Chicago Dads provides networking opportunities through activities such as "Dad's Night Out", playgroup activities for children, various other outings, and general camaraderie. We function as an informal volunteer association of independent groups and individuals. We believe the involvement of a father in the life of his child is beneficial to the child, and ultimately society as a whole. Most of us have made a conscious choice to be the primary care provider for their children. Some work full-time, part-time or work at-home. Some are retired or are at-home dads. We invite all involved fathers to network with us. As researcher Dr. Kyle Pruett says, "fathers have always parented differently than mothers...and father care is as essential as mother care for your child." For this belief and many others, you're an involved dad. ChicagoDads.com is here to help. This is the place to meet other dads from across the greater Chicagoland metropolitan area.
Weekly Playgroup in Chicago
Chicago Dads organize a weekly playgroup that meets on Thursdays in the city. You can find it by going to the "Group calendar" in the Chicago Dads section of this website.
Dad's Night Out (DNO) ideas?
We're long overdue for one of these gatherings. For those not familiar, it's simply an excuse to get out of the house sans kids and have some adult conversation. We usually pick a neighborhood pub or restaurant on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday evening. Beer is usually involved! 
I just heard about a new gaming lounge called IgniteNetwork. Anyone into a cheap night of video games?
Meet Harrison Ford at Chicago movie premiere Jan 12
Yes, Jack Ryan / President of USA / Han Solo / Indiana Jones - that Harrison Ford!
For more details, see my blog post:
http://marksmithivas.posterous.com/meet-harrison-ford-at-chicago-movie-premiere
Hope y'all's can make it out on Jan 12. Hire a babysitter if you must! 
Field Museum playdate - Thur Dec 10
Tomorrow is a free day at the Field Museum. We went a few weeks ago and found the Crown Family Playlab is a good meeting spot. While you can pay 16 bucks to park inside, if you are patient there are meter spots on Solidarity Drive, that is the road that leads to Adler Planetarium right across from the Shedd and the Field Museum.
Chris
New Study Reveals Most Children Unrepentant Sociopaths
MINNEAPOLIS—A study published Monday in The Journal Of Child Psychology And Psychiatry has concluded that an estimated 98 percent of children under the age of 10 are remorseless sociopaths with little regard for anything other than their own egocentric interests and pleasures.
ChicagoDads update
Hi, this is Mark Smithivas. I'm the new group administrator for the ChicagoDads.com page which is part of AtHomeDad.org. You're receiving this e-mail because at some point you've subscribed to this group on the website. I just wanted to send out this quick notice because some of our subscribers have noticed that they no longer get e-mail updates whenever a new post has been made to the group.
Dads Night Out this Sunday Nov 15 at Hop Haus
Chris, John, and I decided to go out for beers and watch the Patriots/Colts game this Sunday evening at Hop Haus, 7545 N. Clark Street. I need to confirm what time is kickoff, but plan to be there around 7pm or so. Everyone is invited to join in, even if you're not into football... we can discuss heady topics like politics, school reform, and whether the TV miniseries "V" is a subtle jab at Obamamania. I may also force you guys to play this new boardgame I just bought...
The cafe I've been waiting for just opened
Stumbled across this post on WeeWindyCity blog about a new kid-friendly cafe called FamilyGrounds Cafe. OMG, the cafe I've been waiting for has finally opened!
Need playgroup organizers for November and beyond
Guys,
Let me know if you want to take on the awesome responsibility of choosing where we meet each Thursday for the coming months. Seriously though, it's pretty easy. You pick whatever you want to and post it here a day or two before each Thursday. You can also choose to convene a Dad's Night Out at the end of each month if you'd like as well. It's up to you - you can pick the same place each Thursday or mix it up. Any questions post a comment below. Thanks!
Tuesday @ Shedd / Adler
Both museums are free tomorrow (Tues) so I think we'll attempt a visit in the morning. If anyone wants to meetup, send me a note at msmithivas (at) gmail (dot) com.