# Event Details - **Event Name**: Chicago Skepticamp 2026 - **Event Start and End Date**: Sat, 27 Jun, 2026 at 12:00 pm – Sat, 27 Jun, 2026 at 05:00 pm - **Event Description**: Join us in Chicago 2026 for Skepticamp—a fun, live meetup for curious minds and critical thinkers!About this EventJoin us at Chicago Skepticamp 2026 for a day of critical thinking, lively discussions, and investigating myths with fellow skeptics!Chicago Skepticamp 2026Join us at DuPage Unitarian Universalist Church for a day filled with engaging talks, workshops, and discussions on science, skepticism, and critical thinking. Connect with like-minded individuals, share your ideas, and expand your knowledge in a fun and welcoming environment. Whether you're a seasoned skeptic or just curious about the world around you, Chicago Skepticamp 2026 has something for everyone. Don't miss out on this exciting event! All ages welcomed!Interested in Speaking?We're still looking for speakers! Send an email to avi.steiner@gmail.com with SkeptiCamp somewhere in the subject line if you're interested in speaking.OrganizersIvan PhillipsKyle PolichBrandi PurneyAvi SteinerScott ThompsonJake ViaAgenda?: 12:00 PM - 12:15 PMLet's Socialize!Info: Meet everyone! Make connections!?: 12:15 PM - 12:45 PMBayesian Reasoning for SkepticsHost: Ivan PhillipsInfo: Bayesian epistemology is like a unified theory for reasoning from evidence. Learn how Bayesian epistemology can be a valuable addition to the skeptic’s toolbox, and discover some of the ways that Bayesian arguments can be perverted to promote questionable ideologies.?: 12:50 PMSomething to Belong To: Humanism, Community, and the State of the AHAHost: Jake Via, Organizing Director, American Humanist AssociaInfo: In an era defined by a growing loneliness epidemic and rapid secularization, millions of Americans are walking away from traditional religion—but leaving behind the vital communities that once brought people together. Join Jake Via, Organizing Director of the American Humanist Association, for an inspiring look at why building healthy, real-world humanist community is a frontline necessity today. Drawing on modern psychology, public health data, and political realities, Jake will share how the AHA is actively transforming. From pioneering legal victories to launching innovative creator funds and youth programs, discover how we can offer the next generation a powerful sense of purpose and belonging grounded in reason, compassion, and human potential—without asking them to distrust their own eyes and ears?: 01:25 PMHands-On GerrymanderingHost: Avi SteinerInfo: Merriam-Webster defines gerrymandering as “the practice of dividing or arranging a territorial unit into election districts in a way that gives one political party an unfair advantage in elections.” But what does that really mean? How does it work? Avi's going to lead us through a hands-on exploration of gerrymandering.?: 02:25 PMBreak?: 02:40 PMWhy Smart People Get ScammedHost: Mary Mattran, founder of Outsmart ScamsInfo: Scammers win not by being smarter than you, but by turning the way you naturally think and feel against you. In this talk, Mary explores three ways scammers get around critical thinking and what you can actually do about it before the moment arrives.?: 03:15 PMThe futility of evolutionary psychologyHost: Anthony BarnhartInfo: Every reputable scientist accepts the reality of the theory of evolution. No one denies that the brain evolved. However, application of the theory of evolution to behaviors introduces a host of logical problems. The scientific tools available to us for understanding the genesis of behaviors are generally incapable of enlightening us on the extent to which they are genetically endowed. In this presentation, I will introduce the central tenets of evolutionary psychology and discuss some of the scientific findings and limitations that complicate our ability to differentiate evolutionary adaptations from learned behaviors, concluding that "just so" stories do not a science make.?: 03:50 PMToy Models for a Complex WorldHost: Scott ThompsonInfo: Scott Thompson will lead a discussion and workshop during which we will deploy "toy models" to help us understand several complex aspects of human interaction. This is based on a Science Sunday talk Scott has given in the past, and on a book he is working on. The core idea is to borrow from science the notion of imperfect but still useful "toy models" to help us gain an understanding of some important (or perhaps even the MOST important) aspects of a complicated system in order to help us think through the relationships and possibilities in a more structured way. Some toy models we will engage with include: * Human gender and sexuality issues * Existential threat response strategies * Interpersonal and intergroup dispositions * Personality traits relevant to intellectual engagement We might even invent some new models, by virtue of workshop outcomes. - **Event URL**: https://allevents.in/naperville/chicago-skepticamp-2026/100001990917599133 - **Event Categories**: science-fair, workshops, meetups, health-wellness, art, fine-arts, parties, entertainment - **Interested Audience**: - total_interested_count: 0 - **Event Highlights**: - Age Limit: all_ages - Duration: 5 hours - Location: DuPage Unitarian Universalist Church - Languages: English ## Ticket Details - **Ticket Price Range**: min: 0, max: 0, currency: USD ## Event venue details - **city**: Naperville - **state**: IL - **country**: United States - **location**: DuPage Unitarian Universalist Church - **lat**: 41.8045209 - **long**: -88.1184909 - **full address**: DuPage Unitarian Universalist Church, 1828 Old Naperville Road, Naperville, United States ## Event gallery - **Alt text**: Chicago Skepticamp 2026 - **Image URL**: https://cdn-az.allevents.in/events1/banners/2771778777fcc869668cdb87ceb55e5c416bd290d6747cf6f783303d165a4f5a-rimg-w1024-h1024-dcf2ecde-gmir.jpg?v=1780963400 ## FAQs - **Q**: When and where is Chicago Skepticamp 2026 being held? - **A:** Chicago Skepticamp 2026 takes place on Sat, 27 Jun, 2026 at 12:00 pm to Sat, 27 Jun, 2026 at 05:00 pm at DuPage Unitarian Universalist Church, 1828 Old Naperville Road, Naperville, United States. - **Q**: Who is organizing Chicago Skepticamp 2026? - **A:** Chicago Skepticamp 2026 is organized by Avi Steiner. - **Q**: Who is this event for? Is it right for me? - **A:** Chicago Skepticamp 2026 is ideal for curious learners, students, and skill-builders looking to gain hands-on knowledge and practical expertise in a focused, interactive setting. Whether you're a first-time attendee or a longtime enthusiast in Naperville, this event is thoughtfully curated to deliver a standout experience worth every moment. 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