CHICAGO — "Nerd" is a broad term, and it's fully embraced by members of the Chicago Nerd Social Club.
"You can be a nerd about science, about food; right now 'Hamilton' is really huge within the nerd community," club president Michi Trota. said "A way we define 'nerd' is if you enjoy something and you want to share it, that's awesome, and this group is for you."
The Chicago Nerd Social Club has members from every Chicago neighborhood. Hundreds of card-carrying members pay $15 annually to receive discounts at various venues, plus access to members-only events like "Nerd-O-Ween."
"There's so much rich diversity within the nerd community," Trota said. "Who gets to be a nerd or geek or dork? [The club] believes it’s anyone who wants to be, regardless of ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, religion or political affiliation. Whether you’re a hardcore fan, a casual gamer or a newbie who can't tell Klingon from Quenya, all are welcome!"
The club, which has thousands of followers on its private Facebook group and public Facebook page, also hosts monthly sci-fi/fantasy book club meetings at Filter Cafe in Wicker Park and an annual Pi Day event for attendees who can buy or bring their own pies while discussing 3.14 and beyond. In addition, the club has meetups at Adler Planetarium, libraries and other nerdy Chicago locales.
"I'm very, very proud to be a part of the Chicago Nerd Social Club," said Trota, of East Lakeview. "Through the group, I've met so many people who have given me opportunities to do things like be on panels and work on projects. ... It's a really solid group of people who act as responsible community members."
The all-volunteer-run club was founded in 2009 and has been growing in Chicago and beyond since. Trota said most of the club's events are Downtown or on the North Side, but it's hoping to expand to other parts of the city in 2017.
Trota said she and other board members "are highly engaged in different aspects of the geek community through projects such as I Need Diverse Games, the Ladies Night Anthology of comics, and Uncanny Magazine."
She stressed harassment and microaggressions are not tolerated during meetings, events or online.
For more information on the club, click here.
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