* * Python Training Classes - In Chicago * *

Frequently Asked Questions

Do courses include hotel accomodations?

No, you are responsible for booking your own accomodations. There are many options, but the most conveniently located hotels are probably found in the Lincoln Park neighborhood which is a few miles south of the classroom. I often recommend that people either stay at the Days Inn Chicago or the House 5863 Bed and Breakfast.

I plan on driving, but what about parking?

Free on-street parking is available to the east of Clark street (especially on Summerdale, Balmoral, Rascher, or Catalpa). During the week, it is usually extremely easy to find free parking during business hours. Parking in Andersonville does not require special stickers or permits.

What are the fastest driving routes?

From the loop, take Lake Shore Drive north to the Foster exit, head west to Clark Street, and turn right (north).

From I-94 (Edens), take the Peterson exit, drive east to Clark Street, and turn right (south).

From I-90 O'Hare, get off on the Nagle exit, turn left and head north to Devon street. Turn right on Devon and veer right onto Caldwell as you leave the forest preserve. Caldwell turns into Peterson. Continue driving east on Peterson to Clark Street and turn right (south).

What are the mass-transit options?

If you are travelling by CTA train, the closest CTA station is the Red Line Berwyn stop. Walk west on Berwyn to Clark Street and then head north to Balmoral. Total walking time is 15 minutes. From downtown, it may actually be substantially faster to take the #146 Express Bus which takes you directly to the same Berwyn CTA station.

The CTA #22 Clark Street bus passes directly by the Dabeaz LLC office. Catch the bus from downtown or from its northern-most terminus at the Howard Street Red Line/Purple Line station in Evanston. Get off at Balmoral street. Plan extra time--the #22 bus is one of the slowest moving objects in the universe.

The closest Metra rail station is the Ravenswood stop on the Union Pacific North line. Walk east on Lawrence to Clark street. Walk one mile north on Clark to Balmoral. Alternatively, just catch the #22 bus northbound at Lawrence.

I'm attending from out of town. How should I plan travel?

Dabeaz LLC is most easily accessed from O'Hare airport. A cab ride from the airport to the classroom takes about 30 minutes and costs $30-$35. Classes promptly end at 5:00pm. You should not book any return flights that are earlier than 6:30pm. The fastest way to return to the airport is by cab.

For half-day workshops and seminars, it may be possible to schedule same-day travel if you are located in the eastern, central, or mountain timezones. Chicago is a major travel destination with direct flights to most locations. If you schedule a morning flight that arrives in Chicago before 10:30am, you will have more than enough time to get to the class. Schedule an evening flight to return home. Contrary to what you might have experienced on a past connecting flight, flying into O'Hare is usually extremely painless if Chicago is your destination.

You should not need to rent a car. The classroom is located in the heart of Chicago. There are many mass transit options and it is trivial to just hail a cab right outside the Dabeaz LLC office. Plus, you're not going to need a car to go anywhere--restaurants and things to do are everywhere to be found. In other words, you're not going to be sitting in some motel nestled between the airport, the interstate, an outlet mall, and a fast-food chain restaurant.

How do I know if I'm prepared?

The classes are designed by and for programmers. If you have been writing software in any other programming language, you are likely prepared for the "Introduction to Python" course. Advanced courses are targeted towards more experienced Python programmers who want to take their skills to the next level. These courses do not assume prior experience with the topic at hand, but do assume a working knowledge of the core Python language and common library modules. If you have any doubts, please contact me for details.

Are classes wheelchair accessible?

Unfortunately not. The Dabeaz LLC office is located on the 2nd floor of a building constructed in 1915. At this time there are no elevators or ramps that can provide access.

Do you offer group discounts?

Due to the already small class size, I am not able to offer a discount on public courses. However, if you want to train a group, it is often more cost effective to schedule an on-site training course instead. It is also possible to privately arrange a group course at my office space.

How does payment work?

All event booking and payment is handled through EventBrite which accepts all major credit cards.

Do you accept checks?

Yes, but only if payment is received in-full prior to the course date. If you intend to pay by check, you should contact me to hold a course place for you until payment is received.

Can you simply invoice my company?

No. A representative of your company should register and pay for the course using a corporate credit card through EventBrite.

What is your refund and cancellation policy?

You may cancel at any time and receive a full course refund. If you are unable to complete a course due to illness or other factors beyond your control, you will also be offered a refund for days not attended. Last, but not least, your satisfaction is fully guaranteed. If, for any reason, you are not happy with a class, please ask for a refund.

Is there some chance that the class will be cancelled after I register?

No. Classes run no matter what. However, should a class have very low enrollment, I might contact you and give you the option of continuing with the scheduled course or rescheduling it for a later date.