Where Can You Go to Cooking School in Chicago?

Culinary arts are just one facet of the cultural scene in Chicago, one of America’s most legendary and dynamic cities. The Windy City is renowned for its architectural treasures such as, Marina City, Merchandise Mart, and the Wrigley Building; and famous restaurants and expensive hotels—Four Seasons, Ritz Carlton, and The Renaissance Hotel.

Chicago’s restaurants and hotels are some of the stomping grounds for today’s rising chefs and hospitality professionals.

Sampling the City’s Fare

For a taste of the city, make the rounds of the famous neighborhoods—Wrigley, Wicker Park, Chinatown, and Hyde Park, and dozens of others. Each offers up stellar selections of American and ethnic foods from inexpensive to upscale. Music and theater traditionally accompanied by restaurant outings, combine to make Chicago a rich smorgasbord of culinary cultural experience.

Getting Around Chicago

If you decide on a culinary program in Chicago you could be among students fresh out of high school or with adults working toward a second career.

Navigating the city is convenient thanks to the Chicago Transit system. This network of trains (the “El”), busses, and taxis courses throughout the city.

Local Community Schools

Kendall College

Ranked number one in Chicago, Kendall’s nationally acclaimed culinary school provides comprehensive cooking instruction and hands-on experience, helping refine students' skills. This school prepares aspiring chefs and restaurateurs to excel in the food service industry, including business techniques, communication and management skills.

They offer the following courses:

• Culinary Arts Certificate
• B.A. in Culinary Arts
• A.A.S. in Culinary Arts
• A.A.S. in Culinary Arts – Accelerated

Kendall College
900 N. North Branch Street
Chicago, IL 60642
312.752.2284
taste@nl.edu

Robert Morris University Illinois

The RMU Culinary Institute is recognized as one of the best culinary schools in Illinois. Take the opportunity to learn from professional chefs and work in well-equipped kitchens complete with commercial-grade tools. The program also partners with The French Pastry school, allowing students to take a certificate program in baking.
Choose from the following degree options:

• Undergraduate studies - Culinary Arts and Hospitality
• Dual degree - the opportunity to obtain a bachelor's and master's degree simultaneously
• Graduate degrees - Master of Business Administration, Master of Information Systems, Master of Management, Master of Science

Robert Morris University Illinois
401 S State Street
Chicago, IL
312.935.6800
rmu.info@robertmorris.edu

Saint Augustine College

Learn all the fundamental skills needed to secure a successful profession in the food service industry. Saint Augustine College offers an Associate Degree in Culinary Arts that helps students find work in restaurants, hotels and other establishments. Those who complete the degree with distinguished marks can also receive and Associate of Applied Science degree in Culinary Arts. Graduates can start working as sub-chefs, first cooks and line cooks with their knowledge and expertise in the kitchen.

Saint Augustine College
1345 W. Argyle St.,
Chicago, IL 60640
773-878-8756

College of DuPage

This school gives students the option to take an associate in applied science (A.A.S.) degree in culinary arts. Their classes are held in a modern kitchen complete with industry-grade facilities for professional training. The College of DuPage also offers a culinary arts certificate program which is designed to be completed within 18 months.

College of DuPage
425 Fawell Blvd.,
Glen Ellyn, IL 60137
(630) 942-2800

Harper College

This college offers a 32-credit-hour Culinary Arts Certificate program for people who aspire to work in the food service industry. Students may qualify for an apprenticeship program that enables them to graduate debt-free, as well as obtain a full-time job after finishing the course.

The culinary program prepares graduates to take entry-level positions such as a cook or a chef's assistant in restaurants.

Harper College
1200 West Algonquin Road
Palatine, IL 60067
847.925.6700

Elgin Community College

Pursue your passion for cooking delicious cuisine, baking and fine dining at ECC's Culinary Arts and Hospitality program. This school offers an Associate of Applied Science degree which includes classes in the following subjects:

• Culinary Arts
• Pastry Arts
• Restaurant Management

Develop technical skills with focused learning on each aspect of the food service industry. For those looking to improve their skills without doing a four-year degree, you can opt for a short-term certificate course.

Elgin Community College
1700 Spartan Drive,
Elgin, IL 60123
847-697-1000

City Colleges of Chicago-Kennedy-King College

Acquire all the knowledge and skills you need to work in the commercial food industry. This Associate in Applied Science degree in culinary arts includes focused classes on food production techniques as well as hands-on activities.
The coursework includes:

• Management skills
• Cost control
• Budgeting techniques
• Merchandising,
• Business planning

Students must complete general education classes to qualify for the degree. Upon graduation, students will receive a ServSafe® Sanitation Certification.

City Colleges of Chicago
6301 South Halsted St
Chicago, IL 60621
(773) 602-5000

Triton College

Prepare to work in the food service industry by studying in Triton College's culinary program. Get thorough hands-on training in kitchens and baking labs to master the art of food preparation. The Hospitality Industry Administration Culinary Arts Degree equips students to learn necessary skills to run kitchens, manage restaurants, calculate food prices and apply safety and sanitation, among others. Upon graduation, you can find work in restaurants, hotels, country clubs and other related establishments.

Triton College
2000 Fifth Ave
River Grove, IL 60171
708-456-0300

Joliet Junior College

Receive first-class education at one of the most respected culinary schools in the country. Joliet College's Culinary Arts program offers a diverse curriculum, teaching students a wide range of cooking techniques, pastry and baking, sanitation management, nutrition, costing and more. Their faculty houses some of the most prestigious chefs who have won international awards. 

Joliet College’s Culinary Arts Program is accredited program by the American Culinary Federation Education Foundation, Inc. Accrediting Commission.

Joliet Junior College
1215 Houbolt Road,
Joliet IL, 60431
815-729-9020

Non-accredited Cooking Schools in Chicago

The Chopping Block

Their classes cater to busy people who are passionate about cooking. You can join small culinary classes taught by professional chefs. This school teaches the building blocks of cooking and provides intensive Boot Camps for students who want further learning. Gain hands-on experience you need to improve your cooking skills.

The Chopping Block
4747 N Lincoln,
Chicago, IL 60625
773-472-6700

The Wooden Spoon

Gain cooking expertise from a fun and relaxed environment when you sign up at The Wooden Spoon. They provide a well-equipped kitchen complete with all the tools you need to create a remarkable dish. The school applies the 'mise en place' cooking approach, which is an established French practice for organizing and arranging ingredients in the kitchen. You'll leave with delicious recipes and the right skills needed to make an amazing home-cooked meal.

The Wooden Spoon
5047 N. Clark St.
Chicago, IL 60640
773-293-3190
info@woodenspoonchicago.com

Naveen's Cuisine

This recreational cooking school provides fun and engaging classes for team building events, corporate outings, bachelorette parties, birthdays, anniversaries, and all kinds of occasions. You can sign up for scheduled classes or book a private class for your group.

Naveen's Cuisine has been providing recreational cooking classes for more than 15 years.

Naveen's Cuisine
2325 W North Ave,
Chicago, IL 60640
773.230.9320
naveen@naveenscuisine.com