Hands-On Cooking Events Worth Talking About!
Cooking Skills & Social is Chicagoland's go to spot for hands-on cooking classes,
private events, and corporate team building. Our chefs walk you through every step,
you cook it yourself, then everyone sits down to eat what they made. Weekly classes
birthdays, bachelorette parties, team offsites, client appreciation dinners, We host
groups of 6 to 70+ in our Itasca kitchens. & It's all BYOB!
Private Event Formats
Cooking Classes
From corporate team events to birthday dinners and family celebrations, our chef-led cooking classes turn any occasion into an unforgettable experience. Guest cook, laugh, and share an incredible meal they created all guided by a professional Chef in a fun, relaxed atmosphere. It's the kind of event everyone looks forward to and nobody forgets!
Best For Group Sizes Of 6-24 Guests
Cooking Skills Challenge
Friendly competition just got tastier. Teams cook head-to-head in a chef-guided showdown, then everyone tastes what they made before Chef crowns the winner. Add in our signature poem time, where each team pitches its dish in verse, and you've got a team night where people actually talk about it on Monday morning! No culinary skills required. Just bring your competitive spirit and your appetite!
Best For Group Sizes Of 15-70 Guests
Custom Events
Not every event fits a mold and that's exactly why we offer fully customizable culinary experiences. From client appreciation events with built-in time to present and host, to anniversary dinners, family celebrations, and beyond. We'll design an experience around your group, your goals, and your vision. Relaxed, social, and completely yours!
Best For Group Sizes Of 16-40 Guests
TEAMS THAT HAVE COOKED WITH US
Popular Cooking Classes Near You
All ages welcome. Must be accompanied by a parent if under the age of 18.
Mixology classes are strictly 21+.
All classes are BYOB!
Late Fall Catch: Classic Wine & Mussels with Ocean Trout!Oct 22, 2026, 6:30 PM – 8:30 PMCooking Skills & Social, 1201 Norwood Ave, Itasca, IL 60143, USA
FRIDAY Short Rib, Gnocchi & CannoliOct 23, 2026, 6:30 PM – 8:30 PMCooking Skills & Social, 1201 Norwood Ave, Itasca, IL 60143, USA
Steakhouse Night: Seared Scallops and Beef Hanging Tender on RisottoOct 24, 2026, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PMCooking Skills & Social, 1201 Norwood Ave, Itasca, IL 60143, USA
"My daughter and I have gone to Cooking Skills Academy a few times over the years. This was a spring break entertainment opportunity. It did not disappoint. We are sushi lovers, and this experience was the absolute best. The idea of making your own sushi rolls seems daunting and a bit intimidating. NOPE! It was a complete blast! Alexander K is the most entertaining, knowledgeable, and quirky chef we have ever come across. He made the evening fun for everyone. I really appreciate your time and effort in making this event so spectacular. The venue was pleasant, clean, handicap accessible, and comfortable. Thank you. Looking forward to participating again very soon."
Danny De Napoli, IL
"Went to the sushi class with Alex and it was wonderful ...Alex is a great teacher and person learned so much about fish and sushi making I highly recommend it to anyone that likes sushi or wants to try it thnx Danny D or Grasshopper as Alex calls me"
Garrett Stiles, IL
"Love these classes! They make for a really fun night out, a hands-on take on the ol’ “dinner & a show” except you go home knowing how to make something new in the kitchen. We’ve been to 3 now with 2 different Chefs and we keep having a blast and eating great food. I’m even looking into getting my company to do a private session as team-building event. BYOB recommended; I’ve noticed that you and your fellow classmates interact a little more when there’s some social lubricant flowing."