Carpenters of all abilities are welcome at this gargantuan shop — 13,500 square feet! — which means you can come for the basic saw skills and stay to figure out the math behind a curved box joint. Everyone walks away from the nine-week course with a piece of sturdy self-made furniture. From $475 per class. 5680 N. Northwest Hwy., Old Norwood Park, chicagowoodworking.com