2026 JETAA Chicago Cosmic Shin-Bowlnenkai!

Get ready to strike up some fun with JETAA Chicago! We're hosting a cosmic bowling event where alumni can reconnect, network, and enjoy a little friendly competition. All skill levels are welcome, so don’t worry if you’re not a pro bowler. This is your chance to catch up with old friends and make new ones in a casual and fun setting.

Event Date: Sunday, February 1, 2026

Event Time: 2:45 PM - 5:00 PM CST

Location: Waveland Bowl

Address: 3700 N Western Ave

Chicago, IL 60618

Sign up here!

Questions? Contact us at info@jetaachicago.com or president@jetaachicago.com.

This event is for JET alumni only.

2026 Virtual Career Development Workshop with Emily Frank

Join us Saturday, February 21st, from 11 am-1:00 pm CST, for the JETAA Chicago Career Development Workshop! If you are a JET alum currently navigating the job market after JET, considering a career switch, or simply pondering what’s next for you, your attendance is welcome! This event is designed to bring together JETAA members seeking career advice at all stages of their career trajectory.

Our speaker will be Emily Frank from The Career Catalyst, who will be able to answer your questions about finding a new position. The workshop theme is その後: Navigating Life After Japan—In the US Job Market. The workshop content will focus on the following:

• A new position is more than skills - common paths after JET

• Challenges in today's job market

• Resumes and applicant tracking systems

• Dealing with uncertainty

• Dealing with and leveraging AI

The first ten people to sign up AND attend the event will receive a one hour one-on-one session with Emily, free of charge, on the topic of their choice. Preference will be given to JETAA Chicago members.

Please join us for this free workshop, which will offer invaluable advice to help advance your career after the JET Program.

Sign up here! 

This event is for JET alumni only.

Questions? Contact Joe at networking@jetaachicago.com

Join us for our next Book Club meeting on Tuesday, March 17th!

Our book club highlights voices and stories with a solid connection to Japan. For our next meeting,  we chose "I am A Cat" by Natsume Soseki. This classic of Japanese literature satirizes the foolishness of upper-middle-class Japanese society during the Meiji era. "With acerbic wit and sardonic perspective, it follows the whimsical adventures of a world-weary stray kitten who comments on the follies and foibles of the people around him."

Be sure to pick up a copy of the book and join us for an evening of casual discussion in a virtual space via Zoom! Registrations are limited, so grab a spot while you can!

Sign up here! 

This event is for JET alumni, JASC YPC members and friends.

Questions? Contact Joe at networking@jetaachicago.com