Discussion Circles

Circles are small-group meetups hosted by a moderator who guides the conversation along and ensures everyone has an opportunity to speak. There’s usually a selected Topic and some prepared questions, but the conversation is ultimately up to you, the attendee. We try to keep the conversation to one speaker at a time to make sure everyone is heard. Please enjoy the selected Topic beforehand – we don’t watch or read anything during the event due to time constraints.

1. Discussion-worthy: We select material that could win (or already have won) Crunchyroll’s Anime of the Year Award or an Eisner. Sometimes, we’ll dig up some critically-acclaimed oldie that folks might have missed. Occasionally, we’ll discuss a well-received fan-favorite. All the time, we look for material that keeps the conversation lively for a few hours.
2. Approachable: Most of our selections are shorter in nature so that more people have the opportunity to enjoy it and be involved. Long-running series are not available due to the length of the time it takes to enjoy – but self-contained arcs or spinoffs of a longer work are allowed.
3. Accessible: We can’t really discuss something hard to find or too expensive to enjoy.
4. Got a topic you’d love to talk about?
   Let us know! With all the great content out there to discuss, we very rarely revisit a previously discussed work. But we’ll consider any suggestion.

All of our Circles meet online at our Discord server – member access only.

Circles were typically held at cafes and bars, sometimes at meeting spaces, and sometimes online. We usually select venues with small, intimate spaces, like separate rooms at cafes and bars, to enhance the atmosphere. While there might be a bit of background noise, we try to keep the discussions as private as we can. Please be respectful of our venues and other patrons.

Our preferred venues are within Chicago’s city limits, mostly in the Lakeview or Bucktown area. We select relaxed and budget-friendly venues with CTA access, ample parking, and pedestrian-friendly streets. We generally switch between well-known establishments and newly-opened shops. Some events are hosted at private co-working spaces, while others happen at restaurants, bars, and cafes where things are more organic.

We frequently meet at venues that serve alcohol. We balance that out with events at cafes and libraries to the best of our ability.

Members must be 21 years or older, and our membership ranges primarily through 20s, 30s, and 40s. We meet at bars and discuss mature topics. Meetup.com does not allow minors on their platform, and we do not offer programs for kids or teens.

Your guests are welcome to attend any Mixer or informal outing that doesn’t have a Waitlist. Sorry, we can’t allow anyone younger than 21 years old at our events.

• Read the event description!
• You may need to watch or read a title before meeting.
• Bring cash to cover entry, meals, or other needs.
• Prepare to socialize.
• Update your RSVP!

Please update your RSVP as soon as possible if you cannot attend an event. Having an exact headcount makes it select the right location and reserve the right number of seats. We have a “Three Strikes” policy to prevent vacant seats at our events.