If you’re looking for a free workspace in Chicago, you’re in luck. The city is home to many great options, from libraries to coffee shops or hotel lobbies to coworking spaces. Here are our top five picks:

  1. Freehand Chicago
  2. The Robey
  3. Harold Washington Library Center
  4. Marshall’s Landing
  5. Brooklyn Boulders West Loop

1. Freehand Chicago

There is nothing not to like at the quirky lobby space of Freehand Chicago. Set with all of the amenities that remote workers need, including free wifi, coffee, and Jenga, the lobby is the perfect place to spend the morning or an afternoon answering emails. Lounge in one of their cosy and ‘instagrammable’ nooks with your laptop, and then wrap up the day with a cocktail at their award-winning cocktail bar, the Broken Shaker. Go on- you have earned it!

Freehand Chicago Hotel lobby is a great free workspace
Freehand Chicago Hotel’s lobby

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2. The Robey

You will probably find The Robey Hotel as a tourist, or know it as a local for its rooftop bars. However, the lounge area on the 2nd floor is a popular destination for laptop workers and business meetings. Amazing views, great lighting and few hotel guests make it a top place to work from alongside others. A large shared table and speciality coffee are the common settings but why not try a window seat and let the mind focus?

Workspace area used for free at The Robey hotel in Chicago
The Robey, Hotel Lobbey

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3. Harold Washington Library Center

Not enough space in your apartment? Why not head to the world’s largest public library building to spread out. Inside the expansive Harold Washington Library Center in South Loop, remote workers will find plenty of comfy seating options in the library’s sun-soaked rooms.

Pro tip: if you’re looking for quiet while you concentrate, book one of the library’s private study rooms for a truly tranquil space to get work done. If you find yourself needing a break, take a stroll through the stunning atrium of the library’s Winter Garden.

Harold Washington Library Center is a free workspace
Harold Washington Library Center is a free workspace in Chicago

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4. Marshall’s Landing

Tucked inside Chicago’s famous theMART building, Marshall’s Landing is a trendy new gathering place for remote workers in search of an energetic spot where they can knock out a few hours of work while taking in the views (and the scene!).

The space was designed with remote workers in mind, and they even have “call pods” with buttons that guests can push to call their server, so your boss won’t overhear you ordering an Old Fashioned while you’re supposed to be listening to the weekly team meeting. Snag a table by the windows to watch the world go by as you take in the views overlooking the Chicago River.

Marshall’s Landing is a free workspace in Chicago
Marshall’s Landing is a trendy gathering place for remote workers

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5. Brooklyn Boulders West Loop

Working remotely from a rock-climbing gym? Yes, you heard us right. Brooklyn Boulders isn’t just a place for adventurous people to practice their climbing skills. They also have co-working spaces in both their West Loop and Lincoln Park locations where visitors can make themselves comfortable and work while watching other people conquer the climbing routes.

Brooklyn Boulders in West Loop is a workspace in a climbing gym
The main coworking area of Brooklyn Boulders West Loop

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That concludes our list of the best five free workspaces in Chicago. Whether you’re a freelancer, entrepreneur, or remote worker, these spaces offer a comfortable and productive environment to get your work done. Be sure to check them out and take advantage of their free amenities and services!


So what next? 

If you’re new to London’s coworking scene or just looking for something a little more special than the average commercial chain offering coworking then head over to Othership to see our range of free & unique workspaces.

We have over tonnes of spaces with many totally free to book, and if you become a premium member you can then save up to 50% off or grab a free coffee across our curated network of partner venues.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are these workspaces in Chicago really free?
Yes, you can use these workspaces for free! There is no charge for the use of a table in these venues to work from. Some of them even include a free coffee for Othership members

Do I have to pay for the Wi-Fi?
There is no extra charge for Wi-Fi in the free workspaces we recommend.

Is there a stable Wi-Fi connection in free workspaces?
The workspaces that you can book via Othership have all been tested and verified. A good Wi-Fi connection and power plugs are our main criteria when selecting spaces.

Aren’t free workspace very noisy?
We select the venues we recommend carefully. They’re never as quiet as a library, but the noise level allows for a good work environment.

Can I bring my dog to free workspaces in Madrid?
There are spaces that allow dogs and some that don’t. We recommend you browse through these dog-friendly venues.

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