What is Open Shop?
Open Shop is our after-school and weekend program that takes place at Bit Space locations. It is best described by the maker’s mantra: “design – build – iterate.” Each participant receives regular guidance on their project(s) from one of our Guides, as well as the training, time, space, and tools necessary to complete that project. Guides work with each student to set achievable goals and benchmarks to keep projects moving towards a realistic end given each student’s skills and interests. Attendance is limited to ensure a better-than-10-to-1 ratio of students to Guides.
Open shop is open to students aged 9 and older. Tools and most materials will be provided. (Note: Some specialty parts and materials may not be included in membership; please contact us with any questions.)
Scheduling time at Bit Space is easy!
If you’re a member, you can schedule Open Shop time up to month in advance. Non-members can schedule Single Sessions up to a week in advance.
Open Shop is available:
Tuesday: 3 pm to 6 pm
Thursday: 3 pm to 6 pm
Saturday: 9 am to 12 noon
Once you’ve scheduled a session, you can come in during that session at any time, for any duration.
Purchase a membership
unlimited hours, persistent projects
Becoming a Bit Space Member is the easy, cost-effective way to schedule Open Shop time. Each membership entitles one child to unlimited hours of Open Shop time per month, as well as a 10% discount on most Bit Space offerings.
We will not be holding open shop during the last week of December, or the first week of January while Winter Break Camp takes over both Bit Space locations. In order to compensate for this, any members who join in December will have their memberships extended by two weeks, and will still enjoy a full month of Open Shop membership. Remember, the membership also gets you a 10% discount on Winter Break Camp!
“If you make it, you can take it!”
Whether it’s a one-day project or the result of year-long exploration, Bit Space kids can take home whatever they make. Chair you made from lumber? Take it home. Robot that moves and responds to the world? Take it home. Virtual reality video game? Take it home!
No kits = unique projects
Our programs teach processes–not products–in order to instill self-direction and self-expression in young makers. We don’t do kits and we don’t tell kids what to make — we give them the ability to design for themselves.
Expert guides, safe spaces
Our Guides are professional designers, architects, engineers, and developers with both professional and academic experience. It is our goal to provide the best version of the safe and creative environment we wish we had when we were growing up.
Member?
book now
- schedule hours up to a month ahead
- long-term projects
- two locations: Lincoln Square and Wilmette
Not a Member?
book a single session
- schedule hours up to a week ahead
- short-term projects
- two locations: Lincoln Square and Wilmette
