1871 - Chicago, Illinois

Edward

Awesome place for Startups to grow. The space also has some early stage angel investors and VCs. They also host tech and startup events weekly.

Antoine F.

I've been to 1871 only a few times, but I've loved it every time. This is probably one of the first incubators that most people learn about, and it will continue to be one of the best.

The location is nice. You can't beat working at merchandise mart, which is always a plus. They have designed the office to also increase the likelihood of strangers interacting. Interactions create bonds which create friendships and connections: networking done easy without even realizing it.

A lot of universities also own a room which can be booked by students who are aware. If you've never been to one of these kinds of locations, then you should visit. Especially if you're in entrepreneur, you should go at least a few times a year when they hold events.

Amanda C.

I had never experienced a co-working space like this before! There are plenty of rooms available and the staff is helpful.

Although I am not in Chicago often, I would think a membership here would be a worthwhile investment.

Agney

What a wonderful experience! Brightest mind around the Chicago working on top-notch ideas and changing the world. Great space to get started with your startup. No shortage of skilled mentors and is opened 24 x 7 for the members.

Austin L. W.

Great location and exceptional workspace. Lots of amenities, including a sound proof telephone booth. A number of companies and universities run programs out of this space (including University of Chicago). The large public speaking space is ideal for a moderately sized Ted-style talk.

Raed M.

Workspace that has a lit more than just space. It's a tech space that helps partnerships form. Bathrooms can be bigger and better. Guest WiFi works sometimes. People are friendly, space is huge and so are the ideas and energy. Having Intelligentsia Cafe inside is a big plus!

Jess M.

1871 is a very inspirational place, the true heart of Chicago's tech scene. They offer decent amenities to visitors and tenants including a shared kitchen with filtered water station, Intelligentsia coffee bar and a variety of vending machines. It's a great place to visit for an event but as a shared co-working space it's noisy and a bit too social.

Nathan L.

1871 is by far the best coworking space in the city. The facilities are nice, spacious, and full of conference rooms. The staff is spectacular, helpful, and friendly. Ability to quickly meet with mentors and in-facility VC firms is an incredible boon to startup life as well.

I have worked for startups in various other coworking spaces, and none could hold a candle to 1871. While some had particular amenities which are individually nicer, none can come close to the whole package that 1871 offers, especially for the price point.

Conference rooms are always available if you look a day in advance, and there are no overall maximums to the amount of conference room time you get. This is the first coworking space I have used which does not have a problem in that area.

The staff are phenomenal. Everyone is incredibly fast and helpful. Courtney deserves a shout out for her prompt attention to all communication and her ability to turn around requests on unbelievably small timeframes.

The flexibility that 1871 offers is incredible as well. We have paid for individual memberships, team memberships, and reserved space - the transitions among these have been seamless.

If you are starting a small business in Chicago, you simply can't beat 1871 for workspace.