What makes CIADC unique?

CIADC /SHY-ad/ is a non-profit organization with a Mission to serve Chicagoland 3D object makers. We equally emphasize Class education and Studio Access to our tools and equipment. We are a holistic facility, with 4 well-equipped and maintained Department Shops in Metal Casting, Metalworking & Forging, CNC Fabrication, and Woodworking. All work activity is supervised by our Staff for safety and proper tool use. We welcome all skill-levels, from beginner to advanced, whether the interest be art, furniture, or product-focused.

Where do I begin?

The first step is to take a Class in one or more Department(s) to learn the necessary safety, skillsets, and our Shop procedures. Enrolling in a Class also serves as the initial certification to use Open Studio Access in that Department.

For more details on how you can use CIADC programming each and every term, please click here.

When are classes offered?

We offer Classes and Open Studio Access year-round on the quarterly system: Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall terms. Current and future term dates can be found here.

What type of classes do you offer?

Each term, we offer group Classes in our 4 Shops for adults (ages 16+) and youth (grades 6-12). Special 1-week, Mon-Fri, Immersion Classes and Camps are also offered throughout the year. For our current term programming schedule, please click here.

In addition, we offer 1-on-1 and Small Group Private Instruction to augment our group Classes.

What is the difference between a 5-week and 10-week adult-level Class?

A 5-week adult-level Class is designed for those with little to no experience looking to sample the Shop with minimal commitment. Fundamental safety, skills, and tool use are learned through assigned projects.

A 10-week adult-level Class is designed for the beginner to advanced student who wants to go beyond the fundamentals and work on individual projects with instructor guidance. Fundamental safety, skills, and tool use are learned through assigned projects during the first 5-weeks, with more advanced skills and tools taught while working on independent projects for the remainder of the Class.

Completion of any 5-week, 10-week, or equivalent Immersion Class serves as the initial Department certification for our Studio Access program.

What materials are included with tuition?

To help keep tuition costs lower, materials and supplies that are used directly for your project need to be purchased. We offer common material and supplies for sale in each of our Shops. CIADC provides all shared consumable supplies.

Do I need experience to enroll in a class?

Not at all! We welcome everyone from beginner to advanced looking to learn and create in a fun, safe, and creative environment! Choose a level of Class that best matches your goals.

Do I need to take a class even if I’m already experienced?

Yes. The first step to using our facility is to enroll in a Class. We do not to minimize your experience, but have specific safety policies, procedures, and workflow best learned under the watch of an instructor. Your Class also gives you the initial certification to use Open Studio Access work time outside class time. Plus, you’ll have access to our expert instructors to learn a few tips and tricks!

Do you offer financial aid or scholarships?

Yes! Our Mission is to make the industrial arts accessible to everyone. We have many ways for you to save on our youth or adult programming.

What is CIADC Membership?

Our Membership is a monthly -or- annual subscription fee that opens exclusive programming not offered to non-Members. CIADC Membership is available to any individual, age 16+.

What are the benefits with Membership?

Members can take advantage of discounted tuition, Studio Access programming, turn-key fabrication services, and professional development workshops. Some of these programs are at an additional fee. Click here for the full Member-benefits.

Is Membership required?

No, you do not have to be a Member to enroll in a Class or Private Instruction.

How do I change billing or cancel my Membership subscription?

Log in to your account to gain access to your subscription order to modify or cancel at any time. Cancelling your subscription means you will not be charged on your renewal date, but will remain a Member through your current subscription period. Canceled Memberships are not prorated.

What is Open Studio Access?

Open Studio Access (OSA) is supervised, non-instructional work time outside of Class. It is the time to put your learning into practice and use our space and tools! OSA use is Shop-specific, and available to Members who are currently enrolled in, or a former student of, the Shop. Former students must re-certify to use OSA each term by completing the Safety and Tool Use Certification.

For our current term OSA schedule, please click here.

How do I sign-up for OSA?

Please click here to complete the online OSA reservation form, or call us at 773-961-8498.

How much does OSA cost?

OSA is available to Members with fees depending on current-term student status. For current OSA rates, please click here.

Can I use CIADC Shops during unscheduled times?

Safety is priority #1 at CIADC. For this reason, all work activity occurs during scheduled Classes, Open Studio Access times, or during Private Instruction when our shops and front desk are staffed.

What is the Safety & Tool Use Certification?

The Safety and Tool Use Certification (STUC) is a general and Department-specific safety and procedural refresher in lieu of being enrolled in a Shop Class. Former students of a Shop must complete the Department STUC each new term they wish to use OSA in that Shop. The STUC is a Members-only program.

When do I need to register for the STUC?

You must register and complete the STUC each new term you wish to use OSA as a former student in that Shop. Students enrolled in a class do not need to complete the STUC for the class they are enrolled. Current and future term dates can be found here.

Is the STUC free for Members?

Yes, STUCs are always free. However, we ask Access Members to pre-pay for OSA vouchers at the time of STUC registration. This prepayment helps pay for Shop overhead.

What is your refund policy?

For student cancels or drops, we offer refunds subject to a processing fee based on the schedule here. This includes group Classes and Private Instruction. We do not offer refunds on Membership or Studio Access programming.

What is your make-up policy if I need to miss a class session?

Although we do not offer pro-rated tuition, credits, or direct make-ups for Student misses, we have ways for you to receive missed instruction and missed work time. Our instructors will cover missed instruction as time allows when you return to Class, or you can register for Private Instruction. Additional work time is available through our Studio Access program.

Our complete list of policies can be found here.