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The Best Chicago Coding Bootcamps in 2023

Chicago is known for its vibrant tech scene. It houses amazing tech companies such as Grubhub, Groupon, and Orbitz. The Windy City has a limited list of coding bootcamps. However, the overall quality of coding bootcamps in Chicago is high.

Students can graduate from coding schools in Chicago or study online from this city to learn the skills they need to start successful careers in tech. This article looks at some of the best coding bootcamps in Chicago in 2023.

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The 15 Best Coding Bootcamps in Chicago

The tech scene in Chicago has grown tremendously in the past five years, and the future looks even brighter. With each new company, the need for employees increases. If you’re in Chicago and want to take advantage of these career opportunities, coding bootcamps are a great way to start. Below is a list of the best coding bootcamps in Chicago. Any of these institutions can give you the tools needed to start working in tech.

Actualize logo
Actualize Quick Facts
Courses Web Development
Cost $15,900
Financing Options Upfront Payment, Installments, Loan Financing
Alumni Employers The Difference Engine, Oracle, AT&T, JP Morgan, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois, Montana, Costco Wholesale, NorthShore University Health System, Ritani, Evolent Health, Home Chef, Negotiatus, IBM, Chicago Athletics Club

Actualize is a coding bootcamp that prepares you to enter the ever-growing tech field. The bootcamp caters to people who have the desire to learn to code. Among bootcamps in Chicago, Actualize is considered one of the best. Some web development graduates mentioned that they feel well-prepared for a career transition after completing Actualize.

Actualize offers courses in software and web development. Students can take part in full-time, part-time, or online courses. Graduates from Actualize have gone on to work at companies such as IBM, NorthShore, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and AT&T.

Brainstation logo
BrainStation Quick Facts
Courses UI/UX Design, Data Science, Data Analytics, Web Development, iOS Development, Digital Marketing, Product Management, Full Stack Development
Cost $15,000
Financing Options Upfront Payment, Installments, Scholarship
Alumni Employers Shopify, RBC, Scotiabank, CIBC, TD, Konrad Group, TELUS, Canadian Tire Corporation, Lululemon, BMO Financial Group, Freelance, Loblaw Digital, Loyalty One, ecobee

BrainStation offers part-time and full-time bootcamps in product management, UX design, data science, web development, and software engineering. The coding bootcamp has locations throughout the United States and Canada, plus one location in the United Kingdom. All bootcamp programs, excluding web development, can also be taken fully online.

The curriculum at BrainStation is project-based. Students learn through collaborative efforts that simulate working in the industry. Every instructor is trained within their field and they have several years of experience. Small class sizes allow instructors to give students the one-on-one time needed for a proper education.

Code Platoon logo
Code Platoon Quick Facts
Courses Full Stack Software Engineering, DevOps and Cloud Engineering
Cost $18,000
Financing Options Upfront Payment, GI Bill, Scholarships
Alumni Employers Cognizant, Bloomberg, Accenture, JPMorgan & Chase Co., DRW

Code Platoon is one-of-a-kind coding bootcamp that is dedicated to helping military veterans and their family acquire crucial tech skills. It offers two main programs: full stack software engineering and DevOps with a focus on cloud engineering. The former is available in person at the Chicago campus, while the latter is fully remote.

To facilitate the transition for veterans and other students from non-technical backgrounds, Code Platoon recommends that you start with an Intro to Coding course. It is a free, self-paced course that focuses on the basics of JavaScript. The coding school also offers several scholarships for members of underrepresented communities to help fund their tuition.

Coding Dojo logo
Coding Dojo Quick Facts
Courses Software Development, Data Science, Cybersecurity
Cost $9,745 to $16,495
Financing Options Upfront Payment
Alumni Employers Microsoft, Amazon, HCL Technologies, Amazon Web Services, Starbucks, Relativity, Silicon Valley Polytechnic Institute, The Difference Engine, EPAM Systems, Lyft

Coding Dojo teaches students through their fully online courses and programs. Students learn through project-based, collaborative tasks that teach them how to work in the industry. The coding bootcamp is recognized for its unique learning style and the success students find after graduating.

While attending the bootcamp, students learn from experts in the industry. There are also advisors and mentors to further guide students to success. The flagship three-stack software development bootcamp is available both full-time and part-time while the other two programs are part-time only.

DevX School logo
DevX School Quick Facts
Courses Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET), UX/UI Design, DevOps, Product Manager, Data Science and Machine Learning
Cost $1,000 to $4,000/month
Financing Options Upfront Payment, Installments, Income Share Agreement (ISA)
Alumni Employers Amazon, Chase Bank, Atlassian, Azenta Life Sciences, Dotdash Meredith, Humana

DevX School is a Chicago-based education provider offering a series of fully online tech programs to help people break into tech. With accessibility in mind, DevX School offers three types of subscriptions with varying levels of access and features. If you’re looking for a more comprehensive option, the Pro or Premium plan may be suitable as they comprise hundreds of micro video lectures, daily challenges, access to a developer community, and more.

At the moment, only the SDET program is live. Those looking to enroll in other programs are encouraged to express their interest on the school page. Students are promised quality education, taught directly by instructors with experience working for top companies like Microsoft and Apple.

Evolve Security logo
Evolve Security Academy Quick Facts
Courses Cybersecurity, Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)
Cost $5,250 to $14,500
Financing Options Upfront Payment, Installments, Loan Financing, Scholarships
Alumni Employers Verizon, Rapid7, Cognizant, ATP, Matthews International, Michigan State University, Motorola Solutions, Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago

Evolve Security Academy offers two main programs that are designed to equip learners with cybersecurity skills. Its flagship program, Cybersecurity Bootcamp, covers essential topics like Open Source Intelligence (OSINT), social engineering, security operations architecture, and cryptography. Meanwhile, the OSCP program is meant to prepare learners for Offensive Security’s PEN-200 certification examination.

The school accepts GI Bill benefits for its in-person cybersecurity program and offers partial merit-based scholarships for all live online programs. According to graduates who have found employment in cybersecurity, Evolve Security Academy is a great training ground for those who prefer practical learning in a fast-paced environment.

Flatiron School logo
Flatiron School Quick Facts
Courses Data Science, Software Engineering, Product Design, Cybersecurity
Cost $16,900 to $17,900
Financing Options Upfront Payment, Installments, Loan Financing
Alumni Employers WeWork, Infosys, Wayfair, Microsoft, JPMorgan Chase & Co. BlackRock, 2U, Priceline, The New York Times, Forbes, Etsy, MongoDB

Flatiron School has established itself as one of the best coding bootcamps in the country. According to the school’s latest Jobs Report, over 90 percent of graduates from Flatiron School find employment upon graduation. A large number of graduates work with companies such as JPMorgan Chase, Infosys, Wayfair, Microsoft, and Forbes.

Programs offered include software engineering, data science, product design, and cybersecurity. Previously, Flatiron School’s Chicago campus offered several in-person programs but it has now limited its on-campus programs to its New York and Denver locations only. All programs are still available fully online.

Fullstack Academy logo
Fullstack Academy Quick Facts
Courses Web Development, Product Management, Data Analytics, Cybersecurity
Cost $13,495 to $19,910
Financing Options Upfront Payment, Loan Financing, Scholarships
Alumni Employers Fullstack Academy, The Grace Hopper Program, American Express, Google, Bloomberg LP, JPMorgan Chase & Co., Etsy, Cedrus Digital, Microsoft, Goldman Sachs, The New York Times, BlackRock, Priceline, Freelance, Paintzen

Fullstack Academy is a favorite among employers. It has an immersive coding bootcamp that provides students with all the necessary information needed to work across various tech divisions like data analytics and web development. Students at Fullstack Academy learn how to think like a developer and apply problem-solving skills to their work.

Fullstack currently offers online programs only. Through an involved curriculum taught by industry experts, graduates from Fullstack Academy often go on to find full-time employment with many high-profile tech companies like Google, American Express, Bloomberg LP, and Microsoft.

General Assembly logo
General Assembly Quick Facts
Courses Data Analytics, Data Science, Digital Marketing, Software Engineering, UX Design
Cost $950 to $15,950
Financing Options Upfront Payment, Installments, Deferred Tuition, Loan Financing, Scholarships
Alumni Employers General Assembly, Google, Amazon, Facebook, Microsoft, IBM, Capital One, American Express, JP Morgan Chase & Co., Salesforce, Uber, LinkedIn, WeWork, Spotify, Airbnb

Students can choose to study data science, product management, digital marketing, and more at General Assembly. There are several learning programs to fit students’ schedules. Full-time students take less time to complete their courses. However, there are also part-time and self-paced learning options that are more flexible and less time-consuming.

General Assembly is partnered with several large companies such as Google, Microsoft, and Nast. This means that after graduation, you have the potential to connect and work with any of these companies. General Assembly’s Chicago location is not currently active but students who are interested can sign up for its online programs.

Make School logo
Make School Quick Facts
Courses Computer Science
Cost $65,000 to $70,000
Financing Options Upfront Payment, Loan Financing
Alumni Employers Tonik Ad’s, Yelp, August Home Inc, Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, Savai, Zookyo, Stanford University, Coda, TheGirlCode, Piedmont Post, Piedmont LaunchX Club, ClientBird, RubensteinTech

Make School is unique in that it offers a two-year fast-track bachelor’s degree program in computer science. Most coding bootcamps don’t offer degrees in their programs. This sets you apart from other bootcamp graduates. The coding bootcamp also offers free online courses in app development.

While Make School does provide a bachelor’s degree program, it is different from others. The curriculum only teaches you what’s necessary to break into tech. You’ll learn about the tools used in the industry and how to work as a programmer.

NuCamp logo
Nucamp Quick Facts
Courses Front End Web and Mobile Development, Full Stack Web and Mobile Development, Back End, SQL, and DevOps with Python
Cost $2,124 to $2,604
Financing Options Upfront Payment, Month-to-Month Installments, Loan Financing, Deferred Tuition
Alumni Employers Amazon, Western Washington University, Microsoft, Facebook, Scott’s Cheap Flights, United States Marine Corps, Absopure Water Company, Tribus Services, Visiting Angels, Tamalpais Technology, United States Army National Guard, Yardi

Nucamp students can learn how to become full stack mobile developers or web developers in just 18 weeks. This coding bootcamp also provides part-time courses to students that want to transition into a new career field without having to commit to a stricter schedule.

Courses at Nucamp are highly affordable and come in at a lower price point than most other bootcamps. There are financing options such as deferred tuition and installment plans which allow students to pay for the bootcamp at a pace that they’re comfortable with.

Product School logo
Product School Quick Facts
Courses Product Manager Certification, Senior Product Manager Certification, Product Leader Certification
Cost $4,199 to $9,999
Financing Options Upfront Payment, Loan Financing
Alumni Employers Google, Adobe, Cisco, Facebook, Amazon, Visa, Apple, Salesforce, Walmart eCommerce, Kaiser Permanente, Prudential Financial, Macy's, Lyft, VMWare

Product School offers certification programs that can help students climb the ladder in product management. Students learn with personal career coaches who guide them to new careers. Throughout the bootcamp, students take part in portfolio projects and labs to better develop their skills.

This Chicago-based school is committed to developing students’ skills in product development, product leadership, and product management. Students receive instruction from well-trained individuals who have several years of professional experience. Classes are also kept small, with an average of 14 students per class, to encourage tight-knit student-instructor bonds.

Techtorial Academy logo
Techtorial Academy Quick Facts
Courses Software Developer Engineer in Test (SDET), Salesforce, Cybersecurity, DevOps
Cost $7,000 to $10,000
Financing Options Upfront Payment, Loan Financing
Alumni Employers Techtorial, Zombie Tech, Our Electrician Inc.

Techtorial Academy offers four specialized tracks: SDET, cybersecurity, Salesforce, and DevOps. Classes are held live at its Chicago location, ensuring that students get the one-on-one time needed with experienced instructors. On top of live lectures, students gain access to exercises, assignments, and mentorship to help them prepare for the workforce.

Some of its programs like Cybersecurity and Salesforce are also designed to prepare students for industry-standard certifications like CompTIA+ and AWS. Techtorial Academy notes that all programs are beginner-friendly and that no former experience is required.

Tech Elevator logo
Tech Elevator Quick Facts
Courses Software Engineering
Cost $15,500
Financing Options Upfront Payment, Loan Financing, Scholarships
Alumni Employers The Home Depot, Hyland, Progressive, PNC

Tech Elevator offers quality in-person and online software engineering bootcamps. As of 2022, it boasts a 93 percent graduation rate and a 90 percent employment rate. Its outcomes report is also audited by the Council on Integrity in Results Reporting (CIRR) which ensures that transparency is guaranteed.

Students are taught using an industry-aligned curriculum and are given career coaching that can help them become desirable job candidates. Online reviews show that many graduates are satisfied with the quality of instruction and are able to pave a new career path in tech upon completing Tech Elevator.

Thinkful logo
Thinkful Quick Facts
Courses UI/UX Design, Data Science, Data Analytics, Digital Marketing, Technical Project Management, Software Engineering
Cost $7,000-$16,000
Financing Options ISA, Deferred Tuition, Upfront Payment, Installment, Loan Financing
Alumni Employers Freelance Web Development, Trilogy Education, IBM, Starbucks, Coding with Kids, Tin Roof Software, Upwork, Walmart Labs, Cox Automotive

Thinkful offers several full-time and part-time courses to its students, which include software engineering, data science, digital marketing, and UX/UI design. The coding bootcamp has a strong focus on helping students find employment.

Through Thinkful’s job guarantee, students are eligible for a full-tuition refund if they do not receive a job offer six months after graduating. However, that is highly unlikely. Thinkful states that 90 percent of its graduates become full-time developers upon graduation.

Why Study at a Chicago Coding Bootcamp?

Many tech firms in Chicago are in need of skilled workers. Chicago coding bootcamps understand this and teach students how to work in these industries. It doesn’t matter what your experience is with coding, these bootcamps are dedicated to taking you from a beginner to a tech professional.

Benefits of Chicago Coding Bootcamps

  • Industry ready in 6 to 9 months. Most coding bootcamps take less than a year to complete. This means you will gain the skills needed to become a professional coder or software engineer in a short period when compared to the traditional route.
  • Part-time and full-time courses available. Students can choose between part-time or full-time courses to fit their schedules. Self-paced and online learning options are also readily available. Some bootcamps offer night and weekend classes to facilitate students who have responsibilities throughout the day.
  • Gain support from mentors and advisors. Many coding bootcamps provide students with mentors, along with experienced instructors. These mentors not only guide you through the course but also offer crucial industry insights and know-how that can help ensure your career success.
  • Iterative curriculum. Coding bootcamp curricula are often changed to meet the current demands of the market. This means no matter when you decide to enroll in a coding bootcamp, you are constantly offered the most updated curriculum that matches industry demands.

Are Coding Bootcamps in Chicago Right for You?

While coding bootcamps in Chicago aren’t for everyone, they do give many people a chance to start a potentially rewarding career in tech. Most coding bootcamps don’t have prerequisites that you must meet before gaining acceptance. This gives you a second chance to break into tech without having to meet certain academic requirements.

Most full-time and part-time coding bootcamps are huge undertakings. They take several months to complete and can be difficult with no prior coding experience. However, many people found this to be a life-changing experience as they go on to find employment at companies such as Google, Microsoft, Dell, and IBM upon graduation.

If you’re in the Chicago area and want a tech career, a coding bootcamp may give you the tools you need to succeed. Coding bootcamps in Chicago allow students to learn crucial tech skills, regardless of where they are in life. If you need financial aid, do some research on the financing options available and scholarships that you may be eligible for. 

FAQ

Can you get a job with a Chicago coding bootcamp?

Yes, you can get a job with a Chicago coding bootcamp as proven by hundreds, if not thousands, of bootcamp alumni from various coding schools in the state. Most coding bootcamps in Chicago offer a quality curriculum that matches what employers seek, on top of career services. This boosts your chances of landing the tech job that you want.

Are there any free coding bootcamps in Chicago?

There is a limited number of free coding bootcamps in Chicago. However, most coding bootcamps offer introductory courses for free. Note that these free courses typically only cover the basics of coding. You can also take advantage of social meetups and community coding events such as Chi Hacknight, Chicago JavaScript Meetup, and Chicago Python User Group.

Where is Thinkful’s Chicago bootcamp located?

Thinkful is a coding bootcamp that is headquartered in New York. Thinkful has multiple locations across the US including Chicago. Unfortunately, the full address of Thinkful’s Chicago location is not publicly available. Please contact the school if you wish to learn more about Thinkful in Chicago.

What are the top-paying medical billing and coding jobs in Chicago?

Some of the top-paying medical billing and coding jobs in Chicago include medical billing specialists, medical billing coordinators, and coding specialists. According to Indeed, medical billing and coding salaries in Chicago are around $55,818 a year. Depending on your programming expertise, you may also qualify for software engineering jobs which can make up to $108,946 a year.

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