Frequently Asked Questions:

We ask that everyone arrive 10 to 15 minutes before start time to sign in and get situated that way the event can get started on time. We do give participants an extra 15 minutes to arrive and sign in, but we send out reminders prior to the event, and attempt to get started on time.

There are so many fun things to talk about on a short date. Topics such as favorite foods, hobbies, and interests are among some subject you can talk about.

Do not ask your date for his or her contact information directly or for a second date (the fun part about speed dating is the pressure free feeling). You are not allowed to pressure someone to answer questions they do not want to answer. You are also not allowed to ask sexual, lewd, or inappropriate questions to any participant, or make any sexual, lewd, or inappropriate remarks.

No. We can take credit card payments over the phone.

Yes. There is a small $10 fee for non-registered arrivals. At the venue simply introduce yourself to our friendly host, register with her/him, pay the total fee ($40), and prepare for a great time. Our host will give you a match card and add you to our roster of singles.

The founders of Chicago First Dates have been in the industry since 2006. They are regarded as industry experts. For example, their speed dating company NY Minute Dating is the largest speed dating company in New York, and Chicago First Dates is the largest in Chicago. They have dedicated their time and efforts to growing Chicago First Dates so that more and more single men and women could meet.

Bring photo ID in case you need to identify yourself to our host, and in case you want to have a drink at the cash bar. Don't forget your car keys or metro card.

We have events every week. Some times as many as 3 to 5 different events, all with different themes, and for singles in different age ranges.

Our policy is that each member be single or not otherwise attached. We do not perform any checks to verify the marital status of any participant. Such checks are the responsibility of the participant seeking such information. Divorced and separated persons who consider themselves single are allowed to register.

We would appreciate timely notification of a planned absence because it would give us enough time to offer your spot to someone on the waiting list. You qualify for a refund so long as you give us at least 5 days notice of an absence. However, we do understand that last minute emergencies do happen. While we won't be able to give you a refund at that point, we will credit your account for a future speed dating event, that way you do not lose your money and get the event you paid for.

If you purchased a Gift Certificate online or over the phone and requested that it be emailed, we email it to the recipient the same day. If you purchased a gift certificate online or via phone and you requested that it be mailed, we will put it in the mail the same day and it should arrive at the recipient's address as fast as the U.S. mail delivers it.

We believe that speed dating is one of the most safe ways to meet other local singles in person. At our event you will get to meet several single people in one evening, in a public setting, and at safe venues. We have chosen all our venues based on safety, friendliness, and reputation. However, the world isn't perfect and we know that. That is why we urge everyone to make good decisions and get home safely every time.

Our venues are among Chicago's most popular nightlife lounges, clubs, and restaurants. We have carefully chosen our venues based on safety, friendliness, and reputation. We have also chosen our venues based on proximity to transportation, parking space, and well populated areas.

You get notified of your matches the very next day via email. We do not distribute physical addresses, only email addresses and/or phone numbers.

Your registration and attendance is CONFIDENTIAL. Your name, email, address, phone number, etc is not shared with anyone. We do not sell your information to third parties, or answer phone inquiries regarding the attendance or participation of any participant to our events. We would only provide such information to local, state, or federal government agencies upon legal request or good reason, especially for the safety of our participants.

Yes. Your data and transations are safe at Chicago First Dates's website. We use a 128-Bit Secure Socket Layer (SSL). This is the same technology used by companies like Toyota, Nextel, and eHarmony to protect their customers. Every part of our website is encrypted for your security, including the Registration, Payment, and Contact form.

Yes. Our merchant account is with PayPal Payments Pro, one of the most secure online merchants in the world. PayPal allows us to accept credit card payments directly on our site. We are also fully protected by a 128-Bit SSL Certificate.

Yes. You can pay us with PayPal or by any credit card. We also accept payments over the phone.

Yes. We are looking for event promoters. Compensation based on performance. Click here to learn more about becoming a Chicago First Dates event promoter.

You can bring a friend for support but he/she cannot participate in the event unless they are a registered participant.

Chicago First Dates caters to professional men and women from the Chicago metro area who are usually too busy to meet someone special on their own. We do our best to bring together an equal number of men and women to our events. We hand select all our hosts that way you have someone there who can walk you through everything and make sure you are comfortable and having fun at every moment. There's almost no waiting for matches; we always send your matches out within 24 hours. Our customer service replies to everyone's questions the same day.

Currently Chicago First Dates offers speed dating in Chicago only. But the founders of this company operate and/or are partners in speed dating companies in other cities, including New York speed dating, Long Island speed dating, California speed dating, Chicago speed dating, Philadelphia speed dating, and Bostoin speed dating.

Occassionally we do offer one free drink as part of the event package that you pay for. If that's the case, we will make mention of a free drink on the events schedule page. At the same time, many of our venues offer food and beverages at a cost. We try to arrange all our events during happy hour, so that when our events are at lounges, refreshments are very affordable.

Chicago First Dates introduces singles to each other for love or friendship. If you are separated or divorced and consider yourself a single, and are looking for love or friendship, then you are encouraged to attend our event.

You can always email us.