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Center for Life and Learning

Attend Our Open House!
Join us for our free Fall Open House on Thursday, September 9th from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon in Anderson Hall at Fourth Presbyterian Church (126 E. Chestnut St). Can't make the morning? Then join us for our evening Open House reception the same day from 5:00 to 6:30 pm in the Manse (also located in Fourth Presbyterian Church).

Please R.S.V.P. to our Fall Open House hotline at 312-640-5459 by August 31st.



Our Members

Most of our 220 members are from the surrounding neighborhoods. We enjoy a diverse collection of men and women who want to continue to learn, grow and meet new friends.

Chicago Lights Center for Life and Learning (CLL) is founded on a commitment to intellectual and creative challenge for more than 250 men and women 60 years and more who take advantage of daily opportunities to explore new interests, strengthen friendships, and continue to shape their lives and communities. The CLL offers purpose, hope, and meaning in the fullness of life's journey through a variety of social, educational, cultural, and physical activities. The CLL is directed by Patty Jenkins, M.Div., M.S.W.

All are welcome to visit the Center, sample the vast programmatic offerings by signing up for a short-term CLL Minicourse or fully enjoy the many aspects of the Center by becoming a CLL Member.

We offer several academic classes, arts, foreign language, year-round exercise & wellness, service opportunities, outings and social gatherings. All classes take place here at Fourth Presbyterian Church. One need not be a member of Fourth Church to enjoy the Center.
The CLL is located at Fourth Presbyterian Church at Michigan Avenue and Chestnut Street across from the John Hancock Tower in downtown Chicago. The entrance is at 126 E. Chestnut on the south side of the building, and is handicapped accessible.

Via car: When traveling south on Lake Shore Drive, take the Michigan Avenue exit. When traveling north on Lake Shore Drive, take the Chicago Avenue exit to Michigan Avenue.

Via the "El": Take the north-south Howard Red Line to the Chicago Avenue stop (at State Street). Fourth Church is three blocks east and two short blocks north.

Via the CTA bus: the 10, 143, 144, 145, 146, 147, and 151 north-south buses all stop on Michigan Avenue within one block of Fourth Church.


Our Location


Join our email newsletter list by sending a request to CLL@fourthchurch.org


Mark Your Calendar

Every Saturday
Fresh Produce is available for sale at the Urban Farm
10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

September 7
New Tutor Orienation
6:00 p.m.

September 9
Center for Life and Learning Free Open House
10:00 a.m. or 5:00 p.m.

September 9
Lunch and Reception to learn about Volunteering with Caring Cirlces
12:30 p.m.

September 9
T'ai Chi Classes Begin
5:00 p.m.

September 13
New Tutor Orienation
6:00 p.m.

September 16
New Tutor Orienation
6:00 p.m.




"The biggest draw for us to Chicago Lights, both as volunteers and benefactors, has been the sense of being apart of a strong community that inspires others and leads by example.

Chicago Lights has allowed both of us to share the gifts we have been so blessed with while gaining new perspective on the challenges our community faces."
--Craig and Alison Naish