8 unique classes to take in Chicago

Take your slacklining to the next level at Logan Square’s Aloft Loft. Under the soaring ceilings of the century-old former church, improve your balance (and nerves) at a tightwire class inside the 600-foot circus training space. You’ll start with walking, sitting, turning and laying along the tightwire and progress to bouncing and jumping. Pair your new skills with other classes like silks, straps, trapeze and handstands to become the next viral sensation.

$80/hour for private and $160/month for group. BIPOC scholarships available.

This isn’t a Monty Python movie set: Fights at the Chicago Swordplay Guild (CSG) mimic real combat techniques of 14th-17th century Europe. Group classes include the Longsword (Taste of the Knightly Arts) or Rapier (Taste of the Renaissance) and activities like footwork drills, partner exercises, fencing, wrestling and more. This type of sword fighting is more than a workout—it’s a lesson in history. Beginners welcome and equipment provided.

$150 for 12-week courses. 

Baking workshops happen daily across the city of Chicago, but few result in whimsical edible art. At the 1950s-themed retro diner Bettie’s Chicago, burgeoning bakers learn basic focaccia making skills and decorating techniques to turn their bread into a tranquil forest scene or colorful blooming garden using vegetables, herbs and even salami. Described as “a paint-and-sip class but with food,” the workshop is also vegan-friendly.

$95 per class.

Writer's block? Try tarot cards. This cartomancy technique has been around since the 1400s to illuminate the past, present and future, and in StoryStudio Chicago’s writing course, it may also unlock your narrative. Play with imagery, symbols and intuitive writing to channel the practices of people like Carl Jung and Joseph Campbell. This course is recommended for writers with a current work-in-progress. No prior experience with tarot required.

$315 for a four-week, in-person course.

Grab a bow and arrow and enjoy summer camp vibes in Lincoln Park year-round. Modern archery has roots in Chicago dating back to the late 1800s, and you can continue the tradition at two-time U.S. Archery Club of the Year award winner North Side Archery Club. Beginners are welcome and all equipment is provided. You’ll begin with form technique and fun games, and once you’ve mastered the basics, progress to try new bows, develop mental skills and strategize scoring.

$50 for single session, $120 for a four-week course. 

Calling all cowboys, cowgirls and cowpeople: You don’t need to travel out west for authentic cowboy culture. Since 1989, Broken Arrow Horseback Riding Club has been providing access to riding and rodeo skills for Chicagoans of all races and backgrounds. Founder Murdock, “The Man With No First Name,” remembers seeing horsemanship in Washington Park as a kid and aims to continue the city’s urban equestrian legacy. Giddy up, Windy City.

Private lessons upon request. Contact Broken Arrow for pricing.

Whether it’s the interesting weather patterns or possibility of former life, there’s one planet that continues to fascinate us: Mars. The red planet may be “dead,” but it’s well and alive in our cultural imagination. At the Newberry Library, explore why by watching film clips, listening to music, reading excerpts from novels and digging into Martian culture in an adult education course.You don’t have to be a kooky conspiracy theorist to ponder the possibility of life on Mars and channel your inner Ray Bradbury.

$202-225 for a four-week course.

Save the trees and use prairie grasses to make paper. Chicago-based artist duo Aya Nakamura and Megan Diddie host traveling papermaking workshops around the city, utilizing locally-sourced fibers from our city’s natural landscape. Dig your hands into flora like grey-headed coneflower, rattlesnake masters and cup plants and use varying techniques to make paper to later paint or make zines, posters and art with. Some workshops also include additional meetups for communal art with your recent creations. No prior experience required and no equipment necessary.

Prices vary. Check Instagram for details.