Upcoming Events
Upcoming Events
We’re thrilled to be welcoming our community members with opportunities to connect with each other and flourish as individuals and in safe spaces.
Black Becoming Course
CLOSED APPLICATION - PRIVATE EVENT PARTNERSHIP
This is an application based, fully funded 8-week course for Chicagoans seeking to deepen their understanding of race, identity, and power while developing personal clarity, leadership confidence, and meaningful relationships with other thoughtful leaders. Only accepting 15 students at a time, we hope to welcome more attendees in the future.
Black Becoming Course
CLOSED APPLICATION - PRIVATE EVENT PARTNERSHIP
This is an application based, fully funded 8-week course for Chicagoans seeking to deepen their understanding of race, identity, and power while developing personal clarity, leadership confidence, and meaningful relationships with other thoughtful leaders. Only accepting 15 students at a time, we hope to welcome more attendees in the future.
Opulence for Everyone
Spring Renewal: Reclaiming Growth and Possibility 🌈🌱
Join us for a two-session workshop focused on reflection, creativity, and new beginnings.
Through painting activities, guided reflection, and group connection, we will explore ways to release what no longer serves us and envision new opportunities for growth and self-compassion.
No art experience needed. Painting will be used as a tool for self-expression and healing.
Let’s envision possibilities and strengthen self-compassion together.
Walk for Me Wednesday
WALK FOR ME WEDNESDAYS: CARE, CULTURE & COMMUNITY
Biomedical Conference Week Edition
The Chicago Ballroom Alliance returns with another installment of our Walk For Me Wednesdays mini ball series — this time rooted in care, culture, and community.
As Chicago welcomes leaders, researchers, and professionals from around the world for the Biomedical Conference on HIV & AIDS, we recognize that while conversations are happening in conference rooms, the real work has always been happening in our communities — and in our Ballroom.
Ballroom has long been a space of connection, survival, education, and care.
From outreach workers to peer navigators, from chosen family to house structures — this culture has always been a bridge between people and the care they deserve.
This night is about honoring that.
This is for the ones:
• linking people to care
• educating and preventing
• supporting those living with HIV
• showing up every single day
This is not just a Ball.
This is community in motion.
This is care in real time.
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Wednesday, April 8th 2026
3001 W Peterson Ave. Chicago, IL
Doors Open 8PM
LSS at 9PM SHARP — no exceptions
Entry: $15
Mini Ball
$2000 in Cash Prizes
$35 OPEN BAR package available at the bar
On-site health screenings will be available with incentives.
Get tested, get informed, and get connected with trusted community partners offering resources, support, and care.
Special thank you to our partners:
ViiV Healthcare, Vivent Health + TPAN, Lace to Liberation, South Side Help Center, and as always, the School of Opulence.
Walk For Me Wednesdays continues to be a platform where culture meets purpose — and tonight, purpose is care.
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FEATURED CATEGORY
OTA REALNESS – “CARE, CULTURE & COMMUNITY”
MF – $250 | FF – $250
Winners Battle for an additional $500
Tonight, you are the face of the work.
Bring it in one of the following:
• Scrubs (Healthcare Worker)
• Lab Coat (Clinical / Research Professional)
• Outreach Shirt & Casual Gear (Community Worker / Peer Navigator)
This is about believability, intention, and presence.
You’re not playing a role — you are representing real people doing real work.
Make us believe.
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REMAINING CATEGORIES
All participants in remaining categories must incorporate a prophylactic into their look.
(Condoms, dental dams, or other forms of protection — get creative, but make it visible.)
OTA Runway – $200
OTA Performance – $200
OTA Face – $200
OTA Sex Siren – $200
OTA New Runway – $200
Community Connect Day
We’re opening our doors as a safe and affirming space for BIPOC and LGBTQ+ individuals to work, create, and connect. Whether you need a quiet corner to focus, access to office or conference space, or simply want to be in community, our coworking days are here to support your productivity and peace.
Black Becoming Course
CLOSED APPLICATION - PRIVATE EVENT PARTNERSHIP
This is an application based, fully funded 8-week course for Chicagoans seeking to deepen their understanding of race, identity, and power while developing personal clarity, leadership confidence, and meaningful relationships with other thoughtful leaders. Only accepting 15 students at a time, we hope to welcome more attendees in the future.
Community Connect Day
We’re opening our doors as a safe and affirming space for BIPOC and LGBTQ+ individuals to work, create, and connect. Whether you need a quiet corner to focus, access to office or conference space, or simply want to be in community, our coworking days are here to support your productivity and peace.
Community Connect Wednesdays
We’re opening our doors as a safe and affirming space for BIPOC and LGBTQ+ individuals to work, create, and connect. Whether you need a quiet corner to focus, access to office or conference space, or simply want to be in community, our coworking days are here to support your productivity and peace.
Community Connect Wednesdays
We’re opening our doors as a safe and affirming space for BIPOC and LGBTQ+ individuals to work, create, and connect. Whether you need a quiet corner to focus, access to office or conference space, or simply want to be in community, our coworking days are here to support your productivity and peace.
Turning the Page and Opening a New One
This guided painting session invites you to reflect on what you’re ready to release and what you want to welcome next.
Through color, texture, and creative expression, we’ll explore emotions, intentions, and personal growth—no artistic experience required.
Come as you are.
Create at your own pace.
Let the canvas hold your story.
D-UP Discussion - Black History Month
Join us for a discussion around Black History and SGL Gay Men focused conversations through our D-Up and Defend Yourself Program in partnership with South Side Help Center
Community Connect Wednesdays
We’re opening our doors as a safe and affirming space for BIPOC and LGBTQ+ individuals to work, create, and connect. Whether you need a quiet corner to focus, access to office or conference space, or simply want to be in community, our coworking days are here to support your productivity and peace.
Community Connect Wednesdays
We’re opening our doors as a safe and affirming space for BIPOC and LGBTQ+ individuals to work, create, and connect. Whether you need a quiet corner to focus, access to office or conference space, or simply want to be in community, our coworking days are here to support your productivity and peace.
Turning the Page and Opening a New One
This guided painting session invites you to reflect on what you’re ready to release and what you want to welcome next.
Through color, texture, and creative expression, we’ll explore emotions, intentions, and personal growth—no artistic experience required.
Come as you are.
Create at your own pace.
Let the canvas hold your story.
IL Pride Connect: Know Your Right Legal Workshop
Community Wellness Wednesdays: Know Your Rights in Health Spaces
Community Wellness Wednesdays is a recurring program hosted by School of Opulence, dedicated to creating accessible, affirming spaces where Black, LGBTQ+, and marginalized communities can prioritize care, education, and collective well-being.
This session is presented in partnership with Illinois Pride Connect and will focus on Know Your Rights in Health Spaces—a practical, empowering workshop designed to help community members understand their rights as patients, navigate healthcare systems with confidence, and advocate for themselves in medical and wellness settings.
Together, School of Opulence and Illinois Pride Connect aim to reduce barriers to care, share vital resources, and equip attendees with knowledge that supports safer, more informed healthcare experiences.
Opulence for Everyone - Know Your Angles
Know Your Angles: Reclaiming Self-Image
When was the last time you truly saw yourself?
This guided art therapy session invites you to reflect on self-image, self-esteem, and the vision you hold for yourself long-term. Through creative expression and intentional conversation, we’ll explore how our inner child shapes the way we see ourselves today—and how we can nurture a more compassionate, confident relationship with who we are becoming.
Participants are encouraged to bring a baby or childhood photo as a grounding tool to reconnect with their inner child and reflect on growth, resilience, and self-worth. No art experience is necessary—just openness, curiosity, and care for yourself.
This is a gentle, affirming space to slow down, create, and reconnect with your higher self.
Program Schedule
5:30 – 6:15 PM
Refreshments & Welcome
6:15 – 6:30 PM
Ice Breaker
6:30 – 7:30 PM
Guided Art Therapy Program
ViiV Healthcare Workshop
Reflect on trust and how it relates to health behaviors and outcomes, including how historical and contemporary atrocities and injustices are experienced by people of color in human research.
D-Up Game Night
Join us for the return of our D-Up Game Nights, an opportunity for our community to engage in friendly competition, enjoy dinner, and participate in informal peer networking and D-Up Discussion session sign ups.
Opulence for Everyone - Know Your Angles
Know Your Angles: Reclaiming Self-Image
When was the last time you truly saw yourself?
This guided art therapy session invites you to reflect on self-image, self-esteem, and the vision you hold for yourself long-term. Through creative expression and intentional conversation, we’ll explore how our inner child shapes the way we see ourselves today—and how we can nurture a more compassionate, confident relationship with who we are becoming.
Participants are encouraged to bring a baby or childhood photo as a grounding tool to reconnect with their inner child and reflect on growth, resilience, and self-worth. No art experience is necessary—just openness, curiosity, and care for yourself.
This is a gentle, affirming space to slow down, create, and reconnect with your higher self.
Program Schedule
5:30 – 6:15 PM
Refreshments & Welcome
6:15 – 6:30 PM
Ice Breaker
6:30 – 7:30 PM
Guided Art Therapy Program
End of Year Holiday Party
Join us for an unforgettable evening of warmth, elegance, and community at the School of Opulence Holiday Dinner. This end-of-year celebration brings together our Opulence family for a night of connection, gratitude, and joy.
