A recurring night in Chicago
A numbered series of live debate nights in Chicago. Every edition puts three questions in front of a room, gives six prepared people equal time to argue them, and lets the audience decide who made the stronger case.
Next up
Wednesday, October 21, 2026. The Ferris, 1 W. Monroe Street, Chicago, IL.
The conversation continues after the microphones switch off.
The format
Doors open with pizza and beer. Three featured debates with audience voting, lightning debates in between, and a closing reception.
The series
Each edition gets a number and a theme. All four are scheduled at The Ferris. No. 1's theme is locked; the theme for No. 2–4 will be announced closer to each date.
Wednesday, October 21, 2026 at The Ferris. Tickets are open now.
Get ticketsWednesday, November 18, 2026 at The Ferris. Tickets are open now.
Get ticketsWednesday, December 16, 2026 at The Ferris. Tickets are open now.
Get ticketsWednesday, January 20, 2027 at The Ferris. Tickets are open now.
Get ticketsBeyond the showcase
The Chicago Debate Club meets beyond the numbered showcase nights. These are free and open to everyone — RSVP so we can plan the room.
Friday, October 2, 2026 · 5:30 – 8:00 PM at The Ferris. Live lightning debates, an audience vote, and time to meet the club.
RSVP freeWednesday, October 14, 2026 · 5:30 – 7:30 PM at The Ferris. A working session on framing, rebuttal, and closing the deal.
RSVP freeTake part
Three debates, audience voting, pizza and beer at The Ferris. Bring a friend.
Get tickets→Debaters are invited for each edition. Tell us where you stand.
Be a debater→Sponsorship puts your organization in front of Chicago founders, technologists, and independent thinkers.
Sponsor→The local club meets beyond the showcase.
Chicago Debate Club→New to the city scene? See all Chicago clubs.
