The Chopping Block is the only recreational cooking school in Chicago to offer a full slate of hands-on grilling classes, with an average of ten grilling classes each month. Held on our beautiful outdoor patio at our Lincoln Square location, students learn how to work with both charcoal and gas grills in every class. These interactive classes are both for beginner grillers and grilling warriors, as each class provides hands-on experience on grilling techniques. Whether your culinary interests lie in burgers, pizza, seafood, or steaks, we offer a class tailored to your tastes. Our classes don't just focus on one topic or one dish - you get a full menu in each class, even grilled desserts in most classes!
Our professional chefs detail the food preparation and grilling techniques, and offer valuable tips for your success at home throughout each hands-on grilling class. Discover the art of lighting and operating both gas and charcoal grills, and master the art of temperature control. Indulge in your favorite type of cuisine cooked over open flame as you are exposed to new flavors and ethnic ingredients.
Here are our current grilling class options. For a more intense and robust grilling experience, learn more about our Grilling Boot Camp. We also offering private, hands-on grilling events!
Hands-On Italian Surf and Turf on the Patio
Everyone’s favorite - Surf and Turf - and all’italiana this time! In this hands-on class, you’ll enjoy the delicious beef and seafood combinations in this grilled Italian version.
Register for Friday, May 30 6pm
Register for Saturday, June 28 6pm
Hands-On Korean BBQ on the Grill
Enjoy a new experience on the grill this summer as we dive into the bold and savory flavors of Korea.
Menu:
Register for Friday, June 6 6pm
Hands-On Regional Street Tacos on the Patio
Tacos, the unofficial national food of Mexico, are found on every street corner all over Mexico. In this hands-on grilling class, we’ll explore the regional flavors and ingredients that makes each taco unique to its birthplace, and prepare three very distinct and mouth-watering tacos from northern, central and coastal Mexico.
Menu:
Register for Saturday, June 7 6pm
Hands-On Smash Burgers on the Grill
Learn how to get that crispy, caramelized crust and flavorful, juicy patty that synonymous with the smash burger in this hands-on class.
Menu:
Register for Sunday, June 8 11am
Register for Friday, June 27 6pm
Hands-On The Magic of Mushrooms: Grilling Edition
Join us for an outdoor, hands-on class featuring fantastic fungi! Did you know mushrooms are high in protein and contain all 9 amino acids contained in meat, making them a perfect meat-free alternative? Come learn how to grill mushrooms to perfection in a variety of delicious, vegetarian recipes.
Menu:
Register for Friday, June 13 6pm
Hands-On Rendezvous Under the Stars on the Patio
Enjoy a romantic evening outdoors and let the starlight guide your hands while preparing a sumptuous feast in this hands-on class.
Menu:
Register for Saturday, June 14 6pm
Hands-On Fiesta on the Grilling
Enjoy a romantic evening outdoors and let the starlight guide your hands while preparing a sumptuous feast in this hands-on class.
Menu:
Register for Saturday, June 21 6pm
Hands-On Girls Who Grill with Babs
Girls Who Grill is the ultimate beginner-friendly grilling class designed to help you master the gas grill with confidence! Join Babs, entertainer and grilling enthusiast, for a fun and interactive grilling class where she will share all her best tips and tricks for successful grilling. You will learn how to grill an entire meal - appetizer to dessert - so you can fire up the grill with ease and impress your family and friends. No experience? No problem! By the end of the class, you’ll be flipping, searing and serving like a pro. Because great barbecue isn’t just for the guys…it’s for everyone!
Menu:
*A non-refundable 15% fee is applied for the operational and administrative costs incurred by TCB on all cooking classes.
Not what you’re looking for?
See All Classes