The idea of it is awesome. Knowing everyone is single and looking for friends too makes things a lot easier. Paying thousands of dollars for it, not so much. Be sure you are 100% positive you are willing to pay for friends or you'll be out of luck for getting any money back. I followed their extremely strict rules to the T and I am still getting the run around. I signed up Sept 16, 2014 and still have not even been told I will get my refund let alone received it as of writing this review on Nov 23 2014. I attended the two events the first two days after I signed up. They were fun. Met some cool people. It seemed to have potential to be a great program. It wasn't at all what they hype it up to be but it was still alright. BUT make sure you are ready and willing to spend the money and to know you will never see it again. No matter how bad or terrible future events may be. No matter if you never attend an event again or simply changed your mind even a week later. Even if an emergency of some sort happens, you can only freeze your account for a period of time. You must cancel in writing by certified mail no later than the third day after signing up. After that they make you wait 30 days until they even think of looking at your cancellation request. After inquiring about getting the refund now, you are then told it is 30 "business" days from when you cancelled even though it does not mention that at all in the agreement you sign. So about a week after 30 business days I ask again for my refund. I am told attending an event negates my ability to cancel my membership. That too, was not in the agreement. And they had the nerve to tell me to look over the cancellation section and to get back to them if I had any further questions. You only have three days to cancel anyways and then they make up this idea that if you attend an event within those three days that it negates a refund. That statement too, though, is not in the agreement. So then I get another email stating they are going to further review my request and get back to me. Well, it has been 13 days since that last email and still no response. I finally ask again for my refund and if not received by Dec. 1 I will take them to court for not following their own agreement with their members. Just today I got an email with no personal response or writing of any kind. It just simply had attached a scanned copy of my agreement that I of course already have and have been reading forwards and backwards multiple times since the beginning of all this. That's it. No real response. No real customer service. They don't answer the phone either. You have to leave a message and they call you back in a day or two. With no real answers either. Don't get caught in this trap. I have gone to a few meetup.com groups and they have been very fun. I have already met a lot of friends and these events are almost always free to attend. I have only been to two E&A events, so besides this still ongoing problem with the cancellation, the program does seem to have potential to do well for certain people. I personally was and am still not wanting to spend literally thousands of dollars all at once and upfront for the POTENTIAL to meet new friends and have fun. I don't recommend this at all unless you are 100% sure and willing to spend money to try to potentially make friends. read more

TL:DNR, Events and Adventures is one of the worst kinds of predatory organizations: specifically, one that takes advantage of lonely individuals that desperately seek companionship. I was introduced to E&A through a barrage of ads preceding their opening of a new chapter in Boston, and through a YouTube podcaster that I listen to regularly. It seemed like a good thing to sign up for: do cool things with people, and hopefully find love. I should have done more research. My association with E&A started with an "interview". Sure, they asked a few perfunctory questions to make sure I wasn't married, wasn't a criminal, and had a job. However, after that, it was a mix of high-pressure sales, making sure (and reinforcing) that I was lonely, desperate, and had money to burn, and deftly dodging any concerns I had while undercutting me. I found myself practically begging them to let me join their organization. They were very gracious, and allowed me to do so. What this meant is that I needed to pay them a pretty significant up-front fee (more than $2,000), had to pay them a monthly fee (about $15, if memory serves, but others report twice that), had to pay for every event that I signed up for (typically quite overpriced), and then had to drive an hour to an hour and a half to go to the event. When I asked about having events in a larger radius, well, that got shot down pretty quick. The reason why is fairly simple: E&A doesn't care about you, they only care about you as a revenue stream. This was made abundantly clear to me recently. In the past 24 months, I have had less than six months of work. To say that I am in pretty severe financial distress is an understatement. Yet, despite the requirement to have a job to join E&A, my extended lack of employment, and my offer to provide unemployment documents to show that I am in fact unemployed, they trotted out their "refund policy". I put that in quotes because once you sign on the dotted line, you have three days to request a refund. When I asked to get a refund due to financial hardship, they trotted out that "refund policy", and too bad so sad for me. I would suggest that an organization that supposedly cares so much for its members' well-being should actually demonstrate that care. Instead, Events and Adventures manages to combine the sleezy, high-pressure sales tactics of used car salesmen with the financial boondoggle of buying a timeshare (and their sales tactics/brainwashing as well). Even when I did go to the events, well, it felt like everyone was wearing a mask, or posing, so actually getting genuine connections felt impossible. But, to a starving man, any crumb seems a feast; just look at the bevy of gushing, five-star reviews to see how deep the brainwashing goes. Please learn from me, dear reader, and don't blow a few thousand dollars for disappointment with Events and Adventures. read more

First off, there haven't been any recent reviews because people are having too much fun at the events to care about reviews on yelp. I've been a member for about a year now, and it's definitely the best decision I've made in Chicago. The biggest thing about this club is that it is what you make it. If you want this to be a dating club, then you can surely go and talk to anybody you want to, go on dates outside of the events, and do it without the pressure or competition of being at a nightclub. If you want to make it a social club, then you can just make friends. I hang out with a few people outside of the club, and we do our own thing sometimes. The best part about the people in this club is that they are all accepting, and mature enough to respond and have a conversation with anyone who says hi. The only drawback to this club, if there has to be one, is that it is a little on the pricey side. If you know this coming in, then it's not a big deal at all though. Also, everybody pays this price, so you know people are serious. This is how I would prefer it. I've been to a few events of singles groups that are free, and it was only a waste of time. On the last note, people are either positive or negative in life. If you complain about everything, then you will continue to complain about everything. If you have a positive outlook then you will enjoy life more, and more people will like you. All of the bad reviews you see are probably from people who are negative, or didn't have the money to join. I would highly recommend this group to anybody who is new to Chicago, or if you've been looking for a change in your life. read more

Liars and Thieves! be warned, sign up ONLY if you are prepared to pay the full amount. You only have 3 days to cancel a one or two year contract that ranges anywhere from $1k-$2.5k+ dues. In my opinion they do NOT do anywhere near enough to justify their price. the only free events are bar meet ups, why would I pay thousands of dollars for that?! most of the people that show up are middle aged obnoxious divorcee drunks that are only looking to get laid. Every single part of this experience was beyond poor. Once you sign, they're going to get their money no matter what. beware of "Freeze Time"! If you get a Gold membership, IT DOES NOTHING FOR YOU!!! they use that as a hook to lure you in. They sell it as though you can halt payments but in fact you cannot in anyway stop, what they do instead is just give you added membership at the end of the subscription period (what they call initiation fee). If you have a Gold membership, you are a member for life! so "Freeze Time" is total bogus! I was active for only 3 months but I am billed for the ENTIRE 2 years. Even after my complaints and voicing my dissatisfaction, there was not alteration or compensation. I've even spoken to the president himself and he has NO intention of changing. I would have been perfectly satisfied with a cancelation fee because you really are unable to experience anything in a measly 3 days! Huge waste of money and as far as I'm concerned its company of crooks that prey on lonely people, utterly despicable... read more

I joined Events and Adventures a little bit over a year now, personally I joined because I've always had a great sense of adventure and at times I found myself alone whenever I wanted to try something new, fun and exciting, my friends were either working or had kids. Since I became a member I had the opportunity to do many fun activities the city of Chicago has to offer, like bubble soccer (my favorite), rooftops, fencing, skydiving, tango lessons to name a few, they also had a couple events in neighbor states, white water rafting in Indiana and lazy tubing in Wisconsin both of them pretty cool, not only that, it is a great way to meet new people as well, I had made lots of friends and I'm currently dating a beautiful woman I met at the club. One of the highlights of Events and Adventures to me would be their camping trips, labor day camping trip was my first mayor event and not only was an amazing time but I had the opportunity to meet Alex Estevez who is the event coordinator and I have to say I'm more than happy and impressed with his passion for the work he does, he goes above and beyond to make sure people are having an amazing time, he's open minded and engaged with his job, he listens and genuinely cares about people, truly remarkable the work he's done this past year. It has been a fascinating experience, I highly recommend it to anyone who's got a hungry sense of wanderlust!!. read more

I've been in E&A Chicago for 10 months now and have been very active with attending events 2-3 times a week. I have at times thought I will look back on this as some of the best years of my life! There is a wide spectrum of people in the club and we are always coming up with new ways to have fun together. We do things ranging from having a board game night in the city or visiting a local hot spot to sky diving. If you like travel and getting away we go on weekend trips several times a year and meet up with our sister club from Minneapolis to go camping during the summer and skiing in the winter. The opportunities to get out and do something with new friends are endless. The people are the best part of the club. I can't tell you what my favorite event is because I go on so many and have a good time, but what makes the club worthwhile is the people here are just out to have a good time, meet new people, and make friends. Never have I met such a friendly group filled with people that just want to meet and get to know me. It only gets easier and easier to go out and have fun because the friends I've made will be there and I'll feel right at home. I am so glad I invested in myself and joined this club. We will see what the next year brings and what new adventures we will get ourselves into. read more

I initially signed up without looking at the reviews for E&A. My mistake and I hope it doesn't cost other people thousands of dollars like it did me. I signed up for 2 years because I thought it would make the monthly cost more affordable. I was sold on the potential travel groups and it being a company that handles your social calendar. The travel is way overpriced and the social calendar is weak at best including things like Harry Potter night. Coming from a male perspective there are multiple creepy guys that are part of this group and its difficult to watch the interaction at the events. I think the group recognizes this and has even created an event on the calendar that attempts to teach them how not to be creepy. The girls who get swarmed by these creepy men seem to disappear due to that fact. I requested a refund for the second year of my membership and was told by the corporate office that I was outside of the 3 day cancellation policy. That's right... they only give you 3 days from when you start to cancel. Not sure how this is legal so I am currently seeking counsel from an attorney. My advice: Don't join, save your money. And I will leave an update on my potential legal proceedings. read more

From Jonathan U. Dear Mr. Owen, As an Events and Adventures member, I want to commend the efforts of three members of your staff. Alex Estevez, Emily Bey and Saman Sarraff of the Chicago club. I've been a member for 10 years starting in Houston, In 2012, my employment moved me to the Chicago area and I've seen this club grown exponentially as a result of Alex, Emily and Saman. This is not to say that the other staff members/event coordinators have not done their jobs but in Alex, Saman and Emily, I've seen the unique distinction of them getting to really know their members and going the extra mile. I speak for the rest of the Chicago Club when I say we have been blessed getting them in our group. As you know, event planning can be a stressful job and interpersonal situations can get strained. They've come through time and time again, listening to our concerns, getting us the best events etc. I just wanted to pass that on that they are valued employees and keep up the good work with Events and Adventures. If you have any other comments or questions, please feel free to contact me at the below number or e-mail and thank you for all your efforts keeping Events and Adventures fun and exciting. read more

Chicago YELP Review I would like to say participating in E&A events with the Chicago group was a total and absolute blast! Some of the events and adventures I had the joy of being with them included the Memorial Day campout in Wisconsin Dells and a Brewers baseball game in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Alex Schmalex helped make the campout extra special by sharing his culinary skills and secret recipes such as his amazingly seasoned meat tacos. These were easily the best tacos I ever had!! After much rain and soggy campgrounds upon arrival, his excellent tasting foods throughout the weekend made the group camping experience so much more enjoyable. We never went away hungry and everyone wanted seconds. His impressive cooking abilities were also greatly appreciated at the Milwaukee Brewers baseball tailgate party. The heat and humidity in Milwaukee, Wisconsin that afternoon were terrible before and during the entire game with no rain to cool down the air. However, everyone overcame the oppressive heat and discomfort, and we all ate very well beforehand which helped us survive the weather and enjoy the game. Steve Langlois read more

If it is the same investors/employees, etc. as Highlife Adventures, which closed, I seriously recommend you ask for a trial membership, attend a few events first. They are like used car sales. They charge different membership charges for each member. When I joined HA, they first quoted one fee over the phone. When I went in, the salesperson said they need more guys like me and cut the quoted fee in half. And then when I showed that I worried the group wouldn't be right for me, she cut the membership again. And when I joined, I met people that paid 3-4 times than I did. And then I met a couple guys that were abusive towards women. And, a friend confided in me that she was raped by a member and her lawyer was suing the group because her rapist was a convicted rapist and the group promised her and all members that they do criminal backgrounds. And, from what I heard, they filed bankruptcy to avoid several lawsuits. And, then they waited 2-3 months and opened a new club, This club with the same management. So, if you are at all worried about safety, honest business practices, do not join. read more

Consider this the social equivalent of a gym membership. How do you win friends and influence people? By being friendly, interested in the people around you, and by radiating positive energy. Do that and you'll have a great time in this club. I've met several of my favorite people in this social circle. My weekends have been transformed by the knowledge of some of the best entertainment spots in the city. Back to that gym membership metaphor. You don't expect to get jacked after one day at the gym. It might take several events before you meet your core group of friends here. I love the diversity and variety of age range in the group. Not everyone is going to be your cup of tea. And that's ok. That's life. You probably don't love 100% of your co-workers or 100% of your customers. You didn't love 100% of your classmates, etc. there are a lot of good hearted, fun loving people here and the events here are a lot of fun. It's not a cheap group to join. There are more cost efficient options, but it's been worth the money in my experience. I've been a member for 3+ years. read more

A great group and a unique opportunity. E&A is a very diversified program; so you have the opportunity to meet different people at different activities. Also, you meet people in a very relaxed setting so as to make a connection in a "low-anxiety and low pressure" environment. My favorite activity has been the Chicago once-a-month dinners around the world; in which E&A selects an ethnic restaurant each month for dinner. It is a very easy setting to meet people; and you enjoy a restaurant that you otherwise would have not dined. Plus, at the Argentina restaurant; we had tango dancing lessons after dinner - very fun. On the other extreme; monthly co-ed volleyball has been fun; and also a "low-anxiety and low pressure" environment. Finally, I went on an activity that I otherwise would never have considered -- a nighttime helicopter trip over the downtown lakefront -- extremely enjoyable. Another bonus; I met a wonderful woman from St. Charles; that I would not have otherwise met. Best of luck. read more

DO NOT SIGN UP!!! What a scam it is. When I originally signed up and signed my life away in this long contract that they barely went over the CANCELLATION PORTION. Came to find out that I was not to happy with the events planned and shortly after joining I met my boyfriend aka NOT AT THIS CLUB!! I wanted to get out because I wasn't going anymore. Well when I called to cancel they informed me that it was past the 3 DAY NOTICE of CANCELLATION POLICY!!! What?!? 3 days that doesn't even give u enough time to even know if you like the events. So no one informed me on the 3 day CANCELLATION policy which is bullshit. Now I'm engaged and getting married 2018. They still will not let me cancel and need to be married and show them proof of marriage certificate. What a scam!! Do not sign up or waste you money. You will never get your money's worth on this membership. Also all the guys were not attractive nor my type. A lot older and hate to say it but dorky as well. read more

I joined Events and Adventures back in March of 2018 I have been to so many great events I can't even keep track. They do so many different things ranging from something simple like volleyball on the beach to trips all over the world. I love the fact that they they usually have a big party every month and even those are different each month... in the summer they did a rooftop pool party and BBQ in downtown Chicago, another month it was a giant water slide and giant slip n slide not far from the city in a members back yard! I went camping Memorial Day weekend and even went to New Orleans the beginning of the month, both trips were awesome! I even took a friend with to New Orleans who's not a member, and meet awesome people from all over the US while having the best time! It's always something fun to do! So if your debating on joining I say do it! I haven't regretted a moment of my membership! read more

3 days to get a refund isn't even enough time to attend an event... That's right, you only have three days to ask for your money back after signing up. Its a total scam. At the events you will be surrounded by creepy older men and uncomfortable women who didn't know what they were getting into. I asked for a refund after 3 months and I was told per the 3 day rule that I was outside of my refund time. I had signed up for two years for $2700.00. I have never heard of a company who doesn't work with a dissatisfied customer. I should have read the Yelp reviews and looked at whats written about this group on the Better Business Bureau. One piece of advice... Don't make the mistake that I did and sign up. Save your money. I am looking into a class action suit to see if other dissatisfied members can get their money back too. read more

Events and Adventures has been one of the best decisions I have made while in Chicago. After a couple years of living in Chicago, I felt like I was in a rut. My friends from med school kept doing the same things. I felt like I had barely knew the city. So I joined in the hopes of trying new things and meeting new people. And I wasn't disappointed. Since joining I have done so many more new things. I went skydiving for the first time. Tried new restaurants. Learned how to ballroom. And so much more. I have also have met some of the best friends I could have asked for. In joining Events and Adventures I have felt like I have joined a family. It is all I have hoped for and more. I tell all my friends outside of the club about the group and encourage everyone single to check it out. No regrets. A life changing decision! read more

2019 is to not get desperate. Don't sign that contract! After 3-days, no canceling. Be bill to pay in full regardless if you had not gone to any events? google search legit outings events all around Chicago without joining their site. Report your concern with your congressman. ------///////////----------------///////------------- Don't sign that contract! After 3-days that'll stick you for membership to pay in full regardless if you had not gone to any events?! I had dispute and they are not friendly at all. They don't care. Once you sign that contract not even a get out jail card gets you release from it. A horribleness experience. Not customer service friendly. Such a scam business. Just join a local gym club to meet true frirfor social involvement. It's a bogus business! read more

Amazing people! This is a private social club with plenty of mingles, game nights, wine/beer tastings, theater outings, themed parties, and trips local and abroad. You meet singles from all over Chicago who share similar goals of getting out, having fun, and meeting other single professionals. Your entire social calendar is planned out for you where all you have to do is show up and enjoy the best life has to offer. I have met countless new friends and have had genuine and thoughtful conversations with teachers and CEOs, doctors to lawyers, engineers, scientists, and simply really good human beings. Higly recommend to anyone who is bored of sitting at home, is seeking some new excitement in their life, and/or who is new to the windy city. read more

I was one of the first members to join Events and Adventures when they first started in Chicago about 4 and half years ago and it was the best decision to join. I have met so many new friends and enjoyed many new experiences. E & A has pushed me to go out of my comfort zone and talk to people and do things I never thought I would do. The best part about E & A, is that everyone is single and is looking to meet new people. Also, your entire month is planned for you to go out and have fun! There is an event for everyone! If you are single and new to Chicago, most of your friends are married, or you just like to meet new single people then you should join Events and Adventures! Hope to see YOU at an event!! read more