ELS Chicago, USA
Lewis Hall, 7900 Division St, River Forest - 60305 Chicago - see on mapPay less than booking at the school
What we like about the school
- Chicago is one of the top destinations our students liked most
- Free assistance in finding flats for long-term students.
What we dislike about the school
- Do not offer favorable cancellation terms in the case of a student getting a visa rejected.
Venue: ELS Chicago is based on the 30-acre wooded campus of Dominican University in the suburban village of River Forest, just outside of Chicago. The city of Chicago has long had a reputation as an important centre for research and higher education and as such it has one of the highest concentrations of HEIs in the United States. The Dominican University campus is next to the Thatcher Woods nature reserve and is a short walk away from the one other university in River Forest, Concordia University Chicago.
Courses: ELS Chicago’s course selection is aimed at students who intend to continue their studies at an English speaking university. Their programmes offer international students a great opportunity to experience life on a university campus. With courses at different levels of intensity, they also have classes suited to students who want to improve their English in an academic environment while discovering Chicago and surrounding area.
The neighbourhood: River Forest provides students with a safe and tranquil place for study alongside the vibrant energy of Chicago with its excellent restaurants, great music scene and nightlife, and its world class museums. River Forest is an exciting destination for anyone interested in architecture, it is home to the Winslow House designed by the famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright, and the Frank Lloyd Wright Home & Studio museum is also nearby.
Getting Around: Students can expect to spend about an hour or a little more to reach downtown Chicago by public transportation. Both bus and train options are available. ELS Chicago is only a twenty minute drive from Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport (ORD).
English Courses
General Language
Semi-Intensive Course 
20 lessons per week | 18 students (max)Starts weekly (every Monday)Offer!from$510$485 / week More
Semi-Intensive Course
20 lessons per week | 18 students (max)
Starts weekly (every Monday)
Offer!from
$510$485 / week
More
FREE changes
| Weeks | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 16 | 20 | 24 | 36 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price at school ($) Our price ($) | 510 485 | 1,020 969 | 1,530 1,454 | 2,040 1,938 | 3,060 2,907 | 4,080 3,876 | 5,100 4,845 | 7,520 7,144 | 9,400 8,930 | 10,560 10,032 | 15,840 15,048 |
See Availability
- Starting dates
- For all levels except of absolute beginners:Every MondaySee starting dates for absolute beginnersStarting dates for absolute beginners who have not taken an English course before:
26 Jan 2026, 23 Feb 2026, 23 Mar 2026, 20 Apr 2026, 18 May 2026, 15 Jun 2026, 13 Jul 2026, 10 Aug 2026, 07 Sep 2026, 05 Oct 2026, 02 Nov 2026, 30 Nov 2026, 28 Dec 2026
Course specific data
- General course schedule
- 4 daily lessons of 50 minutes will take place within the following possible time slots. The exact schedule will be assigned on the first day of class according to your level:
Morning: 8:30 - 12:20 - Possible course durations
- 1-99 weeks
- Minimum required student age
- 16 years
- Students per class
- Maximum: 18 / Average: 15
- Lesson duration
- 50 min
Additional information for all courses
See Availability
Intensive Course 
30 lessons per week | 18 students (max)Starts weekly (every Monday)Offer!from$570$542 / week More
Intensive Course
30 lessons per week | 18 students (max)
Starts weekly (every Monday)
Offer!from
$570$542 / week
More
FREE changes
| Weeks | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 16 | 20 | 24 | 36 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price at school ($) Our price ($) | 570 542 | 1,140 1,083 | 1,710 1,625 | 2,280 2,166 | 3,420 3,249 | 4,560 4,332 | 5,700 5,415 | 8,480 8,056 | 10,600 10,070 | 12,000 11,400 | 18,000 17,100 |
See Availability
- Starting dates
- For all levels except of absolute beginners:Every MondaySee starting dates for absolute beginnersStarting dates for absolute beginners who have not taken an English course before:
26 Jan 2026, 23 Feb 2026, 23 Mar 2026, 20 Apr 2026, 18 May 2026, 15 Jun 2026, 13 Jul 2026, 10 Aug 2026, 07 Sep 2026, 05 Oct 2026, 02 Nov 2026, 30 Nov 2026, 28 Dec 2026
Course specific data
- General course schedule
- 6 daily lessons of 50 minutes will take place within the following possible time slots. The exact schedule will be assigned on the first day of class according to your level:
Morning: 8:30 - 12:20
Afternoon: 13:30 - 15:45 - Possible course durations
- 1-99 weeks
- Minimum required student age
- 16 years
- Students per class
- Maximum: 18 / Average: 15
- Lesson duration
- 50 min
Additional information for all courses
See Availability
American Explorer 15 lessons per week | 18 students (max)Starts weekly (every Monday)Offer!from$450$428 / week More
American Explorer
15 lessons per week | 18 students (max)
Starts weekly (every Monday)
Offer!from
$450$428 / week
More
FREE changes
| Weeks | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 12 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price at school ($) Our price ($) | 450 428 | 900 855 | 1,350 1,283 | 1,800 1,710 | 2,250 2,138 | 2,700 2,565 | 3,150 2,993 | 3,600 3,420 | 4,050 3,848 | 4,500 4,275 | 5,040 4,788 |
See Availability
- Starting dates
- For all levels except of absolute beginners:Every MondaySee starting dates for absolute beginnersStarting dates for absolute beginners who have not taken an English course before:
26 Jan 2026, 23 Feb 2026, 23 Mar 2026, 20 Apr 2026, 18 May 2026, 15 Jun 2026, 13 Jul 2026, 10 Aug 2026, 07 Sep 2026, 05 Oct 2026, 02 Nov 2026, 30 Nov 2026, 28 Dec 2026
There are two possible time slots:
- 08:30 to 11:20.
- 09:30 to 12:20.
Course specific data
- General course schedule
- 3 daily lessons of 50 minutes will take place within the following possible time slots. The exact schedule will be assigned on the first day of class according to your level:
Morning: 8:30 - 11:20 - Possible course durations
- 1-99 weeks
- Minimum required student age
- 16 years
- Students per class
- Maximum: 18 / Average: 15
- Lesson duration
- 50 min
Additional information for all courses
See Availability
Our prices for ELS include
- INCLUDED Organized activities
- INCLUDED Internet access and use of school computers
- INCLUDED Wireless LAN zone at school
- INCLUDED Free certificate of course attendance
- INCLUDED Language level placement test before arrival
- INCLUDED Free assistance in finding flats for long-term students
Dominican University1/12
Classroom session2/12
Dominican University library3/12
Dominican University dining hall4/12
Class in session5/12
Chicago skyline6/12
Chicago skyline7/12
Lounge Area8/12
Computer room9/12
Dominican University hallway10/12
Dominican University library11/12
Dominican University12/12
ELS
- Accreditations and Quality seals
- English teacher qualifications
- 100% hold a university degree100% hold a recognised language teaching qualification
- Languages spoken by school staff (cannot be guaranteed by school)
- Student gender mix
- 53% male / 47% female
- Offer for returning students
- You will be refunded/waived the school's administration fee if you already attended previously a course at ELS and you book here.
General school facilities
Restaurant
Microwave for student use
Cafeteria
Computer lab
Library
Movie rental
Games room
Garden
Student support desk
Gym
Self-study areas
Table tennis
Basketball court
Billiards
Free coffee
Free water dispenser
Free WIFI
Non-smoking (all indoor and all outdoor areas of school)
Tourist information
Free parking (<500m)
Facilities for islamic students
Available area to pray at the school
Facilities to wash feet before praying
- We can provide homestay for female Islamic students but most hosts cannot prepare halal food.
Classroom equipment
TV in some classrooms
Air conditioning in most classrooms
Heating in all classrooms
Ample natural light in some classrooms
- Number of classrooms: 4
- Number of public PC workstations: 30
Additional comment about facilities of school
Students can see ELS staff for any of the services they need information on for free. Limited street parking is available for ELS students (our classes start early so we don't usually have problems). There are vending machines on campus but students tend to lose money so we don't recommend them. There isn't a restaurant but there is a cafe and a cafeteria with special hours in the summer and during breaks.
Student Age / Nationality
Top student nationalities
| Student Nationality | Percentage of students |
|---|---|
| Brazil | 38% |
| Japan | 27% |
| Saudi Arabia | 5% |
| Thailand | 1% |
| Turkey | 1% |
| Other nationalities | 28% |
Age of students
| Percentage of students | |
|---|---|
| 1-18 years | 5% |
| 18-24 years | 66% |
| 25-34 years | 20% |
| 35-50 years | 7% |
| >50 years | 2% |
- Average number of students
- In summer: 45Throughout the year: 50
- Minimum age of students
- 16 years
- Average number of levels
- Adult courses In summer: 12Adult courses Throughout the year: 12
- Average age of students
- In summer: 25 yearsThroughout the year: 19 years
Information for all courses offered by ELS
- Lesson duration
- 50 minutes
- School's administrative fee
- $200
- Course material
- Generally, course material has to be purchased by all students at the school. The costs of course material will be approximately $28 per week.
- Comments about courses
Extra fees:
Student Health Insurance: USD 50 per week.
Facility Fee: USD 20 per week.
Recommended Start Dates:
26 Jan, 23 Feb, 23 Mar, 20 Apr, 18 May, 15 Jun, 13 Jul, 10 Aug, 07 Sep, 05 Oct, 02 Nov, 30 Nov and 28 Dec.
Chicago O'Hare International Airport: USD 195 (one way).
Each ELS level takes 4-weeks to complete so, where possible the school recommends coming for 4, 8, 12, etc. weeks starting on a main start date (every 4-weeks). The school strongly advise against starting in the fourth week of a 4-week session.- Days without class
- In 2026 (including national and regional bank holidays):
01 Jan 2026, 19 Jan 2026, 16 Feb 2026, 03 Apr 2026, 25 May 2026, 19 Jun 2026, 06 Jul 2026, 07 Sep 2026, 26 Nov 2026, 27 Nov 2026, 24 Dec 2026, 25 Dec 2026.If a bank holiday falls on a weekday there is no refund nor are missed lessons recuperated. This is the case for the majority of language schools. - Level test
- A test to assess your exact language level takes place at the school on the first day of the course.
Lessons needed per English language level
Data above gives some guidance. For more details consult our page How long does it take to learn a language or reach a specific level.
Leisure activities
Examples of leisure activities organized by the school
Adults - Free activities
- - Basketball and volleyball court when not being used by sports teams
- Game center open to all students
- All Dominican University activities are open to ELS students, most are free
- Beautiful libraries on campus and in nearby River Forest and Oak Park
- Holiday parties Adults - Paid activities
- Things to do in Chicago
Explore Chicago's top attractions to make your English study experience unforgettable.
- Millennium Park
- Willis Tower Sky Deck
- Chicago Cubs baseball game
Accommodation
Homestay
This accommodation tends to sell out quickly!
Reserve as early as possible to get the best available homestay!
Single room, Breakfast & 1 meal 
Shared bathroom
from
$445/ week Show more
Homestay
This accommodation tends to sell out quickly!
Reserve as early as possible to get the best available homestay!
Single room, Breakfast & 1 meal
Shared bathroom
from
$445/ week
Show more
| Weeks | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 12 | Additional Week | One-time fee (charged by school) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price in $ | 445 | 890 | 1335 | 1780 | 2225 | 2670 | 3115 | 3560 | 4450 | 5340 | 445 | 200 |
Minimum stay: 1 week
Prices based on accommodation from Sunday to Saturday
Price per person
Prices based on accommodation from Sunday to Saturday
Price per person
- Check-in
- Sunday
- Check-out
- Saturday
Note: It is important to inform the school if you plan to arrive or leave outside the standard check in/check out times.
- One-time fee
- The school/accommodation provider will charge a non-refundable one-time fee of 200US$.
- Room Occupancy
- Single room
- Includes
- Towels, Bedding/linen, Access to laundry service, Access to Wifi in building (Free WIFI), Heating, Shared bathroom.
- Meals
- Breakfast & 1 meal.
- Minimum age of students
- 18
No extra nights bookable
Chicago Student Residence
This accommodation tends to sell out quickly!
Double room, No meals
Shared bathroom
from
$410/ week Show more
Chicago Student Residence
This accommodation tends to sell out quickly!
Double room, No meals
Shared bathroom
from
$410/ week
Show more
| Weeks | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 12 | Additional Week | One-time fee (charged by school) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price in $ | -- | -- | -- | 1640 | 2050 | 2460 | 2870 | 3280 | 4100 | 4920 | 410 | 200 |
Minimum stay: 4 weeks
Prices based on accommodation from Sunday to Saturday
Price per person
Prices based on accommodation from Sunday to Saturday
Price per person
In the summer we turn one of the apartments (can possibly retain more if warranted) and that apartment becomes co-ed with one male room and one female room both with two beds.
- Check-in
- Sunday 4:00-0:00
- Check-out
- Saturday 0:10-0:00
Note: It is important to inform the school if you plan to arrive or leave outside the standard check in/check out times.
- One-time fee
- The school/accommodation provider will charge a non-refundable one-time fee of 200US$.
- Room Occupancy
- Double room
- Average distance from school
- 15 minutes by car.
- Includes
- TV, Towels, Bedding/linen, Access to laundry service, Access to Wifi in building (Free WIFI), Heating, Air conditioning, Shared bathroom.
- Meals
- No meals.
- Minimum age of students
- 18
No extra nights bookable
FAQ about ELS, Chicago
What is the best price for a course at ELS, Chicago?
“English courses at ELS start at 428 US$ for American Explorer course with 15 lessons per week. When booking here you benefit from an exclusive discount.”
Is it possible to take a course at ELS as an absolute beginner?
“Yes. The following courses can be attended as an absolute beginner: Semi-Intensive Course , Intensive Course , American Explorer ”
Which countries are students of ELS from?
“The highest Nationality percentage at ELS comes from Brazil with a 38% representation, followed by students from Japan (27%) and Saudi Arabia (5%).”
ELS offers courses for which ages?
“ELS offers courses from 16 years to 99. Average age is 25 during the summer and 19 for the rest of the year.”
Terms of ELS
- First day of course
- Written and oral level test is performed. Students should arrive at 8:30
- Payment methods accepted for payments made directly to the school
- Legal name/parent company
- Tax registration ID: 52-0822348
Visa Documents
Nationals from USA do not require a visa for travelling to USA and attending a language course.
Check visa requirements for nationals from other countries.
Nationals from countries that require a visa will receive documents from the school, related to booking confirmation, which is required for the visa application.
- Full payment of all fees required before school dispatches documents required for visa application
- No
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ELS Chicago English School USA | Pay Less
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4.6
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Class times are as follows;
Monday to Friday: 08:30 to 12:20.
Monday to Thursday: 13:30 to 14:35 and 14:45 to 15:45.