Buddhist Meditation Centers in Chicago and Illinois

There are 6 Buddhist monasteries and meditation centers in Illinois in our directory that welcome English speakers, across Insight and Zen traditions. Many offer free or donation-based (dana) teachings and retreats; check each center's website for dates and guidelines.

Insight (vipassana) centers

Dhamma Pakasa (Illinois Vipassana)Pecatonica, Illinois · Insight (S. N. Goenka, 10-day courses)
Insight Chicago Meditation CommunityChicago, Illinois · Insight

Zen, Chan and Seon

Ancient Dragon Zen GateChicago, Illinois · Soto Zen
Chicago Zen CenterChicago, Illinois · Zen

Other centers

Buddhist Temple of ChicagoChicago, Illinois · Jodo Shinshu (Pure Land)
Midwest Buddhist TempleChicago, Illinois · Jodo Shinshu (Pure Land)

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Questions people ask

Can beginners visit a Buddhist monastery in Illinois?

Yes. Most monasteries and meditation centers in Illinois welcome beginners for talks, group sittings or retreats. Contact the center first and follow its guidelines.

Do Buddhist retreats cost money?

Many monasteries run on donations (dana) and ask nothing fixed. Lay-run retreat centres usually charge for food and lodging, often with a sliding scale.