchky that is perfect for a celebration or event. From the Toylend Board: Thank You Catalyst Ranch!!! read more

We recently had our wedding at Catalyst Ranch and the entire experience completely exceeded our expectations. From the first time we saw the space through the end of our reception - everything went so smoothly and perfectly. The staff at Catalyst Ranch is just amazing. We had many questions come up as we were planning (as you can imagine), and the staff we worked with answered all of them quickly and pleasantly. Their incredible responsiveness to us made the whole wedding planning experience so much easier. The very helpful staff is a huge plus of hosting an event here! The space itself is very fun and unique! Just walking into Catalyst Ranch instantly puts a smile on your face. This created the perfect atmosphere of fun and joy that we wanted for our wedding. Our guests marveled at how cool the space was and enjoyed looking around and exploring. We held our ceremony in the cha-cha room and our reception in the polka room with about 120 guests. The set up of the polka room for the reception gave us enough space for everyone to dance and mingle. It's been about two weeks since our wedding and we are still hearing back from guests about what a fun night it was - we think that is largely due to Catalyst Ranch! Overall, we just can't say enough good things about Catalyst Ranch! The staff is excellent. The space is wonderful. Highly recommended for whatever event you are hosting! read more

We had our wedding at Catalyst Ranch August 8, 2008. We used the Polka room for our wedding and reception, about 125 guests. It was magical. The staff was very helpful and accessible. The space, the color, the windows and lighting were all perfect. The sound and setup for the DJ worked out very well. We wanted an imaginative, fun, whimsical setting for our wedding, and there is no place in Chicago that matches those adjectives better. The only bummer was, because we were serving alcohol, they locked away the games and toys. But the colorful decor and atmosphere was all we really needed. Being in downtown Chicago was a big plus. You have to visit Catalyst Ranch, the photos on their website are good but you have to see it for yourself. If you want to look at our wedding photos they are here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/thefixer/sets/72157606843507071/ read more

Very cool space. Takes people out of their stuffy comfort zones and opens up their minds. I was here for a workshop during a conference. The CR staff lead a few getting to know each other activities that at first make you groan but ultimately we all enjoyed. Great location for off site meetings and putting people at ease. Food: 4/5 - We had heavy hors d'oeuvres. Very good Service: 4/5 Location: 4/5 read more

Came here for an off-site meeting on Thursday with 16 of my colleagues. My boss recommended this place because they held the previous off-site here too. I looked up pictures of the place was like eww that looks really campy, can we please do it somewhere else? Welllll I was too busy to look up other venues, and my bad habit of always wanting to switch things up at work events backfired on me at the last all-staff when I picked an extremely narrow room to show a presentation for 90 people--- so I took my boss' suggestion this time and booked the Mambo Room. And it was great! This place is homey, bright, colorful, comfortable, and everybody is soooo nice--- greeted with smiles and helpfulness. I also have to say I love the bathrooms. I felt like a grown-up kid--- the bathroom stall doors are wooden and have huge handles, there are magazines and night dresses hanging on the walls, painted flowers, and just happiness and fun all scattered through out the bathroom. Plus I love that they have everything a girl would ever need in the bathrooms--- how thoughtful! Erin started off the morning with a "Focus Energizer" to get us started--- played a "Yee-haw, Hay barn, Hoedown" activity, which got a lot of laughs from everybody, as we all let our silly sides come out. Loved the energy! My president started a bit with a history of Catalyst Ranch--- how the founder was an accountant who thought outside the box and wanted to open a rental venue space, and make it a place that feels like Grandma's home--- with the eccentric decorations, comfy furniture, and welcoming feel. He definitely did a better job of talking about it than I just did. All the supplies are included in the room cost- projector, screen, laptop speakers, easels, marketing, dry erase boards--- and a snack basket in the morning and afternoon snack basket. I ordered the beef tenderloin and stuffed ricotta shells for lunch-- which everybody loved. I was eyeing the beef tenderloin and warily took a piece, as I thought it would be dry-- but it wasn't! A lot of coworkers came up to me later, thanking me for again picking a menu that was satisfying to their stomachs. The Caesar salad and porcini risotto also received kudos from my coworkers--- I honestly thought the risotto was a bit dry, but hey, as long as someone else liked it, whatever. For the Great Big Dessert, they prepared a HUGE mixing bowl filled with tiramisu. My eyes practically bulged out of my sockets with anticipation and excitement. There was a lot more cream than ladyfingers, which isn't the proportion that I favor, but it's okay because I just took two extra large servings and picked at all the ladyfingers--- and there was still tons of tiramisu left over. The M & M cookies were super good too--- they def didn't skimp on the M & Ms in those cookies--- very appreciated. Overall, this was a great creative space that the team loved. Just a tip--- there's candy all over the place--- very dangerous and temping! read more

I just had a chance to facilitate a 3-day Global Steering Committee meeting for a client at Catalyst Ranch, and loved the impact it had. Picture the inside of Jeannie's 'I Dream of Jeannie' bottle mixed with the apartment of that art school friend you had in your early 20's, and you get the vibe. It is at once distracting and arresting, and yet perfectly suited to taking business people out of their own stuff and into a world of possibility. The staff (love 'em), setting, service, gizmos, toys, art, etc. were all perfectly madcap. My two suggestions to make it even better: 1. Create within the psychedelic space a sterile room, more akin to the normal company conference room. Why? Well, to test an audience on their ability to transfer the creative ideas gained at Catalyst Ranch into practical action back at the less-creative, cube-infested ranch. To truly move into change, the brain needs the ability to visualize itself in a future state. The surroundings of Catalyst Ranch, while perfect to inspire divergent thinking, are not in any way, shape or form like corporate America. We need a room dedicated to the task of business-oriented contextualization. 2. Do something about the painfully slow elevators. If they can't be sped up, then use the long wait time to your advantage. Give us, as we're waiting, some task, provocation, or creative outlet. Gosh, Catalyst Ranch, if you have filing you need done, we have the time to do it for you while we're waiting. Help us not notice the long wait by provoking our thinking or learning as the elevators take their arduous trip to meet us. I will look forward to my next opportunity to be back at the Ranch. In the meantime, I will enjoy the colorful surroundings of my own home office, grateful that I do not have to spend time in putty-colored Corporate America. read more

Wow. Words cannot describe the awesomeness and creativity of this venue. I was here for a two day Rotary summit, and the best way I can think of explaining this place is that it's a brainstorming playground for the creative adult. Think adult preschool environment. Awesome colors. Great, historic decor. Everything about this place is just great. I would definitely recommend it for team building sessions, private events, and even meetings. It's a great place to stretch your mind and imagination. Cheers P.S. Make sure to buzz yourself in (sign on the window) with the code if the door outside is locked. read more

Catalyst Ranch is my absolute favorite place to have meetings and ideations - especially if you are looking for an eclectic high energy vibe. As a professional facilitator and innovation consultant, I've found their staff understand what it takes to build an atmosphere that cultivates creative thinking. They make sure all the supplies you need are handy so you don't need to drag everything to the facility. Main downside is that the wall space isn't conducive to posting a lot of things on the wall (e.g. brick walls and cluttered with items. They make up with some movable white boards and flip charts. Also not a ton of light in some of the rooms but the energy is still great with the vintage and global artifacts in the room. If you want a zen relaxing vibe then you may want to look elsewhere. Catalyst ranch is very stimulating which I love for ideations and stretching thinking. If you just want a cool place to hold a business meeting they are good for that too. If need an icebreaker in the morning or an energizer in the afternoon and don't want to do it yourself you can ask their staff to lead a quick activity. Food is always awesome and they accommodate special requests like vegans and allergies. The staff is top notch - always on hand to meet your needs (e.g. copies, cabs, move furniture, get food, etc.) I know some folks feel Catalyst is expensive but for what you get it's a good value - I don't have to worry if something comes up they'll have things on hand to deal with it and won't nickel and dime me for every flip chart page or board I use.. ( AV needs, etc.) read more

I've been to the ranch twice, both for work events. Both times, I was there it didn't feel like work, which was good considering I was there for program redesign work. This is exactly the type of venue that drives creativity, and gets employees to think outside of the box. So if you want to get out of the drabness of a conference room, come and book your next off site meeting at the Catalyst Ranch. The staff is friendly and will answer any of your questions. Even if your company is tucked away out in the NW Burbs of Chicago, it's worth it to come down town for a day, two days, whatever. There is a parking lot (pay lot $13 bucks) close by and it's right near the Kennedy expressway. So it's easy to get to. read more

Really - what a cool venue. My friend and I came here yesterday for a Dabble event and I was running late (per usual) and had to hoof it down Halsted in order to make it on time. It was hot, and dusty and I was sweaty and miserable. I got into the elevator a sweaty grumpy mess. As the elevator doors opened I was still sweaty but the grump factor was turned down to zip. It's literally as if you step into another world. You might find yourself asking "What is this? Where am I? Is this real life? Am I inside of a pinata?" If the goal is to make people focus on their event by taking away all context of reality, then this place does the trick. There are bright colors everywhere, there's this wonderful feeling of having stepped into an old knick knack shop without the dust and moldy smell. Seriously, this place is stuffed to the gills with cool things to look at, but it's impeccably clean. Maybe a dollhouse. A clean dollhouse from the 70s. Without the wood panelling. As I mentioned, we were there for a dabble class. We had to bring laptops, usually with laptops come power chords. This place was really well equipped for that. There were outlet strips everywhere (hidden under furniture, so as not to take the magic factor away). We were in the Junebug room. Juniper room? Jitterbug room? Anyway, internet connection was fast, it was real easy to connect to, and off we were. Also, there were varied seating options, couches, chairs with tables, etc. The only thing was I wish there would have been a snack and drink option. The event was from 6:30 to 8:30 and it would have been really nice to get a water or a soda and maybe a snack. Vending machine would have been fine - in an out of the way place, so as not to take away from the magic :) read more

AH-MAZ-ING!! We absolutely loved the Catalyst Ranch. It feels like you walked into Grandma's house with so many things to touch, feel and look at. We are a very conservative company based in the SF Bay Area looking to go totally "outside the box". Well we found it at Catalyst Ranch. We stayed down the road at Hotel Allegro and walked back and forth every day (about 15 minutes) which was a great way to start & end the day. My meeting participants couldn't stop talking about it! The venue itself leads to more relaxed atmosphere which will get those creative juices flowing! As the meeting coordinator, I was extremely thankful for the hard working "ranch hands" that helped me with everything from copies, to catering, to getting me extra supplies. They went above and beyond! The whole staff is warm and friendly. A very welcoming environment for sure! We need a Catalyst Ranch in every nook and cranny of the world! read more

I got married there 10/18/08 and it was GREAT! My husband and I loved the atmosphere, location and staff. We did not want a stuffy reception or wedding with plated meals and tables of eight. Catalyst Ranch was wonderful to work with and they made our guests feel at home. Let me start with the space... it is wonderful! Nice comfy couches and chairs, the ambiance is great. Funky and colorful! Everyone enjoyed the space and the decor. More importantly ALL of our guests felt safe and secure and would come back to the Ranch for another event. Some of our guests were seasoned and are used to banquet halls thus they were pleasantly surprised to have comfortable seating and plenty of nooks and crannies to relax in or disappear to. We rented out the entire 3rd floor and had 125 guests. No one felt cramped and we had ample room for everyone to enjoy themselves. There was a private room for me to get changed in as well for the groom to hang out in before the "I do's" were exchanged. Harry Caray (HC'S) catered our brunch reception and they did a great job! The food was overflowing everyone had more than enough to eat and there was a huge variety from mini quiches to rigatoni w/vodka sauce. HC's made sure there was enough food and one of HC's staff even went back to the restaurant to get more of the groom's favorite beer when it ran out. The presentation was wonderful and very little money was spent on it due to the great colors at the Ranch and HC's catering style. Staff was great! Paulette was our POC and she made sure all of our questions were answered. She is wonderful and very patient with brides! I probably talked to her or one of the other staff at least 20 times before I got married. I also went by the ranch 5-6 times to visit the space and she was always happy to see me and let my friends and family in to see the space. The entire staff was fantastic on the day before the wedding and on the actual wedding day. Very accommodating and patient! The location was fine for us due to being familiar with downtown. It was a bit difficult for out of towners and folks who weren't familiar with downtown. There was ample parking for our guests during our day wedding. Most found street parking or they parked in nearby lots. I would highly recommend Catalyst Ranch to anyone who does not want a traditional wedding venue and you are having a casual or vintage wedding. The décor of The Ranch will enhance your pictures and your guests will be talking about the space in years to come! Thank you Catalyst Ranch for making our wedding day one of the best days in our lives. - Mel and Will read more

Wow! That's the first word that comes to mind when I think of the Ranch. I got married here in October of 2008 (You can see some photos of my wedding there on their website http://www.catalystranchevents.com/album/comer-pfingstler1.html ). I had so much fun working with them. They are so much more than just an event space. They are a bottomless pit of experience and information. My wedding liaison (who no longer works there) was so helpful and was a conduit for me to some other vendors. I could not have imagined my unconventional wedding anywhere else other than the Catalyst Ranch. It was quirky, intimate and just good ol' fun! Oh yeah, and the Sausage Room smells like sausage! Man, do they know how to throw a party! read more

We had a brunch wedding here and the venue is so unique and colorful, all the guests said they loved the place. It's right downtown which is what we wanted. They have parking for $10 and close to Ogilvie. You have to get stuff in, and setup pretty fast and out again afterwards, so something you have to be aware of and organize. It's definitely a unique place and I'm happy to say it was very unique for our wedding. Tatiana was very helpful with everything and had no problem letting us stop by just to have another look at the venue when we wanted. read more

Love this place! My husband and I were looking for a unique venue for our reception and fell in love with the Ranch as soon as we laid eyes on it. We just had our party this past weekend and it was fabulous. We started corresponding with Lauren back in March and she was very helpful. She was always available to answer any questions and made sure we had all of our bases covered. My husband and I couldn't have been happier with the turnout. The staff was always there to help when we needed something and our guests left commenting that our wedding party was going to set the standard from now on. Thank you Catalyst Ranch for making our night so special!!! read more

As part of my consulting company, I've facilitated several product inventing & innovation sessions at Catalyst Ranch. It's hands-down the best such facility in Chicago, possibly in the country. The rooms are well-designed to get you as far removed from your sterile office environment as possible. You can get your hands on anything you might need to run a successful meeting, and the SiriusXM radio in the room is a nice touch. You also won't be wanting for food, and the catered breakfast and lunch is never less than very good. But what really puts Catalyst over the top is the staff. Before your meeting, they're easy to work with; during the meeting, the Ranch Hands are unfailingly courteous, positive and smiling, and their response to almost any request you throw at them will be along the lines of, "Yes we can" or "We'll find a way." Really just a terrific crew. It can be a little pricey relative to other locations, but once everything is factored in, it's well worth it. I'm more than comfortable giving them my continued business. read more