When asking yourself about something to do near me in Chicago with a group of friends or family, consider
Chez Event Venue
Why Chez Event Venue is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Chez Event Venue is a beautifully designed contemporary loft located in Chicago, offering a versatile and elegant space ideal for various occasions including weddings, corporate events, social gatherings, and private parties. The venue features original white-painted brick walls and polished architectural elements such as a modern glass staircase, creating a stylish blank canvas that clients can creatively transform to personalize their events. With a seating capacity of up to 180 guests for receptions and 150 for combined ceremonies and receptions, Chez provides ample space to accommodate both intimate and larger celebrations. The venue includes thoughtfully selected furniture such as clear Mirage ghost chairs, dining and cabaret tables, and highboy tables which serve as an excellent foundation for event setups. Additionally, the venue offers a cutting-edge intelligent lighting system that enables dynamic, customizable lighting effects — from soft and romantic to vibrant and celebratory — enhancing the ambiance and aesthetics of every event. This lighting technology also ensures that key decor elements and moments are beautifully highlighted, contributing to timeless photos and an enchanting atmosphere. Chez also benefits from a professional and responsive event staff that assists clients throughout planning and execution, supporting a smooth and memorable experience. Its city location makes it especially appealing for urban couples and clientele seeking a chic venue with flexibility and sophistication.
Here's what people think of Chez Event Venue
As of recent, Chez Event Venue holds a 4.9-star rating based on 14 reviews.
Customer reviews of Chez Event Venue are overwhelmingly positive, reflected in its excellent 4.9-star rating from 14 reviews. Reviewers consistently praise the venue’s aesthetic appeal, describing it as a stunning and versatile space that works well as a blank canvas allowing clients to infuse their own creativity and style for their special day. Many highlight the venue’s contemporary loft design featuring tasteful architectural details, which adds a unique charm and elegance to events. The professional and attentive service from the venue staff, particularly event coordinators like McKenna who assist with everything from logistics to small details such as dress adjustments and timing cues, has been lauded for making the planning and event day experience exceptionally smooth and enjoyable. Positive feedback also emphasizes the accommodating nature of the venue’s team, flexibility in tailoring the space, and the overall value clients feel they receive. On the other hand, negative feedback is minimal and not prominently featured, suggesting that dissatisfaction is rare. Some event venues may face challenges with availability or specific logistical preferences, but no significant recurring issues were noted in the available reviews for Chez. Overall, client testimonials reflect strong satisfaction with both the aesthetic and operational aspects of Chez Event Venue, affirming it as a top choice within Chicago for weddings and other important events.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Clare Stetson
Hosting our wedding at Chez was such a pleasure! It's a blank canvas waiting for you to design your dream wedding! Our vision was to have a sleek, chic, classy, minimal wedding in the city and Chez was the perfect venue for that! We partnered also with Deborah and her team at Art of Imagination - and this was one of the key components to our whole day. The relationship between Maricar (Chez venue coordinator) and Deborah (Creative Director AOI) is top-notch and it makes the planning process pretty seamless 🙌 (I would also like to note that having the tables and chairs is such a bonus at a venue in Chicago. Not all venues offer this, and most of the time you are required to rent tables/chairs at an additional cost, but having it built-in to the package at Chez was such a selling point for us!) Wedding rehearsal/ Wedding day: The days leading up to our wedding & our actual wedding day couldn't have been more perfect 🥰 Since there was no wedding at Chez the day before our wedding, Maricar allowed us host our rehearsal practice at the venue which was such a treat - because to our surprise, the team at Art of Imagination had already started setting up and decorating our venue so we got a small taste of our wedding vision coming to life! We had an excellent rehearsal and we were able to give our family and friends a tour and sneak-peek of the venue which made everything flow so nicely on the wedding day. Our wedding day was a dream come true and we're very happy to have hosted our wedding at Chez! The building has such a cool history and our guests really enjoyed the space! The bridal suite upstairs was a perfect space for what we needed. My dress had some fitting issues and we were able to escape to this room and fix it privately without any of our guests knowing. It was also a great space for us to enjoy some apps and cocktails as newlyweds before joining our guests at the reception 💜. Wedding planning: We had a few minor hiccups and miscommunications throughout our planning process but nothing that took away from our overall experience with Chez. We ended up choosing a a caterer that was not included on the 'preferred list' and we were charged a fee for not hiring a 'preferred vendor' from their list. However, Maricar was helpful and accommodating and she worked with us to reallocate those funds to other aspects of the wedding (decor etc.). Maricar arranged these details with Art of Imagination and we were satisfied with the outcome of the situation. Maricar was also very accommodating with our caterers request to bring in bar-top furniture a day prior to our wedding in order to avoid exorbitant rental fees (from the rental company) on a peak Saturday delivery day. Overall - we would highly recommend Chez as a venue for any event, especially a wedding! Thanks for being a part of our special day! (Photo Credit WS Photography | Chicago Wedding Photographer)
Lindsay Gaeta
Chez is one of the coolest venues in the city! I’m an event planner in Chicago, and I’ve produced events at Chez over the past 10 years or so. Recently, they installed an entirely new sound system, full LED wall, and lighting. You have to see it to understand how impactful the changes are to the space! The lighting is incredible, and super affordable compared to bring in a separate lighting company to do the same quality of work. For my particular event, we had a Video DJ come in and supplemented the video content that the venue provided. But honestly, the venues video content is amazing. They have an entire catalog of different colors, patterns, animations, etc. i’ve previously done a bunch of weddings here, but after producing a recent birthday celebration, I was reminded that the space could be used for literally any type of event. It’s a genuine blank canvas, and you can make it your own. Definitely worth checking out! The event was an early 2000s themed 40th birthday party. The decor (including the glow pedestals) was provided by Atmosphere Events Group, Catering by Entertaining Company, Video DJ from The DJ Firm, Photography by Alain Milotti of Found Light Studios, and Event Planning by Lindsay Gaeta of Liven It Up.
MIIRRORS
Excellent, gorgeous event space. So well-maintained, designed with a modern minimal feel but doesn’t feel sterile whatsoever. They go above and beyond to serve and create an atmosphere that is engaging. Discovered through our experience that it’s an amazing venue for live music.
Francois Ellis
My cousin had her wedding at Chez and the vibe and style and overall aura of this venue was very beautiful and unique. The venue is very welcoming and the staff was amazing! Will definitely be returning soon!!
Ricardo Zamarron
I can't thank Mar enough for the wonderful experience! The venue space is stunning and catered to our every need. The preferred vendors were also amazing!
How to reach Chez Event Venue
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Why Chez Event Venue may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Chez Event Venue with your friends? Because it offers an exceptional combination of style, convenience, and versatility that makes every gathering memorable. Located in the heart of downtown Chicago, just two blocks from the iconic Michigan Avenue and a short stroll from vibrant neighborhoods like the Loop, River North, and the Gold Coast, Chez provides an easily accessible, central spot for your meetup. Imagine your group enjoying a seamless experience with over 60 hotels nearby to accommodate out-of-town guests, eliminating travel hassles and encouraging everyone to stay longer and relish the moment. The venue’s modern and transformable white canvas space gives your celebration a chic, sophisticated backdrop, perfect for personal touches that match your group's personality and the occasion.
Chez boasts a 4.9-star rating from 14 reviews, a testament to its flawless customer service and the remarkable experiences it provides. From cozy family reunions to lively friend gatherings or milestone celebrations, this venue’s flexible layout accommodates up to 300 cocktail guests or 200 seated guests with dancing, delivering just the right vibe whether you want a casual hangout or an elegant affair. Its architectural details, such as floor-to-ceiling windows with blackout shades and an iconic glass staircase, add to the aesthetic appeal while ensuring your group's comfort and privacy. Rallying at Chez doesn’t just mean meeting up; it means creating an event filled with style, convenience, and unforgettable memories.
What activities can you enjoy at Chez Event Venue? Chez is exquisitely designed to host a wide range of activities that entertain and engage groups of all kinds. Whether you're planning an intimate dinner party, a spirited cocktail evening, or a dynamic corporate retreat, the space adapts seamlessly to your needs. The venue offers an impressive array of tables, including ten rectangular, ten round, and ten adjustable-height cocktail tables, alongside 150 stylish ghost chairs, making seating flexible and functional. Its open floor plan supports cocktail receptions, seated dinners, theater-style presentations, and even ceremonies combined with dining—ideal for milestones like birthdays, anniversaries, or engagement celebrations.
Beyond traditional gatherings, Chez can become a stage for engaging group activities. The venue’s high-speed complimentary Wi-Fi and modern audio equipment support multimedia events such as trivia nights, interactive workshops, or private screenings. Its dimmable track lighting allows you to set the perfect ambiance, whether you're looking for bright and energetic or soft and intimate lighting. The coatroom and private suite offer guests a comfortable space to settle in and refresh, ensuring the event flows smoothly. Plus, accessibility features make it welcoming for all friends and family members, regardless of mobility needs. Chez's on-site liaison assists with smooth coordination so your planned activities encounter no obstacles, allowing you and your friends to fully immerse in the fun and celebration.
Why is Chez Event Venue perfect for a group meetup? Because it provides a venue that blends luxury, convenience, and flexibility, creating an ideal environment for groups to come together and enjoy shared moments. Its downtown location means your group is central to Chicago’s lively cultural, culinary, and entertainment scenes, enhancing your meetup experience with options before or after your event. Guests can easily explore iconic attractions within walking distance like Millennium Park or The Magnificent Mile, or unwind at the many nearby hotels. This blend of urban energy and sophisticated venue ambiance encourages both lively socializing and relaxed enjoyment.
Moreover, the modern white-canvas design of Chez allows groups to customize the space for their unique theme or mood. Whether you prefer a minimalist modern look or want to design a vibrant, colorful event, the venue offers the perfect blank slate. The architectural glass staircase adds dramatic flair, ideal for photo opportunities that make your meetup memorable for everyone involved. Offered rental packages include ample setup and breakdown time, so neither the hosts nor the guests feel rushed, further emphasizing comfort and ease. Staff support throughout ensures all logistics and vendor coordination are professionally handled, enabling you and your friends to focus exclusively on having a great time together.
How does Chez Event Venue accommodate different types of group events? Chez is remarkably versatile, catering to a wide spectrum of event types. Its capacity makes it ideal for anything from intimate gatherings under 50 people to lively parties or corporate functions welcoming up to 300 guests. For private parties and family reunions, the venue’s casual yet chic setup fosters warm interaction and connection. For corporate meetups, it offers spaces suitable for presentations or networking sessions while maintaining a stylish atmosphere that impresses colleagues and clients alike.
The venue is also a favored choice for weddings and milestone celebrations such as anniversaries or graduation parties. Its transformable layout means ceremonies and receptions can flow effortlessly together without changing locations, ensuring guests remain comfortable and engaged. Additionally, the venue partners with trusted event vendors, helping hosts secure everything from catering and bar services to decor and photo booths. The event liaison coordinates these offerings seamlessly, so whether your group’s party plan includes dancing, dining, or speeches, Chez delivers an experience that feels personal and professionally executed.
What conveniences and amenities make Chez Event Venue stand out for hosting groups? One of Chez’s greatest strengths lies in the comprehensive amenities that support a sophisticated experience. The venue includes complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi so groups can stay connected, share photos live, or stream event highlights. The supplied furniture—including ghost chairs, various tables, and cocktail tables—is both stylish and practical, reducing the need for additional rentals. Dimmable track lighting ensures ambient control so you can tailor the mood throughout the event's progression.
Accessibility is prioritized with ADA-compliant facilities, ensuring inclusivity for all guests. Additionally, features such as a coat room and private suite add comfort and convenience for event participants, allowing them to relax and prepare as needed. A dedicated on-site liaison is present during your event to assist with logistics, ensuring smooth flow and quick resolution of any issues. The venue's white-canvas aesthetic coupled with architectural elements like the glass staircase offer an elegant atmosphere that enhances photos and the overall guest experience. The location’s proximity to dozens of hotels and key Chicago landmarks makes attending hassle-free, especially for groups traveling from afar.
In what ways can events at Chez foster memorable social connections? Hosting your event at Chez enables your group to enjoy an atmosphere that promotes connection through shared experiences. The venue’s open layout encourages mingling, chat, and interactive activities such as games, presentations, or group dining, creating opportunities for deeper social engagement. Its flexible design means you can configure the space to enhance interaction — whether through a theater seating setup for presentations, clustered cocktail tables for easy conversation, or a dance floor for fun and celebratory movement.
The acoustic amenities and ability to control lighting means mood-setting is intuitive, heightening the emotions and warmth of the event. These thoughtful details together help friends and family relax, laugh, and make lasting memories in a setting that feels personal yet grand. The central location in lively Chicago also invites pre- or post-event excursions with friends, from dining at acclaimed restaurants to exploring urban landmarks, enriching the social gathering into a full experience. Ultimately, Chez Event Venue offers more than just a space—it creates a meaningful stage for togetherness and celebration.