Organization · Community
OPEN-CHICAGO
OPEN Chicago is a chapter of OPEN Global, dedicated to promoting entrepreneurship and professional development within the Pakistani diaspora in the Chicagoland area. It connects entrepreneurs, business executives, and professionals through networking, mentorship, and events.
Overview
What OPEN-CHICAGO does
What OPEN-CHICAGO is
OPEN Chicago is a chapter of OPEN Global, dedicated to promoting entrepreneurship and professional development within the Pakistani diaspora in the Chicagoland area. It connects entrepreneurs, business executives, and professionals through networking, mentorship, and events.
How it participates in the startup ecosystem
The current public profile supports community and event host capabilities. Each capability below is shown separately so organization identity and role-specific information do not get conflated.
Operational profile
Organization status and context
Organization status describes the entity itself. Funding and program availability appear within the relevant capability profile.
- Operational status
- Active
- Organization type
- Community
- Structured capabilities
- Community · Event host
- Last reviewed
- April 1, 2026
Official channels
Find OPEN-CHICAGO elsewhere
Open the official website or a supported primary organization account.
Capability profile
OPEN-CHICAGO as a community
Community overview
OPEN Chicago is a chapter of OPEN Global, a network for Pakistani entrepreneurs and professionals. It was established to promote entrepreneurship, creativity, and professional advancement. The organization connects a diverse group of entrepreneurs, business executives, and corporate experts from various sectors. OPEN Chicago is part of a global network with chapters in the U.S., U.K., and Pakistan, providing opportunities for networking, mentorship, knowledge exchange, and collaboration.
Community focus
OPEN Chicago focuses on fostering entrepreneurship and professional development. It provides networking opportunities, mentorship, and events aimed at inspiring entrepreneurial spirit and offering industry insights. The organization serves experienced entrepreneurs, emerging professionals, and students.
Member value
Members gain access to a vibrant community of entrepreneurs and professionals, mentorship from experienced leaders, and opportunities for networking and collaboration. The organization hosts various events and programs that inspire and educate members on entrepreneurship and professional growth.
Membership
- Pricing models
- free
Format and cadence
- Modality
- in-person
- Schedule
- rolling-admissions
- Commitment
- light
Availability
- Membership state
- Accepting
- Next recorded event
- November 1, 2025
Audience and fit
- Audience
- Founders · Students · Operators
- Benefits
- mentorship and network-access
- Program types
- community and other
- Selection criteria
- open
- Regions
- United States
Community activity
Events and activity
OPEN Chicago hosts several key events including an Annual Conference featuring keynote speakers and a pitch competition, networking events, seminars, and workshops throughout the year. Notable upcoming events include the Annual Conference on November 1, 2025, and the OPEN Chicago Pickleball Social on May 2, 2026.
Notable members
The community includes accomplished entrepreneurs and professionals such as Babar Rathore (President), Aamir Chalisa (Chairman), and Aisha Sarwari (Corporate Affairs Leader).
Capability profile
OPEN-CHICAGO as an event host
Event focus
OPEN Chicago focuses on fostering entrepreneurship and professional development. It provides networking opportunities, mentorship, and events aimed at inspiring entrepreneurial spirit and offering industry insights. The organization serves experienced entrepreneurs, emerging professionals, and students.
Format narrative
OPEN Chicago hosts various programs, including an annual conference, pitch competitions, networking events, seminars, and workshops throughout the year.
Participant value
Attendees gain valuable insights, networking opportunities, and mentorship from experienced professionals in various sectors.
Format and cadence
- Event types
- conference, pitch-night, meetup, and workshop
- Recurrence
- annual
- Modality
- in-person
- Startups can present
- Yes
Availability
- Registration state
- Not currently accepting
- Next recorded event
- November 1, 2025
- Next event location
- IIT-Kent, Chicago
Audience and fit
- Selection criteria
- open
- Stages
- Pre-seed · Seed
- Audience
- Founders · Students
- Regions
- United States
Speakers and past editions
Speakers
Keynote speakers and panelists include industry leaders and successful entrepreneurs.
Past editions
Past events include networking events, seminars, and workshops that have successfully connected entrepreneurs and professionals.
Common questions
What to know about OPEN-CHICAGO
Upseed classifies OPEN-CHICAGO under the Community organization type. Its current public profile includes community and event host capabilities.
Source and update disclosure
Know what this page is based on
Source basis
Public organization and program material, official websites, and structured Upseed records.
Last reviewed
April 1, 2026
Known limits
Capability profiles appear only when a structured public profile also contains decision-useful role evidence. Terms and availability can change.
Upseed is an independent guide. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by the organization described on this page.