Chicago is known for its diverse business culture—it’s a city in which no single sector commands more than 14 percent of the local economy. You’ll find industry titans as varied as United Airlines and MillerCoors in the Loop. Just across the river in West Loop, Google’s Chicago office sits alongside the headquarters of McDonald’s.
The city is also home to a skyrocketing startup scene, which in just 10 years has seen the number of small businesses grow by 270 percent. Today, tech entrepreneurs are setting up shop here in greater numbers than at any other point in Chicago’s history.
With that growth comes a huge demand for more innovative and flexible coworking spaces. Growing startups, creative freelancers, digital nomads, and established businesses are seeking out inspiring new places to work in Chicago.
Finding the best coworking space for your startup can be a challenge. Click here for the full Chicago city guide. And take a look at some of the best shared workspaces in Chicago. Those who want to try out a space before committing to a monthly membership can do so in many Chicago coworking spaces through the WeWork On Demand app.
West Loop
220 N Green St
Nearby Transit: Morgan Station (Green, Pink ‘L’ trains)
Cross Streets: N Green St and W Fulton St
WeWork All Access starting at: $299 per month
Workspace starting at: $29/day
Conference Room starting at: $10/hr
This shared office space in Chicago’s historic West Loop is a great fit for growing startups as well as established companies looking to expand into a lively and fast-evolving neighborhood. Companies like TransUnion, Dyson, and Mondelez all call the West Loop home.
Set over seven floors of a former meatpacking plant, this loft-style creative space retains hints of its industrial past, with exposed brick walls and wooden beams. Independent entrepreneurs can make use of flexible hot desks, while stylish private offices provide bigger teams with the room they need to thrive. This workspace is available to book for just $29 a day (or starting at $10 an hour for a meeting room) using the WeWork On Demand app.
222 South Riverside Plaza
Nearby Transit: Quincy (Brown, Orange, Pink, Purple ‘L’ trains), Union Station (intercity), Ogilvie Station (intercity)
Cross Streets: S Canal St and W Jackson Blvd
WeWork All Access starting at: $299 per month
Workspace starting at: $29/day
Conference Room starting at: $10/hr
This riverside coworking space right next to Union Station is buzzing with creative energy. With the renowned eateries of Greektown and nearby Restaurant Row just a short walk away, you’ll have lots of options for entertaining business clients and investors.
Inside, 222 South Riverside Plaza is packed with useful amenities. Take a breather in the wellness room or let off some steam over a game of table tennis in the recreational games area. A well-stocked espresso bar provides your morning caffeine kick, while a selection of contemporary private offices are suited to teams of all sizes. This workspace is available to book for just $29 a day (or starting at $10 an hour for a meeting room) using the WeWork On Demand app.
625 W Adams Street
Nearby Transit: Clinton (Blue ‘L’ trains), Union Station (intercity), Ogilvie Station (intercity)
Cross Streets: W Adams St and S Desplaines St
WeWork All Access starting at: $299 per month
Workspace starting at: $29/day
Conference Room starting at: $10/hr
An ultramodern office space in the fast-moving West Loop neighborhood, 625 W Adams Street is located in the heart of a diverse community of businesses from across a range of sectors. Your out-of-town clients will be impressed by a trip up to the Skydeck at Willis Tower just three blocks away, while nearby Union Station and Ogilvie Station make for an easy intercity commute.
Teams can enjoy premium amenities at this shared creative space, which features collaborative conference rooms, an outdoor terrace, and well-designed private offices. This workspace is available to book for just $29 a day (or starting at $10 an hour for a meeting room) using the WeWork On Demand app.
The National
Nearby Transit: Monroe (Blue, Red ‘L’ trains), Quincy (Brown, Orange, Pink, Purple ‘L’ trains)
Cross Streets: S Clark St and W Marble Pl
WeWork All Access starting at: $299 per month
Workspace starting at: $29/day
Conference Room starting at: $10/hr
Situated in the heart of the Loop—a diverse business district in which companies such as Tribune Media and GrubHub have their headquarters—this shared workspace stands shoulder to shoulder with some of Chicago’s biggest and most successful businesses. Downstairs, you’ll find Revival Food Hall, a grab-and-go food market highlighting the best of the city’s thriving culinary scene.
Formerly the Commercial National Bank of Chicago, this stunning example of neoclassical architecture was designed in 1907 by Daniel Burnham. Now it is home to a dynamic community of agile startups and entrepreneurs. It offers spacious conference areas, bright lounges, and modern private offices. This workspace is available to book for just $29 a day (or starting at $10 an hour for a meeting room) using the WeWork On Demand app.
North Side
515 N State
Nearby Transit: State & Lake (Brown, Green, Orange, Pink, Purple ‘L’ trains), Grand (Red ‘L’ trains)
Cross Streets: N State St and E Grand Ave
WeWork All Access starting at: $299 per month
Workspace starting at: $29/day
Conference Room starting at: $10/hr
Located just a few blocks from the Chicago River, this flexible office space offers a unique mix of cutting-edge innovation and historical, old-school charm. You can break for a spot of retail therapy on nearby Michigan Avenue or raise a glass to team successes at some of the most celebrated bars and restaurants in the city.
This shared coworking space offers ample parking and bike storage, a fully equipped on-site fitness center for those who want to hit the gym, and a selection of generously sized conference rooms and private offices. This workspace is available to book for just $29 a day (or starting at $10 an hour for a meeting room) using the WeWork On Demand app.
330 North Wabash
Nearby Transit: State & Lake (Brown, Green, Orange, Pink, Purple ‘L’ trains), Grand (Red ‘L’ trains)
Cross Streets: N State St and E Kinzie St
WeWork All Access starting at: $299 per month
Workspace starting at: $29/day
Conference Room starting at: $10/hr
Designed by renowned architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, this landmark 52-story building on the Chicago River forms part of the city’s iconic skyline. Once owned by tech giant IBM, 330 North Wabash is now home to the headquarters of the American Medical Association.
WeWork occupies two floors of this highly sought-after coworking space, which features stunning views of the river, all-inclusive amenities such as a coffee bar with a dedicated barista, and a large and flexible event space ideal for networking events and meetups.
Whether you’re a freelancer looking for an occasional desk, or a startup in search of an office space that can grow with your team, there’s a WeWork location in Chicago to suit your needs. These coworking spaces offer a collaborative environment for businesses of any size and type, in the most sought-after, conveniently located buildings. This workspace is available to book for just $29 a day (or starting at $10 an hour for a meeting room) using the WeWork On Demand app.
Steve Hogarty is a writer and journalist based in London. He is the travel editor of City AM newspaper and the deputy editor of City AM Magazine, where his work focuses on technology, travel, and entertainment.
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