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Chicago Connect Group

Chicago, Illinois
220 Members

Live Yes! Connect Groups offer local connections, education and empowerment. Adults living with arthritis from our local community come together for professional- and volunteer-led sessions on a variety of topics, as well as fun group activities.     

We offer a place of understanding and encouragement for both people living with arthritis and their loved ones. Group participants become self-advocates, develop self-management skills and learn how to not just survive life with arthritis but to thrive. 

Upcoming Events

  • Saturday, July 12th, 2025
    10:00 AM CDT
    1h 30m
  • Virtual Event
  •   9 people attending
Chicago Connect Group: Hypermobility Virtual Event

Come join us in discussing the hypermobility spectrum with Claire Rodriguez, PT, DPT, OCS, a physical therapist at Endeavor Health, Swedish Hospital. She is originally from Chicago where she grew up dancing most days of the week. She has a degree in Dance and Cognitive Science from Case Western University and obtained her Doctor of Physical Therapy at Northwestern University.  She lives with Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder and scoliosis. She currently lives in Chicago with her husband and three young children. She treats mostly orthopedic cases at Swedish hospital but has special programs for dancers and gymnasts..

 

 

 This is a Virtual Event. 
  • Saturday, August 9th, 2025
    10:00 AM CDT
    2h
  • https://wilmettepark.org/lakefront-gillson-park/ map of the park available on this website Lakefront/Gillson Park 800 Gillson Park Drive Wilmette, Illinois Get Directions
  •   5 people attending
Chicago Connect Group: In Person Brunch at the Beach

Join us at Gillson Picnic Pavillion at Lakefront/Gillson Park in Willmette (800 Gillson Park Drive).  We will be meeting for brunch and enjoying one another's company.  The Pavillion is reserved for our group, so come rain or shine.   We will have an assortment of brunch items, but bring your own coffee if that is your preferred beverage (as neither Lisa or Heidi drinks it or knows how to order it).  We will have water & juice available.  The beach/lakefront scenery is beautiful and relaxing.  Always a fun place to catch up with other Live Yes! Connect Group friends or make new friends.  Spouses/Support people/family welcome, just email Lisa to know how many will be accompanying you.  Parking is available on the street for free (a bit of a walk through the park to the pavillion) or in a paid lot close to the Picnic Pavillion.  Park information can be found at https://wilmettepark.org/lakefront-gillson-park/
Questions or concerns, call/text Lisa at 630-487-0442.
 

 This is an In-Person Event. 
Facilitator(s)
Members
  • Event List
Arthritis Foundation Event
  • Saturday, July 12th, 2025
    10:00 AM CDT
    1h 30m
  • Virtual Event
  •   9 people attending
Chicago Connect Group: Hypermobility Virtual Event

Come join us in discussing the hypermobility spectrum with Claire Rodriguez, PT, DPT, OCS, a physical therapist at Endeavor Health, Swedish Hospital. She is originally from Chicago where she grew up dancing most days of the week. She has a degree in Dance and Cognitive Science from Case Western University and obtained her Doctor of Physical Therapy at Northwestern University.  She lives with Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder and scoliosis. She currently lives in Chicago with her husband and three young children. She treats mostly orthopedic cases at Swedish hospital but has special programs for dancers and gymnasts..

 

 

 This is a Virtual Event. 
  • Saturday, August 9th, 2025
    10:00 AM CDT
    2h
  • https://wilmettepark.org/lakefront-gillson-park/ map of the park available on this website Lakefront/Gillson Park 800 Gillson Park Drive Wilmette, Illinois Get Directions
  •   5 people attending
Chicago Connect Group: In Person Brunch at the Beach

Join us at Gillson Picnic Pavillion at Lakefront/Gillson Park in Willmette (800 Gillson Park Drive).  We will be meeting for brunch and enjoying one another's company.  The Pavillion is reserved for our group, so come rain or shine.   We will have an assortment of brunch items, but bring your own coffee if that is your preferred beverage (as neither Lisa or Heidi drinks it or knows how to order it).  We will have water & juice available.  The beach/lakefront scenery is beautiful and relaxing.  Always a fun place to catch up with other Live Yes! Connect Group friends or make new friends.  Spouses/Support people/family welcome, just email Lisa to know how many will be accompanying you.  Parking is available on the street for free (a bit of a walk through the park to the pavillion) or in a paid lot close to the Picnic Pavillion.  Park information can be found at https://wilmettepark.org/lakefront-gillson-park/
Questions or concerns, call/text Lisa at 630-487-0442.
 

 This is an In-Person Event. 
  • Thursday, June 12th, 2025
  • Start Line - Camperdown Plaza 20 East Broad Street Greenville, South Carolina Get Directions
 This is an In-Person Event. 
  • Thursday, July 10th, 2025
  • Hyatt Regency Salt Lake City 170 South West Temple Street Salt Lake City, Utah Get Directions
 This is an In-Person Event. 
  • Wednesday, July 16th, 2025
  • Virtual Event
 This is a Virtual Event. 
  • Thursday, July 24th, 2025
  • Virtual Event
 This is a Virtual Event. 
  • Saturday, August 16th, 2025
  • Henry W. Maier Festival Park 200 N Harbor Drive Milwaukee, Wisconsin Get Directions
 This is an In-Person Event. 
  • Thursday, August 28th, 2025
  • Virtual Event
 This is a Virtual Event. 
  • Saturday, September 6th, 2025
  • San Francisco to Los Angeles 160 Jefferson Street San Francisco, California Get Directions
 This is an In-Person Event. 
  • Monday, September 15th, 2025
  • Virtual Event
 This is a Virtual Event. 
  • Thursday, September 25th, 2025
  • Virtual Event
 This is a Virtual Event. 
  • Friday, October 17th, 2025
  • Saint Kate: The Arts Hotel 139 East Kilbourn Avenue Milwaukee, Wisconsin Get Directions
 This is an In-Person Event. 
  • Saturday, October 18th, 2025
  • Swissotel Chicago 323 East Wacker Drive Chicago, Illinois Get Directions
 This is an In-Person Event. 
  • Thursday, November 6th, 2025
  • Virtual Event
 This is a Virtual Event. 
  • Thursday, November 13th, 2025
  • Virtual Event
 This is a Virtual Event. 
  • Saturday, November 15th, 2025
  • Cantigny Park 1S151 Winfield Rd Wheaton, Illinois Get Directions
 This is an In-Person Event. 
  • Saturday, December 13th, 2025
  • Chicago History Museum 1601 N Clark St Chicago, Illinois Get Directions
 This is an In-Person Event. 
  • Thursday, December 18th, 2025
  • Virtual Event
 This is a Virtual Event. 
Facilitators [1]
Members [220]

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Comments [11]
Autumn J
Autumn J
May 15, 2025 - 1:29 PM

Hello
I was diagnosed with arthritis over 10 years ago. I have had a THR on both my hips and now my spine is deteriorating and I am in constant pain.

Cindy D
Cindy D
June 19, 2024 - 3:00 AM

Hello:
I just got diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis and given methotrexate and hesitant to take it. Has anyone tried alternative medicine therapies. Im also trying to find a good doctor my insurance is very limited on choices. I have so many questions but mostly looking for support. Are there any groups in the area?

Autumn J
Autumn J
May 15, 2025 - 1:31 PM

My doctor has only said for me to take tylenol

Allie B
Allie B
July 23, 2024 - 6:15 PM

Hi Cindy! I would love to connect. I just recently got diagnosed as well. 847-508-4389

Cindy D
Cindy D
June 19, 2024 - 3:00 AM

Hello:
I just got diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis and given methotrexate and hesitant to take it. Has anyone tried alternative medicine therapies. Im also trying to find a good doctor my insurance is very limited on choices. I have so many questions but mostly looking for support. Are there any groups in the area?

sarah m
sarah m
March 6, 2024 - 2:41 AM

Hi Everyone! How is everyone? 

Kathleen H
Kathleen H
May 22, 2023 - 6:56 PM

Hi, my name is Kathy and I was recently diagnosed with inflammatory arthritis, no underlying disease (yet).  I was put on methotrexate (15mg) and experienced fatigue but now taking 2 folic acids to offset - seems to be working.  I am really stressed out though as I was perfectly healthy and than bam!  I have been losing alot of my hair, used to have full thick hair, now it is very thin.  Doctor said it is not related to the methotrexate but my stress/anxiety.  Curious if anyone else has experienced hair loss taking methotrexate?

BettyAnn B
BettyAnn B
May 29, 2024 - 12:56 PM

Hi Kathy,

My hair also fell out while using Methotrexate for 6 weeks. I feel it increased the intensity of my anxiety/stress levels and ed me to have suicidal thoughts. Once I stopped using it all went back to the way it was.

Good luck! BettyAnn.

Tracy R
Tracy R
February 8, 2023 - 2:17 PM

Hello Chicago group! My name is Tracy and I have OA.  Two partial knee replacements later, it has worked its way up to my SC joint (the joint at the front base of you neck near collarbone).  Im having a hard time finding an OA specialist that will try to address the SC joint (it's uncommon and a sensitive area).  Thought I'd post to see if anyone has any recommendations for the Chicagoland area?  At this point, I'm also willing to travel.  Thanks for any reco's you may have!

Martha P
Martha P
January 23, 2023 - 3:09 AM

Hello everyone! My name is Martha and I live in Chicago. I am 27 years old and a month ago I got diagnosed with RA. I don't know anyone with RA and I would like to hear from others. I would really appreciate it!

Christina M
Christina M
July 21, 2022 - 8:37 AM

Hello all! Hope everything is doing Great!!

Heidi H
Heidi H
July 24, 2022 - 12:24 AM

Hi Christina-

How are you?  I'm hoping everything is going well.  So sorry we didn't reply to your message below.  I'm just seeing it now. :(  Did you get your back strain fixed?  I had that earlier in the year.  Oh so painful.  I used the heating pad and stretching to get it back to normal.  How did you get yours better?  Hoping to see you at our next virtual meeting in August.

 

Be well- Heidi

Christina M
Christina M
May 29, 2022 - 8:46 AM

Does anything have trouble with their RA and flare ups while working in an office? My upper neck/back between the shoulder blades keeps on hurting.. The Doctor said it was a strained muscle. It healed up nicely, then I just started back to work after a week off, and it is paining me again. I am so sad, I switched chairs, I put my computer down.. so if anything has any insight, it would be greatly appreciated! 

Lisa P
Lisa P
August 9, 2019 - 4:44 PM

Hope to see you all at the picnic tomorrow! We should have good weather

Heidi H
Heidi H
August 11, 2019 - 2:57 AM

It was a fun day! Thanks for all your hard work

Heidi H
Heidi H
August 8, 2019 - 3:07 AM

Hey everyone!! Welcome to the website! It's still a work in progress but I think it will improve every day. I'm looking forward to seeing you all on Saturday at the picnic. Be well, friends!

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