Adulthood has its advantages. Sure, you don’t get to go back-to-school shopping and pick out a new Trapper Keeper every September. But you do get to choose your schedule — and whom you sit next to in class. So round up some of your best gal pals and pick up a new skill at one of these fall courses with syllabi suited for grown-ups.
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Poker
Class: Ladies Poker 101 at Citizen Bar (364 W. Erie St. 312-640-1156)
The basics: Who says poker nights are only for your guy and his beer-guzzling pals? Leave the jokers at home and rally the girls for a 30-minute poker class on Citizen’s spacious rooftop deck, hosted by Citizen owner (and expert poker player) Jim “Jimmy D” D’Ambrosio. Once you get a few practice hands under your belt, grab a seat at a table and ante up for the real deal. As you’re counting your chips, sip on $5 card-themed cocktails and appetizers.
Cost: Free
Register: Classes at 7 p.m. Wednesday and Sept. 19, rain or shine. Registration recommended.
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Capoeira
Class: Beginning capoeira at Gingarte Capoeira (2909 N. Milwaukee Ave. )
What you’ll learn: Why waste time at the gym when you and your girlfriends can get a killer workout and learn to scare away potential attackers all at the same time with capoeira? This Afro-Brazilian tradition combines martial arts, gymnastics and dancing (some moves are similar to yoga poses and break dancing moves) for sexy results — stick with it and you’ll all have abs and arms like Madonna. Plus, you learn from the best: Marisa Cordeiro, one of the highest-ranking capoeiristas in the U.S., oversees all Gingarte Capoeira classes.
Cost: $10 per class; monthly discounts available
Register: Beginner classes at 6 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays. No registration required. Wear comfortable clothes; beginners should wear gym shoes.
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Go-go dancing
Class: Go-Go with the Janes at Flamenco Arts Center (3755 N. Western Ave. 773-208-3995)
The basics: If you and your gal pals are worried about fitting into your fembot outfits by Halloween (and aren’t we all?), Krista Ortgiesen, one of the creators of all-female go-go dance troupe the Janes, can help. Ortgiesen’s cardio-dancing extravaganza will pony, jerk and hully-gully you into shape in no time. The upbeat class incorporates classic go-go moves to the sounds of ’60s-style rock ‘n’ roll.
Cost: $12 per class; six classes for $60
Register: Classes at 7:30 p.m. Mondays and 6 p.m. Tuesdays. No registration required. Wear workout attire and comfy shoes.
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Mixology
Class: Mojitos 101 at
Carnivale (702 W. Fulton Market. 312-850-5005)
The basics: Unlike long division, sentence parsing and other grade-school skills you rarely call on in adult life, here’s a chance to learn something you can use every weekend. Join mixologist Victor Baheza at West Loop hotspot Carnivale for a lesson on the origins of the mojito, then learn how he makes three of these minty Cuban creations: a classic version, a raspberry version and a seasonal specialty. Appetizers included.
Cost: $25
Register: Class at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 20. Registration recommended.
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Knitting
Class: Knitting at Loopy Yarns (719 S. State St. 312-583-9276)
The basics: Tied up in knots over how much your fall wardrobe is going to set you back? Sounds like you need to unwind with a DIY girls’ night out. South Loop knitting studio Loopy Yarns offers courses for all levels. Sign up for next week’s two-hour “knit a two-color scarf” class, and you’ll have a head start on this season’s wardrobe.
Cost: $20, materials not included
Register: Scarf class at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 19. Registration required. Full class schedule at loopyyarns.com. Yarn used in class must be purchased at Loopy Yarns.
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metromix@tribune.com
