> chicago, il · verified sep 25, 2026
Illinois
Chicago's free community meetings run most weeks: BurbSec holds informal socials on Thursday evenings at seven Chicagoland bars (East in Logan Square on the last Thursday, Pilsen on the second), DEF CON Group Chicago meets for talks at the Sulzer Regional Library, and TOOOL Chicago picks locks at Pumping Station: One on first Wednesdays. ISSA, ISACA, ISC2, Cloud Security Alliance and InfraGard chapters run programs for members and credential holders. The community conference calendar includes ChiBrrCon in February 2027, THOTCON on June 11 and 12, 2027 and BSides312 on June 13, 2027.
Sat, Sep 26, 2026 · 10:00 a.m.
Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Rd, Glencoe · Metro area
Sign-up link is posted on the affiliate's calendar. Garden admission and parking may cost extra.
ConfirmedMeetupFree
Wed, Sep 30, 2026 · Registration from 8:00 a.m.
Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, Rosemont · Metro area
Run by CAMP IT Conferences. Non-member fee is $349; attendance is limited to end users from IT organizations.
ConfirmedConferencePaidVendor-hosted
Thu, Oct 1, 2026 · 6:00 p.m.
Enterrium, 2 Woodfield Mall, Schaumburg · Metro area
Per published schedule; confirm with organizer.
MeetingFree
Fri, Oct 2, 2026 · 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Online · Metro area
Replaces the usual in-person first-Friday meeting in October 2026.
ConfirmedCTFFree
Wed, Oct 7, 2026 · 7:00 p.m.
Pumping Station: One, 3519 N Elston Ave, Chicago
Per published schedule; confirm with organizer.
MeetingFree
Thu, Oct 8, 2026 · 6:00 p.m.
D'Agostino's Pizzeria, 241 S Milwaukee Ave, Wheeling · Metro area
Per published schedule; confirm with organizer.
MeetingFree
Thu, Oct 8, 2026 · 6:00 p.m.
Monochrome Brewing, 2101 S Carpenter St, Pilsen, Chicago
Per published schedule; confirm with organizer.
MeetingFree
Thu, Oct 8, 2026 · 6:00 p.m.
The Sock Bar & Grill, 9300 S Roberts Rd, Hickory Hills · Metro area
Per published schedule; confirm with organizer.
MeetingFree
Thu, Oct 8, 2026 · Registration from 8:00 a.m.
Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, Rosemont · Metro area
Non-member fee is $349; end users from IT organizations only.
ConfirmedConferencePaidVendor-hosted
Thu, Oct 8, 2026 · 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Venue not yet posted (recent meetings in Rosemont) · Metro area
The chapter calendar lists this as a save-the-date. A community calendar describes it as a career day at King's, 5505 Park Place, Rosemont; the chapter has not confirmed that.
ConfirmedChapter meetingPaid
Wed, Oct 14, 2026 · 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Associated Forum, 10 S Riverside Plaza, Suite 800, Chicago
Joint meeting with the Elastic Chicago User Group; talk on autonomous AI agents as a threat. Register with your email address and bring photo ID for lobby security. Pizza provided.
ConfirmedChapter meetingFree
Thu, Oct 15, 2026 · 6:00 p.m.
Granite City Food & Brewery, 1828 Abriter Ct, Naperville · Metro area
Per published schedule; confirm with organizer.
MeetingFree
Thu, Oct 15, 2026 · 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Online
Save-the-date listing; topic and registration details not yet posted.
ConfirmedChapter meetingPaid
Wed, Oct 21 to Thu, Oct 22, 2026
Hyatt Regency Chicago, 151 E Wacker Dr, Chicago
Hotel discount rate ends: Tue, Sep 29, 2026
Commercial summit for manufacturing and OT security leaders. The organizer site does not post attendee pricing.
ConfirmedSummitPaidVendor-hosted
Thu, Oct 22, 2026 · 6:00 p.m.
Pilot Project Brewing, 2140 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago
Extra Halloween night in addition to the regular last-Thursday meeting on October 29, 2026.
ConfirmedMeetupFree
Thu, Oct 22, 2026 · 6:00 p.m.
Crystal Lake Brewing, 150 N Main St, Crystal Lake · Metro area
Per published schedule; confirm with organizer.
MeetingFree
Sat, Oct 24, 2026 · 10:00 a.m.
Obama Presidential Center, 6001 S Stony Island Ave, Chicago
ConfirmedMeetupFree
Wed, Oct 28, 2026 · From 8:00 a.m.
Chicago (venue shared with approved attendees)
Run by CyberRisk Alliance for security leaders who apply to its Chicago community. A community calendar lists the Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile; the organizer page does not show a venue.
ConfirmedSummitInvite onlyVendor-hosted
Thu, Oct 29, 2026 · 6:00 p.m.
Pilot Project Brewing, 2140 N Milwaukee Ave, Logan Square, Chicago
Per published schedule; confirm with organizer.
MeetingFree
Wed, Nov 4, 2026 · 7:00 p.m.
Pumping Station: One, 3519 N Elston Ave, Chicago
Per published schedule; confirm with organizer.
MeetingFree
Thu, Nov 5, 2026 · 6:00 p.m.
Enterrium, 2 Woodfield Mall, Schaumburg · Metro area
Per published schedule; confirm with organizer.
MeetingFree
Thu, Nov 5, 2026 · Registration from 8:00 a.m.
Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, Rosemont · Metro area
The organizer lists this under the AI Security Strategies title with a cloud security focus. Non-member fee is $349; end users only.
ConfirmedConferencePaidVendor-hosted
Thu, Nov 5, 2026 · 8:00 a.m. to noon
The Old Post Office, 433 W Van Buren St, Chicago
For vetted InfraGard members.
ConfirmedChapter meetingVetting required
Thu, Nov 5, 2026 · 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Venue not yet posted (recent meetings in Rosemont) · Metro area
Save-the-date listing on the chapter calendar.
ConfirmedChapter meetingPaid
Fri, Nov 6, 2026 · 5:00 p.m.
Chicago Ridge Mall food court, across from Sbarro, Chicago Ridge · Metro area
Per published schedule; confirm with organizer.
MeetingFree
Thu, Nov 12, 2026 · 6:00 p.m.
D'Agostino's Pizzeria, 241 S Milwaukee Ave, Wheeling · Metro area
Per published schedule; confirm with organizer.
MeetingFree
Thu, Nov 12, 2026 · 6:00 p.m.
Monochrome Brewing, 2101 S Carpenter St, Pilsen, Chicago
Per published schedule; confirm with organizer.
MeetingFree
Thu, Nov 12, 2026 · 6:00 p.m.
The Sock Bar & Grill, 9300 S Roberts Rd, Hickory Hills · Metro area
Per published schedule; confirm with organizer.
MeetingFree
Thu, Nov 19, 2026 · 6:00 p.m.
Granite City Food & Brewery, 1828 Abriter Ct, Naperville · Metro area
Per published schedule; confirm with organizer.
MeetingFree
Thu, Nov 19, 2026
Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, Rosemont · Metro area
A community calendar lists this on December 2, 2026; the organizer page says November 19, 2026. Non-member fee is $349; end users only.
ConfirmedConferencePaidVendor-hosted
Thu, Nov 19, 2026 · From 8:45 a.m.
IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law, 565 W Adams St, Chicago
Pricing for this fall event is not posted; GCSI's spring conference was paid.
ConfirmedConferencePaid
Thu, Nov 19, 2026 · 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Chicago area (venue not yet posted)
Save-the-date listing; venue and pricing not yet posted.
ConfirmedChapter meetingPaid
Thu, Nov 26, 2026 · 6:00 p.m.
Pilot Project Brewing, 2140 N Milwaukee Ave, Logan Square, Chicago
Per published schedule; confirm with organizer.
MeetingFree
Thu, Nov 26, 2026 · 6:00 p.m.
Crystal Lake Brewing, 150 N Main St, Crystal Lake · Metro area
Per published schedule; confirm with organizer.
MeetingFree
Wed, Dec 2, 2026 · 7:00 p.m.
Pumping Station: One, 3519 N Elston Ave, Chicago
Per published schedule; confirm with organizer.
MeetingFree
Thu, Dec 3, 2026 · 6:00 p.m.
Enterrium, 2 Woodfield Mall, Schaumburg · Metro area
Per published schedule; confirm with organizer.
MeetingFree
Fri, Dec 4, 2026 · 5:00 p.m.
Chicago Ridge Mall food court, across from Sbarro, Chicago Ridge · Metro area
Per published schedule; confirm with organizer.
MeetingFree
Thu, Dec 10, 2026 · 6:00 p.m.
D'Agostino's Pizzeria, 241 S Milwaukee Ave, Wheeling · Metro area
Per published schedule; confirm with organizer.
MeetingFree
Thu, Dec 10, 2026 · 6:00 p.m.
Monochrome Brewing, 2101 S Carpenter St, Pilsen, Chicago
Per published schedule; confirm with organizer.
MeetingFree
Thu, Dec 10, 2026 · 6:00 p.m.
The Sock Bar & Grill, 9300 S Roberts Rd, Hickory Hills · Metro area
Per published schedule; confirm with organizer.
MeetingFree
Thu, Dec 10, 2026 · 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, Rosemont · Metro area
Non-member fee is $349; end users only.
ConfirmedConferencePaidVendor-hosted
Thu, Dec 17, 2026 · 6:00 p.m.
Granite City Food & Brewery, 1828 Abriter Ct, Naperville · Metro area
Per published schedule; confirm with organizer.
MeetingFree
Thu, Dec 24, 2026 · 6:00 p.m.
Crystal Lake Brewing, 150 N Main St, Crystal Lake · Metro area
Per published schedule; confirm with organizer.
MeetingFree
Thu, Dec 31, 2026 · 6:00 p.m.
Pilot Project Brewing, 2140 N Milwaukee Ave, Logan Square, Chicago
Per published schedule; confirm with organizer.
MeetingFree
Fri, Jan 1, 2027 · 5:00 p.m.
Chicago Ridge Mall food court, across from Sbarro, Chicago Ridge · Metro area
Per published schedule; confirm with organizer.
MeetingFree
Wed, Jan 6, 2027 · 7:00 p.m.
Pumping Station: One, 3519 N Elston Ave, Chicago
Per published schedule; confirm with organizer.
MeetingFree
Thu, Jan 7, 2027 · 6:00 p.m.
Enterrium, 2 Woodfield Mall, Schaumburg · Metro area
Per published schedule; confirm with organizer.
MeetingFree
Thu, Jan 14, 2027 · 6:00 p.m.
D'Agostino's Pizzeria, 241 S Milwaukee Ave, Wheeling · Metro area
Per published schedule; confirm with organizer.
MeetingFree
Thu, Jan 14, 2027 · 6:00 p.m.
Monochrome Brewing, 2101 S Carpenter St, Pilsen, Chicago
Per published schedule; confirm with organizer.
MeetingFree
Thu, Jan 14, 2027 · 6:00 p.m.
The Sock Bar & Grill, 9300 S Roberts Rd, Hickory Hills · Metro area
Per published schedule; confirm with organizer.
MeetingFree
Thu, Jan 14, 2027
Chicago (venue not yet posted)
Hybrid one-day conference run by an events company. Pricing is not posted; FutureCon also lists a downtown Chicago edition on June 24, 2027.
ConfirmedConferencePaidVendor-hosted
Thu, Jan 21, 2027 · 6:00 p.m.
Granite City Food & Brewery, 1828 Abriter Ct, Naperville · Metro area
Per published schedule; confirm with organizer.
MeetingFree
Thu, Jan 28, 2027 · 6:00 p.m.
Pilot Project Brewing, 2140 N Milwaukee Ave, Logan Square, Chicago
Per published schedule; confirm with organizer.
MeetingFree
Thu, Jan 28, 2027 · 6:00 p.m.
Crystal Lake Brewing, 150 N Main St, Crystal Lake · Metro area
Per published schedule; confirm with organizer.
MeetingFree
Wed, Feb 3, 2027 · 7:00 p.m.
Pumping Station: One, 3519 N Elston Ave, Chicago
Per published schedule; confirm with organizer.
MeetingFree
Thu, Feb 4, 2027 · 6:00 p.m.
Enterrium, 2 Woodfield Mall, Schaumburg · Metro area
Per published schedule; confirm with organizer.
MeetingFree
Fri, Feb 5, 2027 · 5:00 p.m.
Chicago Ridge Mall food court, across from Sbarro, Chicago Ridge · Metro area
Per published schedule; confirm with organizer.
MeetingFree
Thu, Feb 11, 2027 · 6:00 p.m.
D'Agostino's Pizzeria, 241 S Milwaukee Ave, Wheeling · Metro area
Per published schedule; confirm with organizer.
MeetingFree
Thu, Feb 11, 2027 · 6:00 p.m.
Monochrome Brewing, 2101 S Carpenter St, Pilsen, Chicago
Per published schedule; confirm with organizer.
MeetingFree
Thu, Feb 11, 2027 · 6:00 p.m.
The Sock Bar & Grill, 9300 S Roberts Rd, Hickory Hills · Metro area
Per published schedule; confirm with organizer.
MeetingFree
Thu, Feb 18, 2027 · 6:00 p.m.
Granite City Food & Brewery, 1828 Abriter Ct, Naperville · Metro area
Per published schedule; confirm with organizer.
MeetingFree
Thu, Feb 25, 2027 · 6:00 p.m.
Pilot Project Brewing, 2140 N Milwaukee Ave, Logan Square, Chicago
Per published schedule; confirm with organizer.
MeetingFree
Thu, Feb 25, 2027 · 6:00 p.m.
Crystal Lake Brewing, 150 N Main St, Crystal Lake · Metro area
Per published schedule; confirm with organizer.
MeetingFree
Wed, Mar 3, 2027 · 7:00 p.m.
Pumping Station: One, 3519 N Elston Ave, Chicago
Per published schedule; confirm with organizer.
MeetingFree
Thu, Mar 4, 2027 · 6:00 p.m.
Enterrium, 2 Woodfield Mall, Schaumburg · Metro area
Per published schedule; confirm with organizer.
MeetingFree
Fri, Mar 5, 2027 · 5:00 p.m.
Chicago Ridge Mall food court, across from Sbarro, Chicago Ridge · Metro area
Per published schedule; confirm with organizer.
MeetingFree
Thu, Mar 11, 2027 · 6:00 p.m.
D'Agostino's Pizzeria, 241 S Milwaukee Ave, Wheeling · Metro area
Per published schedule; confirm with organizer.
MeetingFree
Thu, Mar 11, 2027 · 6:00 p.m.
Monochrome Brewing, 2101 S Carpenter St, Pilsen, Chicago
Per published schedule; confirm with organizer.
MeetingFree
Thu, Mar 11, 2027 · 6:00 p.m.
The Sock Bar & Grill, 9300 S Roberts Rd, Hickory Hills · Metro area
Per published schedule; confirm with organizer.
MeetingFree
Thu, Mar 18, 2027 · 6:00 p.m.
Granite City Food & Brewery, 1828 Abriter Ct, Naperville · Metro area
Per published schedule; confirm with organizer.
MeetingFree
Wed, Mar 24 to Thu, Mar 25, 2027
Baird Center, Milwaukee, WI · Regional
Wisconsin hacker conference, about 90 minutes north of Chicago; the 2027 edition is its tenth anniversary.
ConfirmedConferencePaid
Thu, Mar 25, 2027 · 6:00 p.m.
Pilot Project Brewing, 2140 N Milwaukee Ave, Logan Square, Chicago
Per published schedule; confirm with organizer.
MeetingFree
Thu, Mar 25, 2027 · 6:00 p.m.
Crystal Lake Brewing, 150 N Main St, Crystal Lake · Metro area
Per published schedule; confirm with organizer.
MeetingFree
Fri, Mar 26, 2027
Milwaukee, WI (venue not yet posted) · Regional
Held right after CypherCon. The organizer's home page gives March 26, 2027, though its ticket blurb also says September 2027; student and first-timer pricing is available.
ConfirmedConferencePaid
Mon, Apr 26 to Sat, May 1, 2027
Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown Magnificent Mile, 511 N Columbus Dr, Chicago
Early-bird pricing ends: Wed, Oct 7, 2026
Hotel group rate ends: Mon, Apr 5, 2027
Refund deadline: Fri, Apr 9, 2027
Paid multi-day courses, in person and online.
ConfirmedTrainingPaidVendor-hosted
Tue, Apr 27, 2027
Chicago (venue not yet posted)
Executive summit run by CyberRisk Alliance and paid for by exhibiting companies; Chicago editions were held on March 3 and September 15, 2026.
ConfirmedSummitPaidVendor-hosted
Fri, Jun 11 to Sat, Jun 12, 2027
Chicago (location disclosed to ticket holders)
Ticket sales and the call for papers had not opened as of September 25, 2026. Student, general and VIP/donor tickets are offered.
ConfirmedConferencePaid
Sun, Jun 13, 2027 · Doors 8:00 a.m.; talks 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; after-party 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Irish American Heritage Center, 4626 N Knox Ave, Chicago
The day after THOTCON. Two talk tracks, a CTF, lockpicking and a Linux village in 2026. The organizers say the call for volunteers opens in November 2026.
ConfirmedConferencePaid
Announced without a date, or expected from past editions. Not confirmed.
Announced by the organizer; date not yet published.
Hermann Hall Conference Center, Illinois Institute of Technology, 3241 S Federal St, Chicago
Date TBAConferencePaid
Held in Chicago in June 2025 and on June 16 to 18, 2026; 2027 dates and venue not yet announced
Chicago (2026 edition at the Chicago Conference Center, 205 W Wacker Dr)
Date TBAConferencePaidVendor-hosted
Held September 10 to 13 in 2026; 2027 dates not yet announced
Chicago (2026 edition at the Swissotel Chicago)
ExpectedConferencePaid
Held April 30 in 2026; 2027 date not yet announced
IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law, 565 W Adams St, Chicago
ExpectedConferencePaid
Usually held in August; 2027 date not yet announced
Chicago (2026 edition at 320 Events, 320 S Canal St)
ExpectedConferencePaid
Held May 20 in 2026; 2027 date not yet announced
Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, Rosemont · Metro area
ExpectedConferencePaidVendor-hosted
Host offices in the Loop and West Loop · In the city
Chapter meetings every few months, weekday evenings
Venues require a registered name and photo ID at the lobby desk.
Free
Chicago; meetings in person or online · In the city
Periodic privacy and cybersecurity law meetings; dates posted on the IAPP chapter page
Only IAPP members can join KnowledgeNet chapters. The September 25, 2026 meeting on CCPA risk assessments and cybersecurity audits was virtual.
Members only
Chicago; monthly meetings alternate between in-person venues and Zoom · In the city
Monthly chapter meeting on a Thursday, 3:00 to 5:00 p.m., alternating in person and virtual; also certification review courses and workshops
Review courses, SheLeadsTech workshops and the annual conference are paid; most review courses and workshops are held on Zoom. The chapter's Careers & Conversations series is a free monthly Zoom webinar.
Paid
Theory, 9 W Hubbard St, Chicago (networking events); talks at host offices · In the city
Monthly Thursday events, 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.: networking happy hours at Theory and occasional professional talks
Membership is open to anyone, certified or not, for $35 a year; the 2026 events were listed as free. No event after August 20, 2026 was posted as of September 25, 2026.
Free
Rosemont (2026 chapter meetings at Carlucci Restaurant); venues vary · Metro area
Monthly chapter meeting, usually a Thursday afternoon from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m., followed by networking
Meetings are open to members and industry colleagues, with registration through Ticket Tailor; the calendar does not show prices. The chapter also runs a student event (MINDHACK) and a June networking cruise.
Paid
Pilot Project Brewing, 2140 N Milwaukee Ave, Logan Square, Chicago · In the city
Last Thursday of the month, 6:00 p.m.
No dues, no presentations and a no-pushy-salespeople rule. Security companies usually pay for food or drinks at each night. Moved to Pilot Project Brewing in September 2026.
Free
D'Agostino's Pizzeria, 241 S Milwaukee Ave, Wheeling · Metro area
Second Thursday of the month, 6:00 p.m.
The BurbSec Meetup description still says Glenview; the 2026 events are at the Wheeling location.
Free
Crystal Lake Brewing, 150 N Main St, Crystal Lake · Metro area
Fourth Thursday of the month, 6:00 p.m.
Free
Monochrome Brewing, 2101 S Carpenter St, Pilsen, Chicago · In the city
Second Thursday of the month, 6:00 p.m.
Informal networking; no presentations.
Free
Enterrium, 2 Woodfield Mall, Schaumburg · Metro area
First Thursday of the month, 6:00 p.m. (CigarSec co-working meetup at Byron Cigar Lounge from 2:00 p.m. the same day)
Held at a video game bar; informal networking with no presentations.
Free
The Sock Bar & Grill, 9300 S Roberts Rd, Hickory Hills · Metro area
Second Thursday of the month, 6:00 p.m.
Free
Granite City Food & Brewery, 1828 Abriter Ct, Naperville · Metro area
Third Thursday of the month, 6:00 p.m.
The Meetup description names an older venue; the 2026 events are at Granite City.
Free
Rotating venues in Chicago, Glenview and Rosemont · In the city
Irregular evening talks with food and drinks; no event posted since November 13, 2025
Security companies help fund events, which are often co-hosted with OWASP Chicago, Cloud Security Alliance or WiCyS.
Quiet: last activity Nov 2025Free
Sulzer Regional Library, 4455 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago · In the city
Monthly on a Tuesday, 6:00 to 7:30 p.m.; each date is announced on the group's site
Talks plus open discussion; speakers sign up in the group's Discord. Free parking behind the library; near the CTA Brown Line Western station. Most 2026 meetings fell on the first Tuesday, but the group does not publish a fixed rule. A separate, older dc312.org group describes itself as invitation only.
Free
Chicago Ridge Mall food court, across from Sbarro, Chicago Ridge · Metro area
First Friday of the month, 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
The only 2600 meeting in the Chicago area on the 2600 meetings list. The group skipped August 2026, and its October 2, 2026 meeting is a virtual CTF.
Free
Purdue University Northwest, Hammond campus, Hammond IN · Metro area
Annual RegionSec Summit meetup each October
Northwest Indiana's cybersecurity community. Its site still shows the October 16, 2025 summit in the Powers Computer Education Building.
Quiet: last activity Oct 2025Free
Pumping Station: One, 3519 N Elston Ave, Chicago · In the city
First Wednesday of the month, 7:00 p.m.
Meetings are public; loaner picks are available and intro lessons are given when several beginners attend. The chapter also holds an annual Locktoberfest (October 25, 2025).
Free
Rotating venues across Chicago and the suburbs · In the city
Several events a month in fall 2026: coffee walks, conference booths, an annual luncheon in January and an October social
Events are listed on the affiliate's Google calendar; sign-ups usually go through LinkedIn. The annual women's luncheon (January 28, 2026 at the Union League Club) is ticketed.
Free
The Old Post Office, 433 W Van Buren St, Chicago (2026 quarterly meetings) · In the city
Quarterly member meetings on a Thursday morning, 8:00 a.m. to noon, plus socials and an FBI range day
Membership requires an application and FBI vetting. The Q3 2026 meeting offered in-person and virtual attendance.
Vetting required
Swissotel Chicago, 323 E Wacker Dr (2026) · In the city
Annual conference for defenders each September, with two days of training and two days of talks
The 2026 edition ran September 10 to 13, 2026.
Paid
Irish American Heritage Center, 4626 N Knox Ave, Chicago · In the city
One-day conference each spring or early summer
Nonprofit conference run by Hak4Kidz NFP. The 2026 edition was on May 16, 2026.
Paid
Hermann Hall Conference Center, Illinois Institute of Technology, 3241 S Federal St, Chicago · In the city
One-day conference each February, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Nonprofit, vendor-free conference; general admission has been $50, and blocks of free tickets are available on request. The 2026 edition was on February 5, 2026; status reflects the gap between annual editions, and the 2027 edition is announced.
Quiet: last activity Feb 2026Paid
IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law, 565 W Adams St, Chicago · In the city
Annual conference each spring, plus a fall conference on AI and manufacturing security
Co-hosted with Illinois Tech and the Pan Asian American Business Council. 2026 annual conference registration was $199 early bird and $499 general admission.
Paid
Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, Rosemont · Metro area
Annual one-day conference each May
Run by an events company. The 2026 edition was on May 20, 2026.
PaidVendor-hosted
Chicago (venue disclosed to ticket holders) · In the city
Two-day hacking conference held in odd-numbered years (2023, 2025, 2027)
Run by THOTCON Infinity NFP. The last edition, THOTCON 0xD, was May 30 and 31, 2025; there was no 2026 edition. Status reflects the gap between editions, not a decline.
Quiet: last activity May 2025Paid
| Directory | Result |
|---|---|
| 2600 Meetings | Local chapter: Oak Lawn 2600 |
| CISA Regional Offices | Nearest: CISA Region 5 office (Chicago); no public Chicago events posted |
| Cloud Security Alliance | Local chapter: Cloud Security Alliance Chicago Chapter |
| Cyversity (formerly ICMCP) Chapters | Nearest: Cyversity Twin Cities Chapter (no Chicago chapter listed) |
| DEF CON Groups | Local chapter: DEF CON Group Chicago (DC312) |
| HTCIA | Nearest: HTCIA Illinois Chapter (meets online only, so not listed as a local group) |
| IAPP KnowledgeNet | Local chapter: IAPP KnowledgeNet Chicago |
| InfraGard Members Alliances | Local chapter: InfraGard Chicago Members Alliance |
| ISACA | Local chapter: ISACA Chicago Chapter |
| ISC2 | Local chapter: ISC2 Chicago Chapter |
| ISSA | Local chapter: ISSA Chicago |
| NSA National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (NCAE-C) | Local chapter: ChiCyberCon (Illinois Tech) |
| OWASP | Local chapter: OWASP Chicago |
| SANS Institute | Nearest: SANS Chicago 2027 (April 26 to May 1, 2027; listed under events) |
| SecureWorld | Local chapter: SecureWorld Chicago |
| Security BSides | Local chapter: BSides312 |
| TOOOL (The Open Organisation Of Lockpickers) | Local chapter: TOOOL Chicago |
| WiCyS (Women in CyberSecurity) Professional Affiliates | Local chapter: WiCyS Chicago Affiliate |
| Women's Society of Cyberjutsu (WSC) Chapters | Nearest: Women's Society of Cyberjutsu Omaha |
Numbered references for the listings on this page.