Want to learn a new language and make new friends this year? Do both when you register for local language lessons around town.
Spanish
- Luna y Cielo is a Logan Square playroom designed for kids to learn about Latinx culture and Spanish. The center also offers classes for adults and families.
- Elena Chicago offers beginner and conversational classes through interactive games and activities at Club Lucky in the Wicker Park–Bucktown area.
- A South Side Spanish speaking group in Bridgeport meets biweekly.
- The Newberry Library in Gold Coast is offering a Spanish language literature class this spring.
Chinese
- The Chicago Mandarin Chinese Center in the Loop offers beginner, intermediate, and advanced courses in person and online. That’s in addition to classes offered privately and in group settings.
- The Chicago North Chinese School in Des Plaines has classes for everyone from kindergarteners to adults.
Arabic
- The American Islamic College has a summer intensive institute.
Northern Illinois University students study American Sign Language in DeKalb in 2010. (Lane Christiansen / Tribune / Getty)
American Sign Language
- The Chicago Hearing Society offers youth, adult, and family classes online and in person in West Town. Deaf instructors teach students about grammar and structure as well as Deaf culture.
- Columbia College Chicago has beginner and intermediate conversational workshops at its downtown campus.
Polish
- The Discovery Center in Irving Park offers an array of classes including students who want to learn Polish.
Korean
- The Korean Education Center has courses for recreational learning and for students who want to earn a certificate. Classes are in Streeterville, Wheeling, and online.
- Take a beginner or intermediate class at the HANA Center in Irving Park. The organization also has English and Spanish classes.
Tagalog
- AFIRE Chicago offers Tagalog 101 classes on grammar, vocabulary, and Filipino culture in the fall and spring. AFIRE is also housed at the HANA Center.
Hindi
- Join I-RADHA for virtual 45-minute classes building on vocabulary and basic reading and writing skills.
English as a Second Language
- City Colleges of Chicago offers a range of free classes for residents who are non-English native speakers.
- Poder Learning Center in Gage Park has six different levels of ESL courses that emphasize job readiness as well as digital and financial literacy.
- The Pui Tak Center in Chinatown offers ESL and citizenship classes.
You can also check out City Colleges, Chicago Public Library, or language cafes. Take that Duolingo and your passive-aggressive notifications!
