Chicago Bartending School

4.8 (150 reviews)

Train to bartend in the Windy City! Chicago's legendary bar scene offers incredible opportunities from dive bars to rooftop lounges. Our downtown location puts you at the heart of it all, with connections to venues throughout Chicagoland.

Online Program

Serving Chicago, Illinois

Call Us

(916) 995-6518

Email Us

info@bartendingcollege.com

Flexible Schedules

Self-Paced Online

Start Online Course Call (916) 995-6518

Class Schedules

Choose the schedule that works best for you at our Chicago campus

Weekday Classes

Monday - Friday, 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM (2 weeks)

Weekend Classes

Saturday - Sunday, 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM (2 weekends)

Evening Classes

Monday - Thursday, 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM (3 weeks)

All schedules cover the same comprehensive curriculum. Choose based on your availability.

Enroll Now

Serving Chicago & Surrounding Areas

Learn bartending from anywhere with our comprehensive online program. We serve students in Chicago and throughout Illinois with flexible, self-paced training that fits your schedule.

Explore Online Program Call (916) 995-6518
Flexible Nationwide Training

Training Your Way in Chicago

No matter where you are in Chicago or Illinois, we bring professional bartending education to you with options designed to fit your life.

In-Home Instruction

A certified bartending instructor comes directly to your location in Chicago for personalized, hands-on training.

Live Virtual Training

Interactive Zoom sessions with professional bartenders. Learn cocktail techniques, bar management, and more from anywhere.

Instructor's Facility

Train at a certified instructor's professional bar setup near Chicago. Real-world environment, real-world skills.

Partner School Placement

We find and enroll you at a bartending school in any city. We handle all the coordination and communications for you.

Corporate & Event Training

Custom programs for restaurants, hotels, event venues, and private parties. Train your team or learn for your next event.

Hybrid Programs

Combine online coursework with in-person practice sessions. Flexible scheduling that works around your life.

Let's Build Your Custom Training Plan

Call us to discuss which training option works best for your schedule and goals in Chicago.

Call (916) 995-6518 Explore Programs
Flexible scheduling Certified instructors Nationwide coverage Job placement assistance
Local Insights

Chicago's Bar & Cocktail Scene

Discover the local hospitality landscape where you'll build your career

Chicago: A Legendary Bar City

Chicago's bar culture runs deep - from historic neighborhood taverns to cutting-edge molecular cocktail labs. The city's hospitality scene is among America's finest.

Top Cocktail Bars

  • The Aviary - Grant Achatz's groundbreaking cocktail experience
  • Three Dots and a Dash - World-class underground tiki bar
  • The Violet Hour - Pioneering speakeasy-style cocktail bar
  • Lost Lake - Neighborhood tiki with serious cred

Neighborhood Bars

Chicago's corner taverns are cultural institutions. Wrigleyville transforms on game days, and winter doesn't slow down the party.

Trending Drinks (2026)

  • Chicago's Malört culture continues
  • Italian amaro cocktails
  • Local craft spirits integration

Job Market Data

Bartending career opportunities in Chicago, Illinois

Bartender Salaries in Chicago

Entry Level $30,000/year + tips
Median Salary $36,500/year + tips
Top 10% $55,000+/year

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024

Job Market Outlook

3,800

Bars & restaurants in Chicago metro

11% over next 5 years

Projected job growth

Peak Hiring Seasons

March-May (patio season), September-October

Top Employers Hiring Bartenders in Chicago

Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants

Chicago Cubs/Wrigleyville Bars

Chicago Sports Teams

Major Hotel Chains (Loop)

Navy Pier Entertainment

Student Success Stories

Hear from our graduates who launched their bartending careers in Chicago

"Chicago takes cocktails seriously. The foundation I got at ABC Bartending College helped me land a spot at one of the world's most innovative bars. Dreams do come true!"
MO

Mike O'Connor

Bartender

Class of 2022

"Working Cubs games is the best summer job ever! Great tips, great atmosphere, and I get to watch baseball. The program's high-volume training was essential."
SJ

Sarah Johnson

Event Bartender

Class of 2023

"I fell in love with tiki cocktails during training and pursued it after graduation. Now I manage one of Chicago's top tiki bars. Follow your passion!"
DC

David Chen

Bar Manager

Class of 2020

Local Information

Everything you need to know about bartending in Chicago

Illinois Liquor Laws

Minimum Age to Bartend 21+
Alcohol Serving Hours 6:00 AM - 4:00 AM (5:00 AM Sat)
TIPS/RBS Required Recommended
Required Certifications:
  • BASSETT Certification (required)

Entertainment Districts

Wrigleyville

Cubs game day destination with rooftop bars, sports pubs, and late-night venues.

River North

Trendy neighborhood with upscale lounges, nightclubs, and restaurant bars.

West Loop

Chicago's hottest dining neighborhood with chef-driven cocktail programs.

Lincoln Park/Lakeview

Young professional haven with neighborhood bars, sports pubs, and comedy clubs.

Insider Tips

Chicago's hospitality community is tight-knit. Industry nights are Monday-Tuesday. The Bartender's Guild hosts tastings and education events. Start in your target neighborhood to build local connections.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about our Chicago, Illinois bartending program

What is BASSETT certification?

BASSETT (Beverage Alcohol Sellers and Servers Education and Training) is Illinois' required certification for anyone who sells or serves alcohol. We include BASSETT training in our program.

Are there seasonal bartending opportunities?

Yes! Chicago has strong seasonal patterns. Patio season (April-October) sees huge demand. Sports venues hire for Cubs, Sox, Bears, Bulls, and Blackhawks games. Festival season (Lollapalooza, Taste of Chicago) also brings opportunities.

Can I work at Cubs or Bears games?

Many of our graduates work at Wrigley Field, Soldier Field, and the United Center! We have connections with event staffing companies that serve these venues.

How do Chicago's late bar hours work?

Chicago bars can serve until 4 AM (5 AM on Saturdays) - later than most major cities! Some venues stay open even later with special licenses. This means longer shifts but better tips.

Do you help with jobs in the suburbs?

Yes! Our job placement network covers Chicagoland including Naperville, Schaumburg, Evanston, and other suburbs. Suburban restaurant groups are always hiring.

What's the best neighborhood to bartend in?

It depends on your style! Wrigleyville is great for sports fans, River North for nightclub energy, West Loop for craft cocktails, and Lincoln Park for neighborhood regulars.

Nearby Bartending Schools

Explore other ABC Bartending College locations near you

Mount Prospect

Illinois

Launch your bartending career in Chicago's thriving northwest suburbs! Our Mount Prospect campus provides state-approved training with industry-expert instructors. Convenient for students throughout the northwest suburbs, from Arlington Heights to Schaumburg to Palatine.

20 miles away View

Frankfort

Illinois

Train to bartend in Chicago's southern suburbs! Our Frankfort campus serves Will, southern Cook, and Kankakee counties with industry-expert instructors and a true-to-life bar environment. Approved by the Illinois State Superintendent of Education, we provide the area's best bartending training with affordable tuition.

29 miles away View

Detroit

Michigan

Bartend in Detroit's renaissance! Our campus prepares you for the Motor City's booming downtown scene, sports venues, and emerging craft cocktail culture.

237 miles away View

St. Louis

Missouri

Bartend in the Gateway to the West! Our St. Louis campus prepares you for downtown's entertainment scene, the Grove's nightlife, and legendary Cardinals game days.

262 miles away View
View All Locations

Start Your Bartending Career in Chicago

Join thousands of successful graduates through our online bartending program. Learn from anywhere in Chicago with flexible scheduling and earn your certification in just 2 weeks!

Start Online Course Call (916) 995-6518

Also Serving:

Evanston Oak Park Naperville Schaumburg Waukegan