A one-of-a-kind fundraiser event at the Chicago Tool Library!

EVENT BASICS

What will the event include?

Competition, activities, Chicago makers, food, drinks, fun!

Witness our brave build teams compete to construct a mystery item! The items will be judged by a panel of fabulous guest judges and the winner of the first ever Maker Marathon will be awarded a prize. While the mystery build competition is in-progress we will have free food and drinks and various activities provided by other maker organizations from across the city.

We hope this will be an annual celebration of creativity, craftsmanship, and fun to benefit the Chicago Tool Library!

How can I attend the event?

Snag a ticket on the event page here or purchase one the day of the event. Tickets are priced to be affordable, but if you'd like to request a sponsored ticket please email hello@chicagotoollibrary.org. Food and drinks are included with ticket price.

I am obsessed with CTL but I can't make it to the event!

Share the event with your network, make a donation to the campaign, or donate to support one of the Maker Marathon teams!

What kind of food and drinks will be available?

Check back for updates!

What other organizations will be at the event?

Check back for updates!

THE MARATHON

What does the "Marathon" entail?

6 teams of 1-2 people will have 1.5 hours to plan and build a mystery item chosen by CTL.
Teams will not know what the item is until the event begins.
Every team will design and build the same item and they will have the same tools and materials to create the item.
The highest fundraising teams will have first choice of decorative supplies and may get slightly different tools.
Guest judges will rate each item on creativity and craftsmanship and a winner will be announced.

How do I compete in the Maker Marathon?

If you want to compete and need help getting started or have questions email tessa@chicagotoollibrary.org!

Click the "Fundraise" button on the event page.
Enter your name and information to create a fundraising page.
Set a fundraising goal of at least $250 and share a brief description of your team and why you're competing to support the Tool Library.
Share the fundraising page with your family and friends to collect donations for CTL and to be entered to compete!
On March 3rd at 6pm the 6 teams who raised the most funds will be invited to compete in the competition on March 15th.

Notes for teams competing in the Maker Marathon

Teams can be made up of 1 or 2 people.
Teams must raise at least $250 to be considered to compete – it's a fundraiser y'all!
Teams who participate in fundraising, but aren't in the top 6 teams who get to compete will get free entry to the event, CTL merch, and a ton of love from the CTL community who they supported through their effort ❤️
Team members must have at least intermediate knowledge of power tools to ensure tools are being used safely and responsibly. We don't want anybody getting hurt due to lack of experience!
A safety supervisor will be present to ensure teams are navigating the project and the space safely.

Guest Judges!

Check back for updates!

SCHEDULE

11:30 – Teams arrive

12:00 – Event begins with activities and refreshments

12:30 – Team introductions and event kick-off

1:00 - 2:30 – Maker Marathon Challenge

2:30 - 3:00 – Break (clean-up of build zone)

3:00 - 3:30pm – Judging and showcase of items built

3:30 – Winner announcement

OTHER INFO

Is there parking?

There are two parking lots with around 60 spots across the alley from CTL's door. Ample free parking is available on Pulaski between Lake St. and Carroll Ave.

Will masks be required?

At this time masks will not be required for the event.

Is the space handicap accessible?

CTL is a first-floor building with no stairs and wheelchair accessible bathrooms. The event may be crowded with less maneuverability than usual.

First Annual Maker Marathon - POSTPONED!

Team Members