Programs | Social Events
Get connected to your community
Advanced Improv Club
2nd Monday of the Month | 5:00 – 6:30 PM | Virtual
Gilda’s Improv Club is a time to connect with other members, laugh, play, and celebrate our creativity. This group will focus on Chicago long-form improv comedy, teambuilding, and group play. There are no mistakes in improv – come and make up characters and stories with your friends! We may also watch comedy specials, attend shows, and consider performing as a group.
Requirements: Previous improv experience at Gilda’s Club Chicago or improv theater. Please reach out to Kat Bovbjerg at katbovbjerg@gildasclubchicago.org if you would like to participate in this group.
Facilitator
Kat Bovbjerg
Art of Resilience Gallery
Art therapy is a powerful therapeutic tool for individuals impacted by cancer, offering a creative and emotional outlet to process the challenges of diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship. It provides a safe space for patients and their families to express feelings of fear, anxiety, and uncertainty that may be difficult to put into words. Engaging in artistic activities like painting or drawing can help reduce stress, alleviate symptoms of depression, and promote a sense of control in a situation that often feels overwhelming.
At the GCC Art of Resilience gallery, located on the 2nd floor of the Downtown Clubhouse, the healing power of art is celebrated each year. Members are invited to submit artwork they have created through the numerous GCC art therapy programs, showcasing their journeys and strength. This inspiring collection is unveiled at an art gallery opening in the late spring, offering a moment of reflection, connection, and empowerment for both artists and attendees.
If you would like to participate in this year’s Art of Resilience, [click here].
Book Support
3rd Friday of the month | 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM | Virtual
Join us for Book Support, a virtual book-club-style group where we dive into a new novel each month, exploring diverse themes and captivating tropes. Don’t miss the chance to join the conversation!
Facilitator:
Sophie Canade, LCPC, ATR
Cinco de Mayo Fiesta
¡Únete a nosotros cada mes de mayo para una divertida tarde de comida, música, baile, juegos y conexión! Todos están invitados a vestirse con ropa adecuada inspirada en México y se les anima a traer un platillo para compartir.
Join us each May for a fun afternoon of food, music, dancing, games, and connection! All are invited to dress in appropriate Mexico-inspired attire and encouraged to bring a dish to share.
Day of Remembrance
The Day of Remembrance is an annual event, typically held in November, dedicated to honoring and remembering loved ones lost to cancer. This meaningful gathering provides an opportunity for reflection, support, and connection. Attendees can participate in a heartfelt sharing ceremony, hear words of comfort from guest speakers, and enjoy musical entertainment.
Pet Therapy with Sherman
Sherman the Shorkie is a registered Animal-Assisted Therapy dog and an American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen®. It’s well-known (and scientifically proven) that interaction with a gentle, friendly pet has significant benefits. Animal-assisted therapy improves patients’ mental, physical, social and emotional functioning with the aid of animals. Children also respond to the unconditional love and patience provided by therapy dogs. Besides building skills, therapy dogs help children increase self-esteem and motivation.
Where you can find Sherman:
- 4th Wednesday of the month | 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM | Advocate Christ Medical Center Outpatient Pavilion, 8th Floor Infusion (4440 W 95th, Oak Lawn)
- If you are receiving treatment during this time, please let your nurse know you would like to see Sherman.
- 4th Wednesday of the month | 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM | GCC Clubhouse at Advocate Christ Medical Center Outpatient Pavilion (4440 W 95th, Oak Lawn)
- Open visit time at the GCC Clubhouse to anyone wishing to play.
- 3rd Wednesday of the month | Lurie Cancer Center at Northwestern Medicine
- Open visit time for oncology healthcare providers in the Galter Pavilion and Prentice Women’s Hospital. For more information, email alivernasco@gildasclubchicago.org.
- Weekly at the Downtown Clubhouse (537 N. Wells)
- Sherman is often at the Downtown Clubhouse and he always loves seeing our members for play time and pets. For more information, email bradfordnewquist@gildasclubchicago.org.
Saturday LIVE! @ ACMC
Join us at the Gilda’s Club Chicago Clubhouse at Advocate Christ Medical Center Outpatient Pavilion (4440 W. 95th, Oak Lawn) on the 4th Saturday of each month for Saturday LIVE! programming! Enjoy a light breakfast, healthy lifestyle activities, and social opportunities with others impacted by cancer.
Parking is easy at ACMC! Free parking is available in Parking Lot D across from the Outpatient Pavilion.
Regular Saturday LIVE Schedule
Please check our community calendar for any cancelations or additions.
- Reiki Sessions
9:30 AM – 1:00 PM (30 minutes each) - Strength, Fitness, & Fun
9:30 AM – 10:30 AM - Caring Arts: Open Art Studio
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM - Gong Meditation
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Saturday LIVE! @ the Downtown Clubhouse
Join us at the Downtown Clubhouse (537 N. Wells) on the second Saturday of each month for Saturday LIVE! programming! Enjoy a light breakfast, healthy lifestyle activities, and social opportunities with others impacted by cancer.
Please check our community calendar for any cancelations or additions.
- Movement or Meditation Class (ex. yoga, t’ai chi, sound healing)
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM - Caring Arts: Open Art Studio
11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Getting to the Clubhouse is easy:
CTA
- Brown/Purple Lines: Merchandise Mart (walk 3 blocks)
- Pink/Green/Orange/Blue Lines: Clark & Lake (walk 6 blocks)
- Red Line: Grand (walk 4 blocks)
- Bus Lines: 22, 37, 65, 156
Parking
- Street parking (metered)
- Mart Parc Wells Self Park (401 North Wells; between Kinzie & Hubbard on Wells)
Bring your ticket to the clubhouse parking validation.
Soulful Social
Soulful Social is an annual celebration hosted by Gilda’s Club Chicago to honor Black History Month, bringing together members, families, and partners in a vibrant display of culture, heritage, and unity. Held at the GCC Clubhouse at Advocate Christ Medical Center Outpatient Pavilion, the event features a day filled with engaging entertainment, delicious food, resource fair and meaningful connections.
The event embodies the spirit of togetherness and cultural appreciation, with attendees encouraged to wear African attire or vibrant colors to showcase their pride.
View past events:
2025
Thankful Thursday
1st, 3rd, and 4th Tuesdays of the month | 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM | Virtual
3rd Thursday of the month | 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Hybrid – Virtual & Blue Door Neighborhood Center Morgan Park (11840 S Marshfield Ave, Chicago)
Thankful Thursday is a weekly gratitude group for individuals from all walks of life celebrating their spirituality. Individuals are given an opportunity to share appreciation for what you have, people you know, and events that have impacted your life’s journey. This group is open to individuals of all denominations and spiritual beliefs.
Facilitator
Kassandra Billups, MPC
“Happiness is not a feeling; it is a choice. To be happy, one must choose to be happy, not respond to circumstances that now controls your happiness.” -Joyce Meyers
Reservations
If you plan to attend any of our activities, it is best to check our calendar for the most updated information and to register. Virtual programming requires registration on our website, preferably at least 24 hours in advance. In-person programming that requires a reservation, will be noted on the website calendar. For these programs, please complete the online RSVP or call the Clubhouse to sign up at least 24 hours in advance. Please note that if less than 5 people are registered 24 hours in advance, the program may be canceled.