What to Expect at Meet IRL Curated Speed Dating

We’re raising the bar for dating in Chicago.

If you’re actively looking for and considering attending a singles event in Chicago, there’s a good chance you’re feeling a little… over the apps. The endless swiping, the stalled conversations, the “we should grab a drink sometime” that never actually happens.

We get it!

At Meet IRL, we believe dating should feel fun. Exciting. Human. That’s why we’ve reimagined singles events in Chicago to be more intentional, more relaxed, and a LOT more enjoyable. Our curated speed dating format has quickly become a fan-favorite. It’s modern, thoughtful, and designed for people who are serious about connection — but still want to enjoy the process.

Whether you’re brand new to in-person dating or are a speed dating skeptic, here’s what to expect — and why so many Chicago singles keep coming back.

How speed dating with Meet IRL works

Our Chicago speed dating events are structured, but not rigid. From the moment you arrive, our goal is to make the experience feel welcoming, easy, and low-pressure.

Each event is designed for a specific age range, so you’ll book a ticket for your current age. This helps us make sure we have the right balance of people in the room. For hetero events, we end up selling more men’s tickets in the older age ranges and more women’s spots in the lower age ranges. You’ll tell us what ages you’re interested in meeting when you fill out your profile.

Before the event, you’ll answer a few questions about your lifestyle, interests, and what you’re hoping to find. We use that information to curate your matches and make sure you’re meeting the singles who are the best overall fit for you.

At the event itself, you’ll go on at least eight mini dates, each lasting about six minutes. It’s just enough time to see if there’s interest, curiosity, or a spark, while still keeping some of the mystery. There’s no getting stuck in a bad conversation for hours, and no pressure to ask for someone’s number on the spot.

Instead of sitting down with everyone in the room, you’ll only be paired with the most compatible singles based on your profile. And don’t worry — you’ll have plenty of time to mingle with everyone in the mini-mixer after the rounds are over! A ton of our guests come away from these events with new friends, too… which we love.

After the event, we take care of the follow-up! If there’s a mutual match, we’ll connect you so you can keep the conversation going outside the event — no guesswork required.

Why Chicago singles are choosing speed dating over dating apps

Dating apps promise efficiency, but for many Chicago singles, they’ve become exhausting. Endless swiping, conversations that fizzle out, and weeks of texting before meeting can make dating feel more like a chore than something to look forward to.

Meet IRL’s curated speed dating offers something the apps never can: an immediate IRL interaction. At a speed dating event, you get to hear someone’s voice, read their body language, and sense whether there’s chemistry — all right away, in real time. There’s no waiting to find out if someone is actually interested, or if the vibe translates offline.

And the very best part? In just a couple of hours, you’ll meet more people than you might meet in weeks (or months!) on the apps.

Why the mix matters (and how we get it right)

One of the most common questions we get about our Chicago speed dating events is whether the room will be balanced. At Meet IRL, our biggest focus is creating a thoughtful mix of attendees to make sure that every event is worth your while. Creating a great mix of people is a core part of what we do — and it’s one of the reasons our events actually work.

For hetero events, we promise you won’t walk into a room dominated by one gender! While we can’t control no-shows, we actively manage our ticket sales until the very last moment to keep the crowd balanced and create an environment where meaningful connections can actually happen. All guests are guaranteed a minimum of eight mini dates, no matter what.

A welcoming experience — even if you’re nervous

It’s normal to feel a little nervous walking in — almost everyone does. You’re stepping outside your comfort zone, and that’s brave! Speed dating is actually a surprisingly comfortable option for people who feel shy or nervous, because the structure helps you focus on one conversation at a time, even if large social settings aren’t your thing.

Plus, our amazing host team will always be there to explain how everything works, answer questions, calm your nerves, and guide you through the experience

Feeling shy? Talk to a host. Not sure how to start a conversation? We’ve got you.
Have your eye on someone across the room? We can help with that too!

You’re never on your own at a Meet IRL event.

A female-owned Chicago dating company built on community

Meet IRL is a small, female-owned company rooted right here in Chicago. Our founder, Penny, began hosting intimate singles events in her neighborhood in early 2023 after hearing the same frustrations from her single friends over and over again. We’ve come a long way since then, but at our core, we do this because we believe dating should feel intentional, respectful, and relaxed — not transactional or exhausting.

There’s a reason people return to our Chicago speed dating events again and again — and it’s not just because of us! Our community is genuinely made up of the most friendly, open-minded, and intentional people around. When you attend a Meet IRL event, you’re stepping into a room full of people who are excited to be there. And the vibes prove it.

Ready to try Chicago speed dating IRL?

If you’re tired of dating apps and craving a better way to meet people, speed dating with Meet IRL might be exactly what you’re looking for. It’s just a couple of hours, it’s refreshingly human, and it offers something the apps never will — the chance to feel chemistry and connection immediately.

In addition to speed dating, we host a variety of other singles events in Chicago designed to help people meet face-to-face and skip the endless swiping. From mixers and pickleball nights to wine tasting and trivia, our events are built for people who want real connection — without the games or pressure.

If you’re ready to meet someone IRL, we’d love to have you! Explore our upcoming Chicago singles events and join us soon — we can’t wait to meet you. :)

- Penny & Megan