Local SIGs

(Special Interest Groups)

There is no “membership” in the local Special Interest Groups (SIGs). All SIG activities are open to any Mensan interested in that subject or activity. The acronym “SIG” may be applied at the discretion of the host to any regularly scheduled, Mensan-organized event or activity. If an activity is open to the general public, it will be stated in the announcement.

Mensans, their spouses, and accompanied guests may attend activities. Please observe requests for reservations. You are encouraged to contact the host before an event to assist in planning and to promote carpooling. Please observe smoking restrictions.

Note: Standing policy of both American Mensa and Chicago Area Mensa stipulates that, at parties held in private homes, the choice of who may attend is at the discretion of the host.

We currently offer these long-standing local SIGs:

• Art Lovers’ Booze and Marching Society (ALBAMS)
  ALBAMS meets monthly, usually on a Saturday, for lunch followed by a visit to a gallery, art fair, or other exhibition of visual art.
• Futures and Fantasies
  F&F meets in odd numbered months, usually on the second Sunday, rotating between members' homes. Participants propose, select, and presumably read books in the science fiction and fantasy genres, as well as plain English science fact books.
• Poetry SIG
  Meets monthly during the evening of the second Friday. Participants read and discuss poetry, which is mailed out beforehand.
• Single Mensans Over Thirtysomething (SMOT)
  A variety of activities for adults of many ages.
• Young Active Mensans (YAMs)
  An e-mail list and occasional activities for members in their twenties and thirties.

SIG Contact Information for Current Members

If you find these activities intriguing but have not yet joined Mensa, please contact our Membership Chair, Stacey Kirsch, (630) 766-1289, membership@chicago.us.mensa.org

E-mail List Information for Current Members