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Chicago, Illinois · The City's Bartending School

Chicago's Bar Culture Is Legendary. Now It's Your Career.

Jazz clubs. Blues bars. World-class craft cocktail lounges. Sports bar paradise. Chicago's bar scene never shuts down — and the city's employers pay well for bartenders who know what they're doing.

5,800+ Licensed Bars in Chicagoland
$58K Avg Bartender Annual Earnings in Chicago
Top 5 US City for Craft Cocktail Bar Awards

Chicago's Premier Bartending Program

Trained for Chicago's Iconic Bar Culture

Chicago is the birthplace of some of America's most influential bar culture — from the jazz-club cocktails of the 1920s to the craft bartending revolution that transformed River North and Logan Square into destinations for national cocktail tourists.

Our program trains you for Chicago's full spectrum: from the high-volume Cubs and Bears game-day crush to the meticulous craft cocktail programs at nationally recognized bars. You'll graduate certified, skilled, and connected to Chicago's hiring network.

Bartending training

Chicago Bartending School · Hands-On Training

Start in Three Steps

1

Enroll Online or By Phone

Register for your preferred class time in minutes. Day, evening, and weekend options available.

2

Complete Your Training

Hands-on bartending, mixology, beer & wine, and your ResponsibleService certification.

3

Get Placed at Work

Our job placement team connects you directly with hiring bars and restaurants.

Why Train Here

Ready for Chicago's Demanding Bar Scene

  • Craft cocktail techniques — the language of Chicago's award-winning bar programs
  • High-volume speed for sports bars and music venues
  • Jazz and blues venue service — Chicago's cultural heartbeat
  • Spirits depth: whiskey, amari, and classic Chicago cocktail canon
  • Hotel and fine dining bar service protocols
  • Illinois BASSET certification — required by state law

Class Schedule

Day Classes Mon–Fri · 9AM–2PM · 2 weeks
Evening Classes Mon–Fri · 6PM–10PM · 3 weeks
Weekend Classes Sat & Sun · 9AM–5PM · 4 weeks
View All Times

What Graduates Say

"I walked into my first job interview with more cocktail knowledge than bartenders who had been working for years. The training is serious."

Marcus T.

Now at a hotel bar downtown

"Job placement was real. Within two weeks of finishing I had three interviews and started working the following Monday."

Priya K.

Working at a craft cocktail bar

"The speed drills, the certification, the actual hands-on practice — it was everything I needed to get hired fast in a competitive market."

Derek W.

Event bartender, 2 years running

Job Placement

Chicago Venues That Hire Our Graduates

Get Placed
The Violet Hour
Scofflaw
Lost Lake
Three Dots and a Dash
Bavette's Bar & Boeuf
Green Mill Cocktail Lounge
Delilah's
Estereo
Billy Sunday
GMan Tavern
The Whistler
Maps & Atlases Bar

Service Area

Serving Chicago & Surrounding Areas

River North Wicker Park Logan Square Lincoln Park Old Town Gold Coast Wrigleyville Pilsen Bridgeport Hyde Park Evanston Oak Park Skokie Naperville Joliet Aurora Elgin Schaumburg Arlington Heights Des Plaines Rosemont Berwyn Cicero Harvey Calumet City Chicago Heights Orland Park Bolingbrook Downers Grove Wheaton

Find Us

Chicago, IL

203 North LaSalle Street, Suite 2100
Chicago, IL 60601

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Chicago Is Hiring. Are You Certified?

Chicago's bar scene is year-round and always growing. Graduate with three certifications and start working the city's best venues.