Your Bench Awaits.
Chicago’s community biotechnology lab. Accessible science for innovators, students, and neighbors.
Science Belongs to Everyone
Whether you are a startup founder prototyping a proof-of-concept, a student looking to gain skills outside the classroom, or a curious neighbor ready to explore biology, ChiTownBio provides the space you need.
Our membership offers more than just a key to the door; it offers a collaborative ecosystem of scientists, artists, and makers. Stop working in isolation and start building in a fully equipped BSL-1 facility. A BSL-1 (Biosafety Level 1) lab is a facility designed for working with well-characterized biological agents that are not known to cause disease in healthy humans, requiring only standard microbiological safety practices and basic personal protective equipment.
What You Can Build Here
Membership includes full access to our shared equipment and stock reagents. Our lab is equipped to handle standard molecular biology workflows, microbiology, and more.
- Core Essentials: Laminar flow cabinets, autoclaves, shaking incubators, heat blocks, and water baths.
- Liquid Handling: Full sets of pipettes (and tips), centrifuge tubes, and the Opentrons OT-2 liquid handling robot for automation.
- Analysis: Microscopes, plate readers, DNA gel electrophoresis equipment, and thermocyclers.
- Cold Storage: -20°C and -80°C freezers for sample preservation.
- Consumables Included: We keep the lab stocked with gloves, petri dishes, agarose, and an assortment of standard buffers and reagents so you can focus on the science.
> Don’t see what you need? We are a community-driven lab. Just ask!
More Than Just a Lab Bench
Being a member at ChiTownBio connects you to the broader scientific and local community.
- Priority Learning: Get 40% off all ChiTownBio classes and workshops. plus access to registration one week before the general public.
- Community Network: Join a network of bio-hackers and industry experts for mentorship and collaboration.
Fair Pricing for Our Community
We believe financial barriers shouldn’t stop scientific discovery. We offer tiered pricing to support our neighbors and students.
Standard Membership Full access to the lab and all community benefits.
The “Good Neighbor” Rate (20% Off) For residents of Rogers Park and those living within a 1-mile radius of our borders.
Student Membership (50% Off) For High School, Undergraduate, and Graduate students. Valid with current student ID.
Safety First
To ensure a safe environment for everyone, please review our operating documents before purchasing your membership.
- Membership Agreement
- Code of Conduct
Ready to start experimenting?
Join us and transform your passion for biotechnology into groundbreaking achievements.