Chicago Gifted Community Center upcoming events

Walking the Journey of Parenting Bright, Complex Kids (September 23, 2026)

Thu, 24 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Come share your journey with other parents in this monthly discussion group facilitated by CGCC Board members.

While conversation topics are flexible based on the needs of attendees, we will begin with an update about recent legislation impacting twice exceptional learners in Illinois and what that means for advocacy with your local school district.

CGCC Family Game Night at The Parched Pug (September 27, 2026)

Sun, 27 Sep 2026 21:00:00 GMT

Come meet with other parents and kids to talk and play games during our monthly Family Game Night! Games are free on Sundays and choose any of the games from 200+ board game library. Join us at The Parched Pug in Libertyville for food, drinks, and games while the parents connect, and the kids enjoy time together playing games.

Please register so that we can reserve adequate space for the group. This event is "free" as everyone will pay their own bill at the end of the evening. There are no drop offs and a parent or guardian must accompany their child during the length of the event. If your plans change after registration, please kindly respond to the confirmation email so we can adjust our arrangements.

Please note that by attending this event, you confirm that you will assume all the risk to yourself and your family related to coronavirus.

The Parched Pug: An Upscale Gastropub & Gamery in Libertyville, IL

Chess on the Edge (October 01, 2026)

Thu, 01 Oct 2026 22:30:00 GMT

Open chess play, game analysis and tactical problems for ages 8–80 and all skill levels. Chess boards are provided. Registration required.

More information and registration: https://chipublib.bibliocommons.com/v2/events?series=675e0826b77ff72800226865

Science Detectives (October 02, 2026)

Fri, 02 Oct 2026 15:00:00 GMT

A short, hands-on science program inviting young learners to observe, investigate and experiment. Free; registration required. More info: https://calendar.vapld.info/events/list?page=4

Foxy's Homeschool Power Hour: Brain Science (October 02, 2026)

Fri, 02 Oct 2026 16:00:00 GMT

A homeschool learning hour focused on the brain and how it works. Free; registration required. More info: https://www.fllib.org/event/foxys-homeschool-power-hour-brain-science-4668

Meet the Schools: Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy Visit (October 03, 2026)

Sat, 03 Oct 2026 16:30:00 GMT

Meet representatives from the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy and learn about this public residential high school for academically advanced Illinois students. Free. More info: https://alsipmerrionette.librarycalendar.com/events/week/2026/09/28

Sulzer Chess Meetup (October 04, 2026)

Sun, 04 Oct 2026 18:30:00 GMT

A welcoming chess meetup for casual games, practice and meeting other players. Free; check the organizer page for current attendance details. More info: https://chipublib.bibliocommons.com/events/6a74a9b486ec588db26f46db

LEGO Science in Motion (October 06, 2026)

Tue, 06 Oct 2026 21:00:00 GMT

Explore motion, engineering and scientific ideas through a hands-on LEGO building challenge. Free; registration required. More info: https://kiddochicago.com/events/lombard/lego-science-in-motion-2026-10-06

Robot Adventures (October 06, 2026)

Tue, 06 Oct 2026 21:30:00 GMT

A hands-on robotics session where participants explore coding and robot challenges. Free; registration required. More info: https://kiddochicago.com/events/topic/stem

CGCC Parent Support Dinner Naperville/Aurora/Wheaton (October 07, 2026)

Thu, 08 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Take a break from the busy pace of parenting and connect with other families who understand the unique joys and challenges of raising gifted, twice-exceptional, and complex learners.

Join us for a casual evening at Altiro Latin Fusion, where parents can share experiences, exchange ideas, offer encouragement, and build meaningful connections within the CGCC community. Whether you choose to enjoy dinner, appetizers, dessert, or simply a beverage, you'll find a welcoming environment and supportive conversation.

Please register in advance so we can reserve adequate seating for the group. Attendance is free, and each guest is responsible for their own food and beverage purchases. If your plans change after registering, please reply to the confirmation email so we can adjust our reservation accordingly.

We look forward to spending the evening with you and continuing to strengthen our CGCC parent community.

Chess on the Edge (October 15, 2026)

Thu, 15 Oct 2026 22:30:00 GMT

Open chess for players of varied experience, with opportunities for game analysis and tactical problems. Free; advance registration is required through Chicago Public Library. More info: https://chipublib.bibliocommons.com/v2/events?series=675e0826b77ff72800226865

CGCC Parent Support Dinner Rosemont (October 21, 2026)

Wed, 21 Oct 2026 23:30:00 GMT

Connect, share experiences, and build a supportive community with other parents of bright, complex, and gifted children. Join us for a relaxed evening of conversation, encouragement, and connection with parents who understand the unique joys and challenges of raising exceptional kids.

We'll be gathering at Crust Brewing, where you can enjoy dinner, appetizers, dessert, or simply a beverage while spending time with fellow parents in a welcoming and supportive environment.

Please register in advance so we can reserve adequate space for the group. This is a free event, with each attendee responsible for their own food and beverage purchases. If your plans change after registering, we kindly ask that you reply to the confirmation email so we can adjust our reservation accordingly.

We look forward to seeing you and kicking off the school year together!

Walking the Journey of Parenting Bright, Complex Kids (October 28, 2026)

Thu, 29 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Come share your journey with other parents in this monthly discussion group facilitated by CGCC Board members.

While conversation topics are flexible based on the needs of attendees, we will begin with a discussion about Dr. Ross Greene's book excerpt in Psychology Today, The Kids Who Aren't Okay.

A Neuro-Affirming Model for Gifted and 2E Students (November 04, 2026)

Thu, 05 Nov 2026 01:00:00 GMT

Gifted and Twice-exceptional students often need support in school settings that is positive instead of punitive. Ross Greene, the author of "The Explosive Child," developed a method of working with children called Collaborative and Proactive Solutions. In this presentation, Aileen will share how this method can be used with gifted and twice-exceptional children. She will also share what school accommodations can be helpful for common concerns like executive functioning issues.

About the Presenter

Aileen Kelleher, CGCC Board member, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker specializing in working with gifted and twice-exceptional children, adults and families. She was born and raised in Chicago and currently lives on the North side with her daughter. She loves to learn and share information about giftedness and neurodiversity, and is passionate about the power of community for gifted/2E people and families.

Walking the Journey of Parenting Bright, Complex Kids (November 18, 2026)

Thu, 19 Nov 2026 01:00:00 GMT

Come share your journey with other parents in this monthly discussion group facilitated by CGCC Board members.

While conversation topics are flexible based on the needs of attendees, we will begin with a discussion of the various organizations where you can find more information to help inform your parenting journey.

Walking the Journey of Parenting Bright, Complex Kids (December 16, 2026)

Thu, 17 Dec 2026 01:00:00 GMT

Come share your journey with other parents in this monthly discussion group facilitated by CGCC Board members.

Conversation topics are flexible based on the needs of attendees.

Walking the Journey of Parenting Bright, Complex Kids (January 20, 2027)

Thu, 21 Jan 2027 01:00:00 GMT

Come share your journey with other parents in this monthly discussion group facilitated by CGCC Board members.

Conversation topics are flexible based on the needs of attendees.

Walking the Journey of Parenting Bright, Complex Kids (February 17, 2027)

Thu, 18 Feb 2027 01:00:00 GMT

Come share your journey with other parents in this monthly discussion group facilitated by CGCC Board members.

Conversation topics are flexible based on the needs of attendees.

Walking the Journey of Parenting Bright, Complex Kids (March 17, 2027)

Thu, 18 Mar 2027 00:00:00 GMT

Come share your journey with other parents in this monthly discussion group facilitated by CGCC Board members.

Conversation topics are flexible based on the needs of attendees.

Walking the Journey of Parenting Bright, Complex Kids (April 21, 2027)

Thu, 22 Apr 2027 00:00:00 GMT

Come share your journey with other parents in this monthly discussion group facilitated by CGCC Board members.

Conversation topics are flexible based on the needs of attendees.

Walking the Journey of Parenting Bright, Complex Kids (May 19, 2027)

Thu, 20 May 2027 00:00:00 GMT

Come share your journey with other parents in this monthly discussion group facilitated by CGCC Board members.

Conversation topics are flexible based on the needs of attendees.