Three Cities Social: community, connection, and culture in Chicago

When Ali and Draymond Washington moved to Chicago six years ago, they found themselves adrift in a new city without a group to call their own. 

Despite joining various social clubs, the sense of belonging they sought surfaced in some aspects of meetups, but overall remained just out of reach. This experience ignited a spark in Washington, driving him to create something new — something better. Thus, ACC Collective was born, an endeavor that would eventually evolve into Three Cities Social.

Building a community to combat loneliness

"We launched ACC Collective because we felt there was a need for a more intentional way of connecting people and giving back," Washington explains. He and his wife distilled their vision into three core pillars: altruism, connection, and culture. These pillars would not only define their brand as a club but also address the gaps they had encountered in other social groups.

"The altruistic piece was crucial because we didn't feel like there was a formal way to do good work," Washington recalled. He noted that finding meaningful volunteer opportunities can often be challenging, and many people end up just checking off a box. By creating a platform that offered intentional and impactful volunteer opportunities, Washington aimed to foster a sense of purpose among members.

Washington's approach to building connections was equally thoughtful. As a former Merrill financial advisor, he attended numerous networking events but often found them lacking in genuine engagement. This insight led him to develop a unique method for curating events at ACC Collective.

"When new people joined, we asked them three to five things they wanted to learn. That's how we curated our calendar," he said. This member-driven approach resulted in a diverse array of events, ranging from woodworking to roller skating to learning about AI. Each event was tailored to the interests and passions of its members.

"People ask what we do, and I told them that we did 85 events last year, and literally none of them are the same," Washington shared with a smile. This diversity of interest not only kept members engaged but also made it easier for them to bond over shared hobbies and passions.

As ACC Collective grew, so did its ambitions. The club quickly expanded from hosting two to four events a month to a staggering ten to twelve. This growth necessitated a rebranding, and thus Three Cities Social was born.

Bridging Chicago’s cultural divides

The third pillar, culture, addressed another significant issue Washington saw in Chicago: segregation. "Chicago is super segregated,” he observed. “You just hang out in the neighborhood you live in.” Washington believes that to thrive, people need to engage with diverse cultures and communities, across all three distinct areas of Chicago: the Lakefront, the city’s South Side, and the city’s West Side. To this end, Three Cities Social organizes events in various neighborhoods, encouraging members to explore different areas and meet new people.

"We do events in all the neighborhoods, and we're really mindful about how we do that," he says. By creating opportunities for members to interact with different cultures, Washington hopes to build a more inclusive and vibrant community.

"Three Cities Social is about bringing people together who are looking to make new friends and do new things," Washington explains. The rebranding also involved moving into a dedicated space, which Washington describes with pride. The new location features offices, a communal table, a gym area, a lounge, a private dining room, and a library, among other amenities.

While Three Cities Social offers many of the same amenities as a traditional coworking space, Washington emphasizes that its core value is community. "We don’t advertise it as a coworking space per se, but people can work here starting bright and early," he said. The club provides a relaxed environment where members can work, socialize, and participate in events, all while fostering a sense of community.

Washington’s vision extends beyond the walls of Three Cities Social. He actively seeks partnerships with local organizations to provide diverse and enriching experiences for members. "We highlight Chicago and local business owners, because we’re all in this together," he noted. These partnerships not only enhance the club’s offerings but also support the broader community.

Building a diverse membership

The club’s application process is straightforward but insightful. Prospective members are asked about the social circles they’re interested in and the causes they care about. This information helps Washington and his team tailor volunteer opportunities and social events to meet the interests of their members.

"We have social circles like Hip Hop Club, Entrepreneur Club, Wine Club, Whiskey Club, Book Club, and Foodies Club," Washington lists. The goal is to have 20 to 25 such clubs, ensuring there’s always something happening that members can look forward to.

Three Cities Social's often notes that members can "make friends while making a difference," which perfectly encapsulates its mission. "People need friends, and they need to be invested in a community that invests in them," Washington says. 

Looking ahead, Washington has ambitious plans for Three Cities Social. He envisions opening another location in Chicago with a different vibe. "I want to expand here in Chicago, and then I want to start going to other cities. Everyone needs community wherever you go," he says. 

How technology helps build a community

Technology plays a crucial role in managing and enhancing the member experience at Three Cities Social. Washington chose Coworks software to streamline operations. "We used other apps in the past, but Coworks brought everything together that we needed in our space," he said. The app handles room bookings, event RSVPs, and more, making it easier for members to stay engaged and connected.

While the club has a physical space, Washington is committed to maintaining a hybrid model that includes offsite events. "We don’t need people to be in the space all the time, which allows us to offer diverse events around the city," he explains. This flexibility ensures that members can participate in a variety of activities, regardless of their location.

Three Cities Social is also family-friendly, accommodating members with young children. "We made it kid-friendly because a lot of feedback from the last club was that people couldn’t bring their children," Washington says. By allowing children in the space, he hopes to create a more inclusive environment where parents can balance work, socializing, and family life.

As Washington reflects on the journey from ACC Collective to Three Cities Social and beyond, he is excited about the future. With a strong foundation built on altruism, connection, and culture, Three Cities Social is poised to become a central hub of community in Chicago and beyond. Washington’s vision of a network of inclusive, vibrant social clubs is not just a dream but an achievable reality, one event, and one connection at a time.