STARTING DECEMBER 3RD 2023
Our Open Shop hours are changing to 12:30pm-5:30pm every Sunday in Chicago (no cancellations)!
***If you are attending Open Shop for the first time, you are required to complete a shop authorization. Shop authorizations will be held at 11:30am-12:30pm every Sunday before Open Shop. Please make sure to show up at 11:30am if you have not completed a shop authorization.
*** Ticket sales end 48 hours before date of Open Shop
Scroll down to learn about our new Open Shop memberships!
Consider yourself a real Ron Swanson but no room to have your own workshop? Use ours! We are proud to offer Open Shop, where you’ll have 5 hours to work on whatever tickles your fancy (all projects subject to instructor approval).
We welcome all skills levels but strongly suggest that you take 1 or 2 introductory workshops with us first before venturing out on your own!
Our instructors will be there to show you how to use the equipment, supervise to make sure you leave with all your fingers and toes, and provide direction if you need an expert opinion, but they will not make your project for you. We cannot guarantee that your project will be finished in the time allotted. Arrangements can be made to store your materials if you need to come back to finish up at another Open Shop session.
***After registering for open shop, please email workshops@rebuildingexchange.org to let us know what you will be working on in the class. A list of tools/equipment available for use during open shop are provided below.
Materials are not included in the price of Open Shop, but we are happy to offer a 20% discount for materials purchased in our warehouse. We recommend showing up an hour early to pick out materials and prepare to work.
CLASS CREDIT POLICY::
NEW! Open Shop Memberships
What does an Open Shop Membership at the Rebuilding Exchange include?
Access to Sunday afternoon Open Shop hours at the Rebuilding Exchange Chicago location, 1740 W. Webster Ave., including tools and supplies. See a listing of shop tools here.
20% off lumber purchases for the duration of your membership.
Storage. Members get a 15″x35″x60″ bunk included for the duration of membership (included in membership cost)
Expert advising. A Rebuilding Exchange instructor will be on-site during Open Shop hours and available to help problem solve.
How much does an Open Shop Membership cost?
Memberships come in 3 levels:
Pine: 3 months ($300)
Cedar: 6 months ($550) (save $50)
Walnut: 1 year ($1,000) (save $200)
Single session tickets for $70 will still be available.
How do I purchase a membership?
Step 1:
Memberships are sold as a “gift card” option through this link. https://giftup.app/place-order/9f067f8a-2939-4642-db51-08da7b86b911?platform=hosted
Step 2:
You will receive an email with a PROMOCODE to use when signing up for your Open Shop sessions. PROMOCODEs are valid for 3, 6 or 12 months from the date of purchase.
Step 3:
Sign up for Open Shop sessions through the Eventbrite listing that’s posted on our Workshop Calendar. Input your PROMOCODE when you sign up to reserve your space at no additional charge.
With a membership am I guaranteed a space in Open Shop?
No. The shop can accommodate up to 6 people per session. We are limiting the number of memberships available with the goal that members will be able to reserve the dates they want. If we find that members are having difficulty getting reservations, we will expand the days and times Open Shop is offered.
What if I reserve a time in Open Shop then can’t make it?
If your schedule changes and you can’t make your open shop session, send an email to workshops@rebuildingexchange.org no later than 48 hours ahead of time and we will remove you from the reservation list. We reserve the right to terminate a membership if the member has 3 or more “no shows” with no notice.
Are Open Shop memberships refundable?
No. Open Shop memberships are non refundable but you are able to transfer the remainder of your membership to another person.
Is there any type of training required to attend an Open Shop as a member?
Yes, new members will be required to go through a shop orientation with an instructor prior to using the shop for the first time. This may be completed at the beginning of your first session.
Any additional questions?
Contact workshops@rebuildingexchange.org
Machines
Hand Tools & Power Tools
***Questions about tools or equipment can be sent to workshops@rebuildingexchange.org
OTHER POLICIES
All workshops are 18+ unless otherwise specified; no woodworking experience necessary
Materials are included in the fee for the workshop
We are not able to accommodate last minute attendees. If a workshop is sold out, there are no open spots.