XOchimilco Mexican Restaurant, 2030 W Montrose Ave

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Week of January 27

In This Issue:

·Around Ravenswood

·Community Calendar

·Eat Local, Drink Local

·Arts Corner

·Business Resources & Workshops

·Updates from SSA #31

·Now Hiring

·Offers From GRCC Members

·Doing Good in the Neighborhood

·Volunteer Opportunities

Coming Up: Get into the groove at Traffic Jam! Swing's album release party, experience Viennese culture at Dovetail Brewery, and create a soul collage at Jenny G's Art Supply.



Attention Business Leaders: Registration is now open for the GRCC Winter Social and Open House at Ravenswood WorkCenter on February 26th! Get Your Tickets

Welcome to our new members: Badabing Wings Zone, Bunny Ears Art House, Charlie Young Photography, Cooney & Conway, Chicago Makeup School, detaiLAB, Forge Film Acting, Megan Gasper PR, The Rooted Space, True Self Therapy Chicago, and Vertera Financial.


And a thanks to our returning members for their continued support: Antje Kastner Inc, Augustyn Family Services, Demo Brewing Company, Innovaxis Marketing, NorthPoint Lending Group, Platform 47, Roundabout, Stories Matter Foundation, The Eco Flamingo, The Silver Line, and Two Steps Forward.

There's a Facebook group just for Ravenswood! Click here to connect with neighbors about community issues, events, neighborhood-specific questions, and more.

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Around Ravenswood

·Del Sur Bakery's Justin Lerias Wins Banchet for Pastry Chef of the Year - We're not entirely surprised, but we're incredibly proud of this emerging star. Del Sur blends Filipino flavor with timeless Midwestern techniques. If you haven't been yet, add it to your shortlist! More Info


·WGN Lunchbreak: Shrimp Ceviche with XOchimilco Owner Lucia Herrejon - XOchimilco brought their signature flavors in a ceviche demo for WGN Lunchbreak, giving viewers a delicious sneak peek of what's on the menu at Taste of Ravenswood. 🎥 Watch Here

·Enter Ponnopozz' "Power to the People" Raffle - Enter to win an original painting! All ticket sales go to the Immigrant Rapid Response Fund through the Women's Foundation of Minnesota. Winner announced February 9th. More Info


·Registration Open for The 30th Annual Ravenswood Run - Celebrate 30 years of the Ravenswood Run 5K! Sign up today to support Ravenswood Community Services, with every registration helping fund its Food Pantry & Community Kitchen and provide meals and groceries for neighbors in need. More Info

Community Calendar

·1/29, No I.D. Alcohol-Free Cocktail Competition & Tasting at Artifact Events -This Dry January, leave the ID at home and check out this alcohol-free cocktail competition and tasting event at Artifact Events! Sample zero-proof creations by a selection of stellar mixologists from around Chicago and vote for your favorite! 6:30-9:30pm, 4325 N Ravenswood Ave, $43.30 More Info


·1/31, Yoga Basics Workshop at Pistachio Yoga - Thinking about starting yoga this year but not sure where to begin? This workshop is for you! Break in Pistachio Yoga's NEW studio and celebrate the occasion with a ribbon cutting just before the class! 11:30am-1:30pm, 5215 N Damen Ave, $30 Suggested (Pay What You Want) More Info


·2/1, Indoor Street Food Market at Mindful Baking - This cold weather can't stop us from indulging in street food! Stop by for a soul-warming selection of street food and dessert, plus live music and tattoos by Hidden Light. 12-6pm, 4201 N Ravenswood Ave, FREE More Info

·2/4, Making Waves: The Rise of Asian America Screening at North Park Elementary - Watch a screening of Making Waves: The Rise of Asian America, followed by an in-person conversation with filmmaker Josh Chuck! As always, the NPES Social Justice Film Series is free and open to the public. Popcorn will be served! 6pm, 2017 W Montrose Ave, FREE More Info


·2/5, Pilgrim Winter Learning Fair and Pilgrim Lutheran School - Step inside and see how Pilgrim Lutheran School inspires curiosity, creativity, and confidence in every student. This is a great opportunity for families exploring schools for the upcoming year! 6-7:30pm, 4300 N Winchester Ave, FREE More Info


·2/5, Native Garden Info Session with the Ravenswood Neighbors Association - Do you want to beautify the neighborhood and help us fight climate change and the loss of biodiversity? Plant a native garden with the Ravenswood Neighbors Association! Priority in 2026 will be given to those who attend an info session. 7-8:30pm, 1757 W Wilson, FREE More Info

2/6, Taste of Ravenswood


Bring family, friends, and coworkers out for an evening sampling the best that Ravenswood has to offer! We're bringing you the neighborhood's top restaurants, brewers, and spirit makers for a fantastic, one-night-only experience in the picturesque Ravenswood Event Center.

Enjoy delicious bites and sips, live music, live painting by Alexandra Stevenson, and explore a private collection of vintage neon signs and classic cars while admiring beautiful florals by The Flower Girl Company. We can't wait to see you there!


Tickets are going fast! 7:30-10pm, 4021 N Ravenswood Ave More Info


·2/6, Book Swap: Romance Edition at Bon Femmes - Calling all romance readers! Fall into Bon Femmes for a swoon-worthy Romance Edition Book Swap, a night dedicated to love stories, happily-ever-afters, and all the drama in between. Whether you’re into slow burns, rom-coms, enemies-to-lovers, or dog-eared paperbacks you’ve reread a dozen times, this swap is for you. 6-8pm, 4917 N Damen Ave, $5 More Info

·2/7, Album Release Party at Traffic Jam! Swing - Visit Traffic Jam! Studio for a special evening celebrating the release of Jake Sanders and the Midwest All-Stars Live at Second City Swingout. The night will include a guided album listening, followed by time to connect and celebrate. Light snacks and refreshments will be provided! 6:30-9pm, 4043 N Ravenswood Ave, FREE More Info


·View Our Full Community Calendar

Eat Local, Drink Local

·Explore Valentine's Day Specials from Local Businesses - Foodies and romantics agree: Ravenswood is the perfect place to be hungry and in love. No matter your flavor, there's something bound to delight your tastebuds--and your special someone--right here in Ravenswood. More Info


·Super Bowl Sunday at Fireside - Da Bears may be out, but we're still along for the ride. Spend Super Bowl Sunday with friends at neighbors at Fireside Restaurant & Lounge! Drink specials and wing specials available all day long. Dine-in only. More Info


·Do Good at Long Room Chicago - Long Room's Do Good Cocktail For A Cause this month is the Rosemary Daiquiri! For every sale of this cocktail in January, $1 will be donated to the Transformative Justice Law Project, which provides support, advocacy, and free holistic legal services to poor and street-based transgender people in IL. More Info

What's Up on Malt Row?


·1/31, Begyle + Friends at Artifact Events - Grab your crew for a winter bash packed with good vibes — bands, bites & brews! They’ve got it all: beer, wine, cider, cocktails, music, food & fun… all that’s missing is you! 6-11pm, 4325 N Ravenswood Ave, $33.85 More Info


·1/31, Experience Vienna at Dovetail Brewery - Take a waltz through 19th-century Austria and into the café culture of Vienna. Featuring a Viennese menu, an open mic with the pub, and cultural touchpoints like chess and Austria’s national card game, Schnapsen. 12-6pm, 1800 W Belle Plaine, FREE More Info


·2/11, Flower Arranging for Beginners at KOVAL Distillery - Discover the artistry of floral design and cultivate your love for blooms! Join Vivant Gardens at KOVAL for an evening dedicated to the enchanting world of flower arranging. Right in time for Valentine's Day! 7-9pm, 4241 N Ravenswood Ave, $65 More Info

Arts Corner

·Bridgerton Winter Ball at Ballroom Dance Chicago - If you dream of a night filled with waltzes, whispers, and refined revelry, the Bridgerton Winter Ball awaits on January 31. Inspired by the grand balls of the Regency era, this evening invites you to step into a world of grace, music, and connection. 8-10:30pm, 4039B N Ravenswood Ave, $50-$80, 21+ More Info


·Explore Upcoming Programming at The CheckOut - Ever wanted to see a live show in a converted 7-Eleven? We've checked it out, and The CheckOut offers a truly must-try experience. Explore upcoming shows through the end of March, spanning across genres, eras, and vibes, from solo classical performances to jazz quintets. More Info


·Lydia Cash Solo Exhibition at Lillstreet Art Center - Violet is an exhibition by Lillstreet's Drawing & Painting Artist in Residence, Lydia Cash, on view Feb 2–28. Don't miss the special celebration on February 27, from 5–7 pm, for an artist talk and musical performance by Cash! More Info

Creative Calendar


·2/8, Valentine Candle + Dried Floral Workshop at Indigo & Violet Studio - Don't miss this fragrant 2-in-1 experience! Make your own custom candle + dried floral arrangement. While your candles are cooling, work with dried florals to create your one-of-a-kind bouquet! 11am-1pm, 1411 W Irving Park Rd, $75 More Info


·2/8, Create a Soul Collage at Jenny G's Art Supply - This is a process over product workshop! You'll be guided through engaging in self-reflection and self-discovery, and end up with a physical version of your inner compass, comprising 5 cards. Think of it like your own personal tarot! 12-1:30pm, 1946 W Montrose Ave, $15 More Info


·2/14, Free V-Day Latin Partner Dancing at Joel Hall Dancers & Center - Join Vicco Guerrero for this free Latin dance partner class at JHDC! Bring your Valentine and sashay across the floor for a fun and romantic community class filled with warmth and heat. 12-1pm, 5411 N Clark St, FREE More Info

Business Resources & Workshops

2/26, Winter Social at Ravenswood WorkCenter 


Emerge from your winter digs and take advantage of this unique opportunity to meet and connect with local professionals, makers, and business leaders! Take guided tours of the Ravenswood WorkCenter for a behind-the-scenes look at this dynamic hub of innovation and industry. Learn about the Workforce Solutions Program while enjoying bites from Rojo Gusano and sips from Begyle Brewing.

Tickets include admission, refreshments, and exclusive tours of the Ravenswood WorkCenter. A limited number of tickets are available! 5-7pm, 1801 W Berteau Ave $20 for GRCC members/$28 for general admission More Info

Each month, Chicago's Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection hosts a variety of free business resource webinars!


·1/30, Forming Your Business: Choosing a Legal Entity & Risk Mitigation - Whether LLC, Corp, or another legal entity, when starting a business, organizing your company the right way can significantly limit risk. Agostino Filippone, a Partner at Chokshi Filippone Law, LLC, will present on entity options, as well as provide information and material to help you navigate around common pitfalls faced by business-owners. 9:30-11am, Zoom, FREE w/ RSVP Register Now

·2/4, Financial Management for a Small Business - Learn the concept of financial management and why it is important to a small business! Learn to identify financial management practices, rules and tools that are commonly available. You'll also learn how best practices, rules, and tools work along with the basics of start-up financing and growing a business. The webinar will also cover the basics of working capital and financing fixed assets. 9:30-11am, Zoom, FREE w/ RSVP Register Now



·View Upcoming Free City Workshops

Updates from Special Service Area #31

·2025 SSA #31 Annual Report - From rebate programs for local businesses and beautification efforts, wayfinding signage and public art, take a look at the services and initiatives from this past year. Read More

·New Ravenswood Bike Racks Installed - Ravenswood–branded bike racks have officially been installed throughout the neighborhood! Made possible by Special Service Area #31, these new racks enhance accessibility, support biking, and reinforce Ravenswood’s unique neighborhood identity.

Now Hiring

·Joel Hall Dancers & Centers Seeks Studio Assistant (Youth) - JHDC is seeking a studio assistant to support in-person studio and programmatic work! Ideal for high school candidates excited about the arts and seeking 4-10 hours of work per week. More Info


·Color Me Mine Seeks Full- and Part-Time Team Members - Are you passionate about creativity and customer service? CMM is seeking vibrant individuals to join their team! Previous customer service experience is a plus. More Info

·Accurate Products Seeks Purchasing & Customer Service Personnel - Accurate Products Inc. is seeking a motivated, detail-oriented person to manage purchase orders and customer communications. More Info


·DANK Haus Seeks Part-Time After Care Teacher - DANK Haus is looking for a part-time After-Care Teacher to help create a fun, safe, and engaging environment for preschoolers. Weekdays from 3-5pm! More Info



·View Our Job Board

·Careers in Manufacturing at JARC - Jane Addams Resource Corporation's free job training courses can help you gain employment in the manufacturing sector. You'll learn valuable skills, including CNC, welding, and mechanical assembly. More Info

Offers From Our Members

·T. Salon and Gallery Special Offer - Book your appointment with Amber and enjoy 20% off all color services, including vivid colors, balayage, bleach and tone, and highlights. Offer valid 1/31/26 More Info


·EmpowerFit New Year Strength Sale - Want to learn how to weight lift in 2026? Kick off the new year feeling supported at EmpowerFit. Purchase 11 personal training sessions (30, 45, or 60 minutes) for the price of 8—a savings of up to $330! Offer valid 1/1/26-1/31/26 More Info


·New Member Offer from Urban Athlete - New year, new you! Starting in January, sign up for a 4-month VIP membership contract for only $150/month (includes unlimited classes) or a 25 class-pack for $425 ($17/class!) More Info

Doing Good in the Neighborhood

·Pilgrim Lutheran Parish Fundraiser for Refugee Families - The students, parents, and congregation of Pilgrim Lutheran Parish recently raised money and collected essential household items for refugee families being supported by Exodus World Service! Learn More


·Demo Brewing Celebrates Successful Double Community Fundraiser - Last month, Demo held a fundraiser event for Chicago Canine Rescue and Ravenswood Community Services Afterschool Program, raising hundreds of dollars and lots of food & supplies for both problems. About Demo


·Neon to Neighborhoods: Lightwriters Neon Hosting Mutual Aid Show - Lightwriters Neon is currently running a mutual aid gallery show with all artwork priced very low to benefit Erie House, a nonprofit providing comprehensive support for immigrant and low-income families in Chicago. Read More


·Sock & Winter Accessory Drive at The Eco Flamingo - From now until the end of April, The Eco Flamingo is accepting donations for The Wool Gathering Project of new or used (in good condition) socks and winter accessories that will be distributed to the Friendship Center. Read More

Volunteer & Donation Opportunities

·Volunteer at The Friendship Center - The Friendship Center operates a food pantry, serves weekly hot meals, delivers groceries to seniors and other individuals who are homebound and cannot visit the pantry, and provides pet food for those in need. Volunteers are needed in a variety of roles, including in the pantry, in the kitchen, and helping with weekend deliveries. . More Info


·Support the Ravenswood Community Services Food Pantry & Community Kitchen - Every Tuesday, RCS distributes groceries and hot meals to neighbors. Volunteers are welcome and asked to sign up in advance. Other ways to help include donations of pasta and rice, financial support for the food pantry and community kitchen, and words of encouragement posted to RCS's Facebook page. More Info


·Call for Volunteers and Donations to Common Pantry - Chicago's longest operating food pantry is looking for new volunteers! If you can't volunteer, consider making a monetary donation. Direct monetary donations are the best way to support the pantry, as it allows them to purchase high priority supplies for their clients. More Info

Greater Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce

Ravenswood Community Council

1770 W Berteau, Suite 101 | info@ravenswoodchicago.org