We offer cooking classes for all levels of students. Some of our classes are more basic than others (Knife Skills, 101 classes, workshops, etc.) and are designed to provide a solid foundation of cooking techniques. Other classes such as Boot Camps delve deeper into the subject matter and offer an intensive cooking experience. However, all of our classes are suitable for both beginners as well as experienced home cooks. That’s because you will not only learn to make the recipes from that particular menu, you’ll get many more cooking tips and techniques from our chefs.
In a demonstration class, you observe our chef prepare the meal and get a generous tasting portion of each dish made. This type of class is best for those who like to watch before they do, as you’ll take notes and ask questions throughout the class.
In a hands-on class, each student works in groups of 3 to 5 people to make the meal from start to finish. You’ll enjoy a full meal at the end of class with the other students.
Register online for your class from any device. If you are paying with a gift card, you will need to register for your class over the phone. For Lincoln Square classes, call 773-472-6700. For classes at the Merchandise Mart, call 312-644-6360.
As of May 1, 2019, we transitioned to a pre-payment system, meaning you pay for your class at the time of registration. You also have the option to pay in advance with a gift card if you register by phone. Please note that all classes also now have a 10% service fee that is non-transferable and non-refundable. This is to cover the operational and administrative costs incurred by TCB. Also note that all classes have a one-week cancellation policy, and that Culinary Boot Camps have a two-week cancellation policy.
During COVID-19, all classes have a three-day cancellation policy, except Culinary Boot Camps which have a two-week cancellation policy. You must email lincoln@thechoppingblock.com to cancel an existing reservation, but please note the 10% service fee is non-refundable and non-transferable. If you cancel within 72 hours (3 days), you will not receive a refund or credit for your class, but feel free to send a friend or family member in your place. Our credit card refund policy is 90 days. If your purchase was made prior to that, you will receive an account credit, not a refund to your credit card.
During our demonstration classes, you will taste a healthy sampling of everything made in class. In our hands-on classes, you will be fed the equivalent of a full meal. If there are leftovers, you’ll even get to take them home!
We accommodate between 14 to 25 people in our demonstration classes and between 8 to 20 people in our hands-on classes, depending on location. If a class is full, it's best to call us to sign up for the waitlist as we will notify you if space opens up.
We always suggest signing up for the waitlist if the class is sold out because if someone cancels, there is a good chance you will get in. There is no commitment required. If we receive cancellations, we’ll call our waitlist immediately to try to fill the available spots. We can also add another class if there is enough demand for it.
We offer classes in the Merchandise Mart and Lincoln Square neighborhood in Chicago. Explore our kitchens.
The Merchandise Mart is conveniently located near several downtown parking facilities, including Mart Parc Wells Self Park indoor garage at the corner of Kinzie and Wells Street. Discounted rates are available by purchasing online, and we have validation stickers in our store. Metered street parking can also be found in the area.
Lincoln Square: Street parking is readily available on Lawrence and on Western.
We are working to be a paperless company, so we email you the recipes one day in advance of your class. Feel free to print them at home and bring them with you, or bring your favorite device to use to display recipes on during the class. Printed recipes will be provided in some classes such as Knife Skills, boot camps, etc. as the need for note taking is greater. You can always request we print a copy for you if needed.
We provide all of the cooking equipment and food. Wine, beer and soda are available for purchase. Your chef will recommend food-friendly wine pairings to accompany the dishes prepared in class. If you choose to bring in your own alcohol, keep in mind that a corkage fee will be charged: $20 per bottle of wine and per six-pack of beer.
Wear comfortable clothing and non-skid comfortable shoes, especially if you are taking a hands-on cooking class. We provide aprons to protect your clothing.
Intelligentsia "Chopping Block Blend" coffee and still water are served during every class. Wine, beer and soda are available for purchase. We can legally package any leftover wine so you can take the bottle home.
Students receive a 10% discount on all regularly priced merchandise on the day of their class. You can also download our free photo rewards app for more discounts! Take a photo at either location of The Chopping Block using the app and share it on social media. When you do, your retail discount jumps to 20% off your retail purchase that day, and you'll be entered in our raffle to win a free hands-on cooking class for two people.
Absolutely! We will do our best to accommodate food allergies, but we cannot change class menus or guarantee that those with diet restrictions will be able to eat everything made during class. We ask that you indicate any allergies at the time of registration and present the information to the chef at the beginning of your class. If you have questions as to whether a particular class is right for you, please call our stores to discuss with our staff. Please note our kitchens are not a gluten or nut-free environment.
Unfortunately we do, but we do our absolute best to avoid this. All of our classes may be subject to cancellation or rescheduling. If this happens, we’ll let you know, refund your class as well as your 10% service fee, and get you into another class asap.
You can register and pay for as many as five people for any of our cooking classes. Groups larger than that would work with an Event Coordinator to book a private event.
You can also purchase a gift card for your friend to choose his or her own class.
We welcome anyone over the age of 18 to participate in any of our cooking classes. Students younger than 18 can participate in our kids/teen classes/camps and Family Night classes. You must be 21 years old or older to attend any class in which alcohol is being served. You will be asked to present a valid ID at the time of check-in. If there is an age requirement for a class, it will be listed in the class description.
Yes, we offer private cooking parties for groups from 6 to 300 people. Learn more.
No, gift cards cannot be returned, nor are they redeemable for cash. If you have a gift card you no longer can use, please feel free to gift it to someone else!
We love to hear suggestions from our students! Email info@thechoppingblock.com to share your ideas.
Definitely! Cooking together in a corporate event is a great way to build camaraderie or offer a little friendly competition for your team. Learn more.
If you purchased your cooking class on CourseHorse, then our Refund & Cancellation policy applies to your purchase. If you are entitled to a refund, or have any questions, please visit the CourseHorse site in Chicago and contact their customer service team.
We are working to be a paperless company, so we email you the recipes one day in advance of your class. Feel free to print them at home and bring them with you, or bring your favorite device to use to display recipes on during the class. Printed recipes will be provided in some classes such as Knife Skills, boot camps, etc. as the need for note taking is greater. You can always request we print a copy for you if needed.
Food items are cooked to order, and the food you are consuming in some classes may contain raw or undercooked meats. Consumption of raw or undercooked foods of animal origin, such as beef, eggs, fish, lamb, pork, poultry or shellfish, may result in an increased risk of foodborne illness.
Items may include:
