Whether you’re based in the Windy City or coming here for a meeting, you won’t be disappointed by the variety and quality of Chicago team building activities to choose from. Some of the most intelligent, creative, and entrepreneurial minds in the world flock to Chicago to start tech companies, work at medical centers, restaurants, and theaters. This is just the place to get the creative juices flowing, build morale, and increase engagement.
I’ve always felt that the environment you’re in dictates the energy of your session. In a city as vibrant as Chicago, that energy is palpable. It’s about taking a break from the day-to-day routines to focus on connection and communication.
Informal Outings For Your Team
Simply enjoying Chicago together can have real value. The benefits might not be as immediate or recognizable as a professionally facilitated team program, but you can build trust and camaraderie by simply spending quality time together out of your workspace.
While not your traditional idea of team building activities Chicago, doing any of the below with your work team has validity:
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Feel the Blues: Did you know that Chuck Berry, The Rolling Stones, Cream, and The Jimi Hendrix Experience all credit the Chicago urban blues scene for influencing their styles? Take in a show at Buddy Guy’s Legends or the House of Blues. Sit back, get to know each other in a different setting, and have a little fun together.
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Shoot for the Stars: One of my favorite things to do in Chicago is visit the Adler Planetarium. You can literally spend hours getting lost in space. Once you get your head out of the clouds, hop on over to nearby Navy Pier overlooking beautiful Lake Michigan.
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Get a Little Artsy: Grab your group and take a selfie with “The Bean” in Millennium Park, then head over to Tavern at the Park for a little lunch al fresco. The art at the Art Institute of Chicago will likely inspire great conversation among your group.
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Batter Up: Taking in a Cubs game is one of the most popular outings for residents and visitors alike. While you may not consider a ball game a “traditional” program, there’s real value in the bonding that occurs when sharing a memory with your peers.
Top 5 Corporate Team Building Activities in Chicago
When you want or need professionally facilitated team programs that drive results and ROI, the Windy City won’t let you down. Here are my top picks for team building activities Chicago suburbs and downtown.
1. Tell Your Story, Sing Your Song
I’m passionate, and admittedly a bit biased, about my company’s program, Team Building Through Song®. With Chicago’s rich musical history, it’s one of the ultimate corporate team building activities Chicago. We’ve led songwriting programs at Buddy Guy’s, at historic recording studios, and even on the shores of Lake Michigan!
Whether you’re part of a corporate team, a small company, or an association, you have a message and culture that set you apart. Song programs will help you tell your group’s story. You’ll create powerful takeaways as you write your own team chart-toppers. Music brings a great mash-up of intellect and emotion, which is fantastic for motivation.
2. Laugh it Off (The Power of Improv)
Perhaps the most distinguished improv company in America is in Chicago: The Second City. You and your group will learn techniques to help you think on your feet, communicate, and collaborate. Improv is highly creative and remains one of the best ways to build relationships as you work together at a slightly challenging “out of the box” task.
3. Swing Into Action
For a unique, daredevil experience, the Trapeze School in Chicago might be the place. You and your team will encourage each other to face your fears, let go, and try new challenges together. It’s a literal way to build trust, ready to take a risk?
4. Game On: Indoor Team Building Activities Near Me, Chicago
Some people aren’t big on party games, but I love a good old-fashioned game night. Game Night Out turns up the competition factor within your group. You’ll work together to capture the coveted title of team champs, and it’s one of the best indoor team building activities near me, Chicago, for when that lake breeze gets a little too chilly!
5. See What’s Cooking
Chicago Dine Around offers programs where you cook together. Your group will use problem-solving and teamwork to make unique recipes. Learning about new ingredients and working as a team to achieve a beautiful dish is a delicious idea for team building.
Why Choose Chicago for Your Next Event?
I’ve seen firsthand how a change of scenery, especially a scenery as iconic as the Chicago skyline, can realign a team. Whether you are doing a DIY “favorite song” icebreaker at your hotel or a professionally facilitated songwriting session, the goal is the same: connection.
Team building Chicago works because the city itself is a metaphor for teamwork—think of the architecture, the jazz ensembles, and the bustling kitchens. It all requires harmony.
Ready to bring the power of music to your next Chicago event?
Contact us today to get the process started for the best music team building program around!