Quick update. I think I found the space for GAIDE™ Chicago.

River North, Chicago. 1,400 square feet. 16 desks for VIP Builder tables. Up to 60 theatre-style seats. 75″ screen for presentations. The space checks every box on the list.

I’m walking it in person on Friday April 10. Full Build Journal on YouTube after that.

Why This Space Works

When I started looking for a venue, I had a very specific set of requirements. This is not a conference. This is not a hackathon. This is an in-person showcase — closer to a product Hunt moment than a pitch competition. The space needed to feel like that.

• 16 dedicated desks for VIP Builders to set up and present their products
• 60 seats so the audience can actually watch, engage, and vote
• A screen large enough to display each builder’s live product during their presentation
• A River North address — because location signals legitimacy in Chicago

This space has all of it.

What Happens Next

I’m doing an in-person walkthrough on April 10. If it looks as good in person as it does on paper, we move to confirming the date. No deposit is required to hold the space — payment is due 24 to 48 hours before the event.

May 22 for VIP Builders. May 23 for the full showcase. That timeline holds.

Watch the Full Build Journal

I documented the whole conversation and decision process on YouTube. Watch Build Journal 07 here: youtube.com/@GAIDEChicago

If you are a builder and you want to be in that room on May 23 — request your invitation now.

Request Your Invitation — gaidechicago.org