TOOOL Chicago
Wed, Nov 4, 2026 · 7:00 p.m.
Pumping Station: One, 3519 N Elston Ave, Chicago
Per published schedule; confirm with organizer.
MeetingFree
Illinois
Chicago, IL cybersecurity events & groups
Chicago's free community meetings run most weeks: BurbSec holds informal socials on Thursday evenings at seven Chicagoland bars (East in Logan Square on the last Thursday, Pilsen on the second), DEF CON Group Chicago meets for talks at the Sulzer Regional Library, and TOOOL Chicago picks locks at Pumping Station: One on first Wednesdays. ISSA, ISACA, ISC2, Cloud Security Alliance and InfraGard chapters run programs for members and credential holders. The community conference calendar includes ChiBrrCon on February 4, 2027, THOTCON on June 11 and 12, 2027 and BSides312 on June 13, 2027.
Start here
- BurbSec East: Free, no-presentations social on the last Thursday of each month in Logan Square, and the largest of the BurbSec nights.
- DEF CON Group Chicago (DC312): Free evening talks at a public library, with a call for speakers open to anyone.
- TOOOL Chicago: Free hands-on lockpicking on first Wednesdays; loaner picks for beginners.
Another Chicago calendar
Chicago InfoSec Events Calendar: A well-kept community calendar of local security events, worth checking alongside this page. Thanks to David Gerleman for pointing us to it.
Six months at a glance
Datebook
November 2026
BurbSec Prime
Thu, Nov 5, 2026 · 6:00 p.m.
Enterrium, 2 Woodfield Mall, Schaumburg · Metro area
Per published schedule; confirm with organizer.
MeetingFree
CAMP IT: AI Security Strategies (cloud security)
Thu, Nov 5, 2026 · Registration from 8:00 a.m.
Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, Rosemont · Metro area
The organizer lists this under the AI Security Strategies title with a cloud security focus. Non-member fee is $349; end users only.
ConfirmedConferencePaidVendor-hosted
InfraGard Chicago Q4 Quarterly Meeting
Thu, Nov 5, 2026 · 8:00 a.m. to noon
The Old Post Office, 433 W Van Buren St, Chicago
For vetted InfraGard members.
ConfirmedChapter meetingVetting required
ISSA Chicago November Chapter Meeting
Thu, Nov 5, 2026 · 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. (check-in 2:30; networking hour after the talks)
Carlucci's Restaurant, 6111 N River Rd, Rosemont · Metro area
Keynotes from the CISO of Fermilab and a quantum and advanced research executive. Ticket Tailor lists $0 for ISSA members and military, $20 for students and Chicago Technology Cooperative members, and $30 for non-members.
ConfirmedChapter meetingPaid
Oak Lawn 2600
Fri, Nov 6, 2026 · 5:00 p.m.
Chicago Ridge Mall food court, across from Sbarro, Chicago Ridge · Metro area
Per published schedule; confirm with organizer.
MeetingFree
BurbSec North
Thu, Nov 12, 2026 · 6:00 p.m.
D'Agostino's Pizzeria, 241 S Milwaukee Ave, Wheeling · Metro area
Per published schedule; confirm with organizer.
MeetingFree
BurbSec Pilsen
Thu, Nov 12, 2026 · 6:00 p.m.
Monochrome Brewing, 2101 S Carpenter St, Pilsen, Chicago
Per published schedule; confirm with organizer.
MeetingFree
BurbSec South
Thu, Nov 12, 2026 · 6:00 p.m.
The Sock Bar & Grill, 9300 S Roberts Rd, Hickory Hills · Metro area
Per published schedule; confirm with organizer.
MeetingFree
BurbSec West
Thu, Nov 19, 2026 · 6:00 p.m.
Granite City Food & Brewery, 1828 Abriter Ct, Naperville · Metro area
Per published schedule; confirm with organizer.
MeetingFree
CAMP IT: Identity Access Management, Reducing Risk and Giving Better CX to Users
Thu, Nov 19, 2026
Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, Rosemont · Metro area
The organizer list gives November 19, 2026 for this topic. A community calendar lists it on December 2, 2026, but the organizer lists a different topic on that date. Non-member fee is $349; end users only.
ConfirmedConferencePaidVendor-hosted
GCSI CIOTManuSec: AI Adoption and Cyber Readiness
Thu, Nov 19, 2026 · 8:45 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., networking until 6:00 p.m.
IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law, 565 W Adams St, Chicago
Executive and CISO conference on AI adoption and cyber readiness with panels on critical infrastructure, operational technology and manufacturing. The page states no fee; the registration page lists $199 early-bird and $499 general prices for the April 30, 2026 conference only, so the paid value is a judgement call.
ConfirmedConferencePaid
ISACA Chicago Monthly Meeting (in person)
Thu, Nov 19, 2026 · 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Chicago area (venue not yet posted)
Save-the-date entry on the chapter calendar; the venue and fee are not posted.
ConfirmedChapter meetingPaid
BurbSec East
Thu, Nov 26, 2026 · 6:00 p.m.
Pilot Project Brewing, 2140 N Milwaukee Ave, Logan Square, Chicago
Per published schedule; confirm with organizer.
MeetingFree
BurbSec Northwest
Thu, Nov 26, 2026 · 6:00 p.m.
Crystal Lake Brewing, 150 N Main St, Crystal Lake · Metro area
Per published schedule; confirm with organizer.
MeetingFree
December 2026
TOOOL Chicago
Wed, Dec 2, 2026 · 7:00 p.m.
Pumping Station: One, 3519 N Elston Ave, Chicago
Per published schedule; confirm with organizer.
MeetingFree
BurbSec Prime
Thu, Dec 3, 2026 · 6:00 p.m.
Enterrium, 2 Woodfield Mall, Schaumburg · Metro area
Per published schedule; confirm with organizer.
MeetingFree
Oak Lawn 2600
Fri, Dec 4, 2026 · 5:00 p.m.
Chicago Ridge Mall food court, across from Sbarro, Chicago Ridge · Metro area
Per published schedule; confirm with organizer.
MeetingFree
BurbSec North
Thu, Dec 10, 2026 · 6:00 p.m.
D'Agostino's Pizzeria, 241 S Milwaukee Ave, Wheeling · Metro area
Per published schedule; confirm with organizer.
MeetingFree
BurbSec Pilsen
Thu, Dec 10, 2026 · 6:00 p.m.
Monochrome Brewing, 2101 S Carpenter St, Pilsen, Chicago
Per published schedule; confirm with organizer.
MeetingFree
BurbSec South
Thu, Dec 10, 2026 · 6:00 p.m.
The Sock Bar & Grill, 9300 S Roberts Rd, Hickory Hills · Metro area
Per published schedule; confirm with organizer.
MeetingFree
CAMP IT: Data Breaches, Defense and Response
Thu, Dec 10, 2026 · 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, Rosemont · Metro area
Non-member fee is $349; end users only.
ConfirmedConferencePaidVendor-hosted
BurbSec West
Thu, Dec 17, 2026 · 6:00 p.m.
Granite City Food & Brewery, 1828 Abriter Ct, Naperville · Metro area
Per published schedule; confirm with organizer.
MeetingFree
BurbSec Northwest
Thu, Dec 24, 2026 · 6:00 p.m.
Crystal Lake Brewing, 150 N Main St, Crystal Lake · Metro area
Per published schedule; confirm with organizer.
MeetingFree
BurbSec East
Thu, Dec 31, 2026 · 6:00 p.m.
Pilot Project Brewing, 2140 N Milwaukee Ave, Logan Square, Chicago
Per published schedule; confirm with organizer.
MeetingFree
January 2027
Oak Lawn 2600
Fri, Jan 1, 2027 · 5:00 p.m.
Chicago Ridge Mall food court, across from Sbarro, Chicago Ridge · Metro area
Per published schedule; confirm with organizer.
MeetingFree
TOOOL Chicago
Wed, Jan 6, 2027 · 7:00 p.m.
Pumping Station: One, 3519 N Elston Ave, Chicago
Per published schedule; confirm with organizer.
MeetingFree
BurbSec Prime
Thu, Jan 7, 2027 · 6:00 p.m.
Enterrium, 2 Woodfield Mall, Schaumburg · Metro area
Per published schedule; confirm with organizer.
MeetingFree
BurbSec North
Thu, Jan 14, 2027 · 6:00 p.m.
D'Agostino's Pizzeria, 241 S Milwaukee Ave, Wheeling · Metro area
Per published schedule; confirm with organizer.
MeetingFree
BurbSec Pilsen
Thu, Jan 14, 2027 · 6:00 p.m.
Monochrome Brewing, 2101 S Carpenter St, Pilsen, Chicago
Per published schedule; confirm with organizer.
MeetingFree
BurbSec South
Thu, Jan 14, 2027 · 6:00 p.m.
The Sock Bar & Grill, 9300 S Roberts Rd, Hickory Hills · Metro area
Per published schedule; confirm with organizer.
MeetingFree
FutureCon Chicago Cybersecurity Conference
Thu, Jan 14, 2027 · 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Chicago (venue not yet posted)
Hybrid one-day conference run by an events company. The event page lists no venue or price and a registration button, so the paid value is a judgement call.
ConfirmedConferencePaidVendor-hosted
BurbSec West
Thu, Jan 21, 2027 · 6:00 p.m.
Granite City Food & Brewery, 1828 Abriter Ct, Naperville · Metro area
Per published schedule; confirm with organizer.
MeetingFree
BurbSec East
Thu, Jan 28, 2027 · 6:00 p.m.
Pilot Project Brewing, 2140 N Milwaukee Ave, Logan Square, Chicago
Per published schedule; confirm with organizer.
MeetingFree
BurbSec Northwest
Thu, Jan 28, 2027 · 6:00 p.m.
Crystal Lake Brewing, 150 N Main St, Crystal Lake · Metro area
Per published schedule; confirm with organizer.
MeetingFree
February 2027
TOOOL Chicago
Wed, Feb 3, 2027 · 7:00 p.m.
Pumping Station: One, 3519 N Elston Ave, Chicago
Per published schedule; confirm with organizer.
MeetingFree
BurbSec Prime
Thu, Feb 4, 2027 · 6:00 p.m.
Enterrium, 2 Woodfield Mall, Schaumburg · Metro area
Per published schedule; confirm with organizer.
MeetingFree
ChiBrrCon VII (2027)
Thu, Feb 4, 2027 · 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
UIC Dorin Forum, 725 W Roosevelt Rd, Chicago
The home page gives February 4, 2027 at the UIC Dorin Forum with a $50 general admission ticket not yet on sale. The site's venue page still shows the 2026 edition's Illinois Tech address. Corporate-sponsored; a block of free tickets is available on request.
ConfirmedConferencePaid
Oak Lawn 2600
Fri, Feb 5, 2027 · 5:00 p.m.
Chicago Ridge Mall food court, across from Sbarro, Chicago Ridge · Metro area
Per published schedule; confirm with organizer.
MeetingFree
BurbSec North
Thu, Feb 11, 2027 · 6:00 p.m.
D'Agostino's Pizzeria, 241 S Milwaukee Ave, Wheeling · Metro area
Per published schedule; confirm with organizer.
MeetingFree
BurbSec Pilsen
Thu, Feb 11, 2027 · 6:00 p.m.
Monochrome Brewing, 2101 S Carpenter St, Pilsen, Chicago
Per published schedule; confirm with organizer.
MeetingFree
BurbSec South
Thu, Feb 11, 2027 · 6:00 p.m.
The Sock Bar & Grill, 9300 S Roberts Rd, Hickory Hills · Metro area
Per published schedule; confirm with organizer.
MeetingFree
BurbSec West
Thu, Feb 18, 2027 · 6:00 p.m.
Granite City Food & Brewery, 1828 Abriter Ct, Naperville · Metro area
Per published schedule; confirm with organizer.
MeetingFree
CAMP IT: Enterprise Risk and Security Management
Thu, Feb 18, 2027
Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, Rosemont · Metro area
One-day vendor-neutral conference. The attending page lists a $349 non-member fee, limits attendance to end users from IT organizations and bars vendors unless they sponsor.
ConfirmedConferencePaidVendor-hosted
BurbSec East
Thu, Feb 25, 2027 · 6:00 p.m.
Pilot Project Brewing, 2140 N Milwaukee Ave, Logan Square, Chicago
Per published schedule; confirm with organizer.
MeetingFree
BurbSec Northwest
Thu, Feb 25, 2027 · 6:00 p.m.
Crystal Lake Brewing, 150 N Main St, Crystal Lake · Metro area
Per published schedule; confirm with organizer.
MeetingFree
March 2027
CAMP IT: AI Security Strategies
Wed, Mar 3, 2027
Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, Rosemont · Metro area
One-day vendor-neutral conference. The attending page lists a $349 non-member fee, limits attendance to end users from IT organizations and bars vendors unless they sponsor.
ConfirmedConferencePaidVendor-hosted
TOOOL Chicago
Wed, Mar 3, 2027 · 7:00 p.m.
Pumping Station: One, 3519 N Elston Ave, Chicago
Per published schedule; confirm with organizer.
MeetingFree
BurbSec Prime
Thu, Mar 4, 2027 · 6:00 p.m.
Enterrium, 2 Woodfield Mall, Schaumburg · Metro area
Per published schedule; confirm with organizer.
MeetingFree
Oak Lawn 2600
Fri, Mar 5, 2027 · 5:00 p.m.
Chicago Ridge Mall food court, across from Sbarro, Chicago Ridge · Metro area
Per published schedule; confirm with organizer.
MeetingFree
BurbSec North
Thu, Mar 11, 2027 · 6:00 p.m.
D'Agostino's Pizzeria, 241 S Milwaukee Ave, Wheeling · Metro area
Per published schedule; confirm with organizer.
MeetingFree
BurbSec Pilsen
Thu, Mar 11, 2027 · 6:00 p.m.
Monochrome Brewing, 2101 S Carpenter St, Pilsen, Chicago
Per published schedule; confirm with organizer.
MeetingFree
BurbSec South
Thu, Mar 11, 2027 · 6:00 p.m.
The Sock Bar & Grill, 9300 S Roberts Rd, Hickory Hills · Metro area
Per published schedule; confirm with organizer.
MeetingFree
BurbSec West
Thu, Mar 18, 2027 · 6:00 p.m.
Granite City Food & Brewery, 1828 Abriter Ct, Naperville · Metro area
Per published schedule; confirm with organizer.
MeetingFree
CypherCon 2027
Wed, Mar 24 to Thu, Mar 25, 2027
Baird Center, Milwaukee, WI · Regional
Wisconsin hacker conference, about 90 minutes north of Chicago; the 2027 edition is its tenth anniversary.
ConfirmedConferencePaid
BurbSec East
Thu, Mar 25, 2027 · 6:00 p.m.
Pilot Project Brewing, 2140 N Milwaukee Ave, Logan Square, Chicago
Per published schedule; confirm with organizer.
MeetingFree
BurbSec Northwest
Thu, Mar 25, 2027 · 6:00 p.m.
Crystal Lake Brewing, 150 N Main St, Crystal Lake · Metro area
Per published schedule; confirm with organizer.
MeetingFree
BSidesMKE 2027
Fri, Mar 26, 2027
Milwaukee, WI (venue not yet posted) · Regional
Held right after CypherCon. The organizer's home page gives March 26, 2027, though its ticket blurb also says September 2027; student and first-timer pricing is available.
ConfirmedConferencePaid
CAMP IT: Data Breaches: Defense and Response
Tue, Mar 30, 2027
Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, Rosemont · Metro area
One-day vendor-neutral conference. The attending page lists a $349 non-member fee, limits attendance to end users from IT organizations and bars vendors unless they sponsor.
ConfirmedConferencePaidVendor-hosted
April 2027
BurbSec Prime
Thu, Apr 1, 2027 · 6:00 p.m.
Enterrium, 2 Woodfield Mall, Schaumburg · Metro area
Per published schedule; confirm with organizer.
MeetingFree
Oak Lawn 2600
Fri, Apr 2, 2027 · 5:00 p.m.
Chicago Ridge Mall food court, across from Sbarro, Chicago Ridge · Metro area
Per published schedule; confirm with organizer.
MeetingFree
TOOOL Chicago
Wed, Apr 7, 2027 · 7:00 p.m.
Pumping Station: One, 3519 N Elston Ave, Chicago
Per published schedule; confirm with organizer.
MeetingFree
BurbSec North
Thu, Apr 8, 2027 · 6:00 p.m.
D'Agostino's Pizzeria, 241 S Milwaukee Ave, Wheeling · Metro area
Per published schedule; confirm with organizer.
MeetingFree
BurbSec Pilsen
Thu, Apr 8, 2027 · 6:00 p.m.
Monochrome Brewing, 2101 S Carpenter St, Pilsen, Chicago
Per published schedule; confirm with organizer.
MeetingFree
BurbSec South
Thu, Apr 8, 2027 · 6:00 p.m.
The Sock Bar & Grill, 9300 S Roberts Rd, Hickory Hills · Metro area
Per published schedule; confirm with organizer.
MeetingFree
BurbSec West
Thu, Apr 15, 2027 · 6:00 p.m.
Granite City Food & Brewery, 1828 Abriter Ct, Naperville · Metro area
Per published schedule; confirm with organizer.
MeetingFree
CAMP IT: Identity and Access Management, Reducing Risk and Giving Better CX to Users
Thu, Apr 15, 2027
Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, Rosemont · Metro area
One-day vendor-neutral conference. The attending page lists a $349 non-member fee, limits attendance to end users from IT organizations and bars vendors unless they sponsor.
ConfirmedConferencePaidVendor-hosted
BurbSec Northwest
Thu, Apr 22, 2027 · 6:00 p.m.
Crystal Lake Brewing, 150 N Main St, Crystal Lake · Metro area
Per published schedule; confirm with organizer.
MeetingFree
SANS Chicago 2027
Mon, Apr 26 to Sat, May 1, 2027
Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown Magnificent Mile, 511 N Columbus Dr, Chicago
Early-bird discount ends: Tue, Jan 5, 2027
Hotel group rate ends: Mon, Apr 5, 2027
Refund deadline: Fri, Apr 9, 2027
Paid multi-day courses, in person and online. The early-bird discount is $750 on 4 to 6 day courses.
ConfirmedTrainingPaidVendor-hosted
The Official Cybersecurity Summit: Chicago
Tue, Apr 27, 2027 · 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Hyatt Regency Chicago
Executive summit run by CyberRisk Alliance and paid for by exhibiting companies; the summits page lists no attendee price. Chicago editions were held on March 3 and September 15, 2026.
ConfirmedSummitPaidVendor-hosted
BurbSec East
Thu, Apr 29, 2027 · 6:00 p.m.
Pilot Project Brewing, 2140 N Milwaukee Ave, Logan Square, Chicago
Per published schedule; confirm with organizer.
MeetingFree
May 2027
SecureWorld Chicago 2027
Wed, May 26, 2027
Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, Rosemont · Metro area
Speaker deadline: Sat, Apr 3, 2027
The organizer's events list shows May 26, 2027; its Chicago 2027 page does not repeat the date, and its event pages carry a template message that the event has passed even for future dates. Run by an events company; no price is posted.
ConfirmedConferencePaidVendor-hosted
June 2027
THOTCON 0xE
Fri, Jun 11 to Sat, Jun 12, 2027
Chicago (location disclosed to ticket holders)
Tickets and call for papers open: Thu, Nov 5, 2026
Ticket sales and the call for papers had not opened as of September 25, 2026. Student, general and VIP/donor tickets are offered.
ConfirmedConferencePaid
BSides312 2027
Sun, Jun 13, 2027 · Doors 8:00 a.m.; talks 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; after-party 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Irish American Heritage Center, 4626 N Knox Ave, Chicago
Held the day after THOTCON at the Irish American Heritage Center. The organizer says the call for volunteers and presenters opens in November 2026.
ConfirmedConferencePaid
On the radar
Announced without a date, or expected from past editions. Not confirmed.
ICS/SCADA Cybersecurity Symposium
Held in Chicago in June 2025 and on June 16 to 18, 2026; 2027 dates and venue not yet announced
Chicago (2026 edition at the Chicago Conference Center, 205 W Wacker Dr)
Date TBAConferencePaidVendor-hosted
Blue Team Con 2027
Held September 10 to 13 in 2026; 2027 dates not yet announced
Chicago (2026 edition at the Swissotel Chicago)
ExpectedConferencePaid
GCSI Annual Conference 2027
Held April 30 in 2026; 2027 date not yet announced
IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law, 565 W Adams St, Chicago
ExpectedConferencePaid
ISACA Chicago Annual Conference 2027
Usually held in August; 2027 date not yet announced
Chicago (2026 edition at 320 Events, 320 S Canal St)
ExpectedConferencePaid
Groups & associations
Professional associations
Cloud Security Alliance Chicago Chapter
Host offices in the Loop and West Loop · In the city
Chapter meetings every few months, weekday evenings
Venues require a registered name and photo ID at the lobby desk.
Free
IAPP KnowledgeNet Chicago
Chicago; meetings in person or online · In the city
Periodic privacy and cybersecurity law meetings; dates posted on the IAPP chapter page
Only IAPP members can join KnowledgeNet chapters. The September 25, 2026 meeting on CCPA risk assessments and cybersecurity audits was virtual.
Members only
ISACA Chicago Chapter
Chicago; monthly meetings alternate between in-person venues and Zoom · In the city
Monthly chapter meeting on a Thursday, 3:00 to 5:00 p.m., alternating in person and virtual; also certification review courses and workshops
Review courses, SheLeadsTech workshops and the annual conference are paid; most review courses and workshops are held on Zoom. The chapter's Careers & Conversations series is a free monthly Zoom webinar.
Paid
ISC2 Chicago Chapter
Theory, 9 W Hubbard St, Chicago (networking events); talks at host offices · In the city
Monthly Thursday events, 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.: networking happy hours at Theory and occasional professional talks
Membership is open to anyone, certified or not, for $35 a year; the 2026 events were listed as free. No event after August 20, 2026 was posted as of September 25, 2026.
Free
ISSA Chicago
Rosemont (2026 chapter meetings at Carlucci Restaurant); venues vary · Metro area
Monthly chapter meeting, usually a Thursday afternoon from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m., followed by networking
Meetings are open to members and industry colleagues, with registration through Ticket Tailor; the calendar does not show prices. The chapter also runs a student event (MINDHACK) and a June networking cruise.
Paid
Hacker and grassroots groups
BurbSec East
Pilot Project Brewing, 2140 N Milwaukee Ave, Logan Square, Chicago · In the city
Last Thursday of the month, 6:00 p.m.
No dues, no presentations and a no-pushy-salespeople rule. Security companies usually pay for food or drinks at each night. Moved to Pilot Project Brewing in September 2026.
Free
BurbSec North
D'Agostino's Pizzeria, 241 S Milwaukee Ave, Wheeling · Metro area
Second Thursday of the month, 6:00 p.m.
The BurbSec Meetup description still says Glenview; the 2026 events are at the Wheeling location.
Free
BurbSec Northwest
Crystal Lake Brewing, 150 N Main St, Crystal Lake · Metro area
Fourth Thursday of the month, 6:00 p.m.
Free
BurbSec Pilsen
Monochrome Brewing, 2101 S Carpenter St, Pilsen, Chicago · In the city
Second Thursday of the month, 6:00 p.m.
Informal networking; no presentations.
Free
BurbSec Prime
Enterrium, 2 Woodfield Mall, Schaumburg · Metro area
First Thursday of the month, 6:00 p.m. (CigarSec co-working meetup at Byron Cigar Lounge from 2:00 p.m. the same day)
Held at a video game bar; informal networking with no presentations.
Free
BurbSec South
The Sock Bar & Grill, 9300 S Roberts Rd, Hickory Hills · Metro area
Second Thursday of the month, 6:00 p.m.
Free
BurbSec West
Granite City Food & Brewery, 1828 Abriter Ct, Naperville · Metro area
Third Thursday of the month, 6:00 p.m.
The Meetup description names an older venue; the 2026 events are at Granite City.
Free
Chicagoland Cybersecurity Exchange
Rotating venues in Chicago, Glenview and Rosemont · In the city
Irregular evening talks with food and drinks; no event posted since November 13, 2025
Security companies help fund events, which are often co-hosted with OWASP Chicago, Cloud Security Alliance or WiCyS.
Quiet: last activity Nov 2025Free
DEF CON Group Chicago (DC312)
Sulzer Regional Library, 4455 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago · In the city
Monthly on a Tuesday, 6:00 to 7:30 p.m.; each date is announced on the group's site
Talks plus open discussion; speakers sign up in the group's Discord. Free parking behind the library; near the CTA Brown Line Western station. Most 2026 meetings fell on the first Tuesday, but the group does not publish a fixed rule. A separate, older dc312.org group describes itself as invitation only.
Free
Oak Lawn 2600
Chicago Ridge Mall food court, across from Sbarro, Chicago Ridge · Metro area
First Friday of the month, 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
The only 2600 meeting in the Chicago area on the 2600 meetings list. The group skipped August 2026, and its October 2, 2026 meeting is a virtual CTF.
Free
RegionSec
Purdue University Northwest, Hammond campus, Hammond IN · Metro area
Annual RegionSec Summit meetup each October
Northwest Indiana's cybersecurity community. Its site still shows the October 16, 2025 summit in the Powers Computer Education Building.
Quiet: last activity Oct 2025Free
TOOOL Chicago
Pumping Station: One, 3519 N Elston Ave, Chicago · In the city
First Wednesday of the month, 7:00 p.m.
Meetings are public; loaner picks are available and intro lessons are given when several beginners attend. The chapter also holds an annual Locktoberfest (October 25, 2025).
Free
Inclusion and career communities
WiCyS Chicago Affiliate
Rotating venues across Chicago and the suburbs · In the city
Several events a month in fall 2026: coffee walks, conference booths, an annual luncheon in January and an October social
Events are listed on the affiliate's Google calendar; sign-ups usually go through LinkedIn. The annual women's luncheon (January 28, 2026 at the Union League Club) is ticketed.
Free
Public-private and government
InfraGard Chicago Members Alliance
The Old Post Office, 433 W Van Buren St, Chicago (2026 quarterly meetings) · In the city
Quarterly member meetings on a Thursday morning, 8:00 a.m. to noon, plus socials and an FBI range day
Membership requires an application and FBI vetting. The Q3 2026 meeting offered in-person and virtual attendance.
Vetting required
Conference series
Blue Team Con
Swissotel Chicago, 323 E Wacker Dr (2026) · In the city
Annual conference for defenders each September, with two days of training and two days of talks
The 2026 edition ran September 10 to 13, 2026.
Paid
BSides312
Irish American Heritage Center, 4626 N Knox Ave, Chicago · In the city
One-day conference each spring or early summer
Nonprofit conference run by Hak4Kidz NFP. The 2026 edition was on May 16, 2026.
Paid
ChiBrrCon
Hermann Hall Conference Center, Illinois Institute of Technology, 3241 S Federal St, Chicago · In the city
One-day conference each February, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Nonprofit, vendor-free conference; general admission has been $50, and blocks of free tickets are available on request. The 2026 edition was on February 5, 2026; status reflects the gap between annual editions, and the 2027 edition is announced.
Quiet: last activity Feb 2026Paid
Global Cyber Security Initiative (GCSI)
IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law, 565 W Adams St, Chicago · In the city
Annual conference each spring, plus a fall conference on AI and manufacturing security
Co-hosted with Illinois Tech and the Pan Asian American Business Council. 2026 annual conference registration was $199 early bird and $499 general admission.
Paid
SecureWorld Chicago
Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, Rosemont · Metro area
Annual one-day conference each May
Run by an events company. The 2026 edition was on May 20, 2026.
PaidVendor-hosted
THOTCON
Chicago (venue disclosed to ticket holders) · In the city
Two-day hacking conference held in odd-numbered years (2023, 2025, 2027)
Run by THOTCON Infinity NFP. The last edition, THOTCON 0xD, was May 30 and 31, 2025; there was no 2026 edition. Status reflects the gap between editions, not a decline.
Quiet: last activity May 2025Paid
Directory checklist
14 of 19 national directories list a local chapter
| Directory | Result |
|---|---|
| 2600 Meetings | Local chapter: Oak Lawn 2600 |
| CISA Regional Offices | Nearest: CISA Region 5 office (Chicago); no public Chicago events posted |
| Cloud Security Alliance | Local chapter: Cloud Security Alliance Chicago Chapter |
| Cyversity (formerly ICMCP) Chapters | Nearest: Cyversity Twin Cities Chapter (no Chicago chapter listed) |
| DEF CON Groups | Local chapter: DEF CON Group Chicago (DC312) |
| HTCIA | Nearest: HTCIA Illinois Chapter (meets online only, so not listed as a local group) |
| IAPP KnowledgeNet | Local chapter: IAPP KnowledgeNet Chicago |
| InfraGard Members Alliances | Local chapter: InfraGard Chicago Members Alliance |
| ISACA | Local chapter: ISACA Chicago Chapter |
| ISC2 | Local chapter: ISC2 Chicago Chapter |
| ISSA | Local chapter: ISSA Chicago |
| NSA National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (NCAE-C) | Local chapter: ChiCyberCon (Illinois Tech) |
| OWASP | Local chapter: OWASP Chicago |
| SANS Institute | Nearest: SANS Chicago 2027 (April 26 to May 1, 2027; listed under events) |
| SecureWorld | Local chapter: SecureWorld Chicago |
| Security BSides | Local chapter: BSides312 |
| TOOOL (The Open Organisation Of Lockpickers) | Local chapter: TOOOL Chicago |
| WiCyS (Women in CyberSecurity) Professional Affiliates | Local chapter: WiCyS Chicago Affiliate |
| Women's Society of Cyberjutsu (WSC) Chapters | Nearest: Women's Society of Cyberjutsu Omaha |
Dormant groups
1 group with no public activity for 18 months or more; 3 possibly dormant
- BSides Chicago: Possibly dormant: last public activity Nov 2025 [S44] [S50]
- ChiCyberCon (Illinois Tech): Possibly dormant: last public activity Mar 2025 [S51] [S52]
- Loop InfoSec: last public activity Feb 2020 [S53]
- OWASP Chicago: Possibly dormant: last public activity Nov 2025 [S54] [S55] [S56]
Field notes
- Most BurbSec nights, the ISSA Chicago meetings, SecureWorld and the CAMP IT conferences are outside the city limits, in suburbs such as Rosemont, Schaumburg, Wheeling, Hickory Hills, Naperville and Crystal Lake.
- BurbSec East's Meetup page lists meetings on both Wednesday, November 25 and Thursday, November 26, 2026, and on both December 23 and 24, 2026, around the holidays; check the page before you go.
- TOOOL Chicago's start time differs between sources: the chapter's X profile and the Pumping Station: One calendar say 7:00 p.m., while the hackerspace wiki says 8:00 p.m.
- THOTCON is held in odd-numbered years, and its venue is kept secret until shortly before the event. BSides312 is held the day after THOTCON.
- ISACA Chicago alternates in-person and virtual monthly meetings (October 22, 2026 is virtual, November 19, 2026 is in person), and most of its review courses and workshops are on Zoom.
- InfraGard Chicago meetings are for FBI-vetted members, and IAPP KnowledgeNet meetings are for IAPP members.
- HTCIA Illinois meets online only, so it is not listed. Student security clubs at Illinois Tech (CyberHawks), DePaul (Security Daemons) and Loyola (7968) exist but publish no dated public events, so they are not listed either.
- The ISSA Chicago, ISACA Chicago and IAPP pages do not state a fee for every meeting; fees and member rates are on each registration page.
Sources
Numbered references for the listings on this page.
- S1https://wiki.pumpingstationone.org/wiki/TOOOL_Chicago
- S2https://pumpingstationone.org/
- S3https://burbsec.com/
- S4https://www.meetup.com/burbsec/
- S5https://campitsince1984.com/upcoming-on-site-events/
- S6https://campitsince1984.com/attending/
- S7https://chicagoinfragard.org/events/
- S8https://www.tickettailor.com/events/issachicago/2448791
- S9https://www.issa-chicago.org/
- S10https://oaklawn2600.com/
- S11https://www.2600.com/meetings/
- S12https://gcsichicago.org/gcsi-ciomansec-2025/
- S13https://engage.isaca.org/chicagochapter/events/calendar
- S14https://www.futureconevents.com/events/chicago-il-2027
- S15https://chibrrcon.com/
- S16https://campitsince1984.com/upcoming-on-site-events-2027/
- S17https://cyphercon.com/
- S18https://bsidesmke.org/
- S19https://www.sans.org/cyber-security-training-events/chicago-2027
- S20https://cybersecuritysummit.com/summits/
- S21https://www.cyberriskalliance.com/events
- S22https://events.secureworld.io/
- S23https://www.secureworld.io/events/chicago-il-2027
- S24https://www.thotcon.org/registration
- S25https://bsides312.org/
- S26https://ics-scada-symposium.com/
- S27https://smartgridobserver.com/ICS-Cybersecurity/venue.htm
- S28https://smartgridobserver.com/ICS-Cybersecurity/register.htm
- S29https://blueteamcon.com/
- S30https://gcsichicago.org/
- S31https://engage.isaca.org/chicagochapter/events/chapterconference/newpage540
- S32https://www.meetup.com/meetup-group-tyemzklu/
- S33https://iapp.org/community/iapp-chapters/chicago-il
- S34https://isc2chicago.org/events/
- S35https://www.isc2.org/chapters/chapter-directory
- S36https://www.members.issa.org/page/global-chapter-list
- S37https://www.meetup.com/chicagoland-cybersecurity-exchange/
- S38https://dcgchicago.org/meetings/
- S39https://www.regionsec.org/
- S40https://sites.google.com/wicys.org/wicys-chicago/events
- S41https://www.wicys.org/wicys-chicago-affiliate/
- S42https://www.infragardnational.org/about-us/infragard-chapters/
- S43https://blueteamcon.com/btc-news/blue-team-con-announces-keynote-talks-and-training-sessions-for-2026-conference/
- S44https://bsides.org/chapters/
- S45https://chibrrcon2026.sched.com/
- S46https://www.eventbrite.com/e/global-cyber-security-initiative-conference-gcsi-2026-tickets-1985422253406
- S47https://events.secureworld.io/details/chicago-il-2026/
- S48https://www.thotcon.org/
- S49https://www.thotcon.org/archive/schedule-0xD
- S50https://infosec.exchange/@bsideschicago
- S51https://chicybercon.com/
- S52https://www.caecommunity.org/cae-map
- S53https://www.meetup.com/loop-infosec/
- S54https://nest.owasp.org/chapters/chicago
- S55https://owasp.org/www-chapter-chicago/
- S56https://www.meetup.com/chicagoland-cybersecurity-exchange/events/310893991/