OLLI at Illinois - Lifelong Learning Community

Interest Groups

OLLI Interest Groups are a way for OLLI members to share an interest they have with other members on a regular basis. Interest Groups are facilitated by OLLI members. Some take place at OLLI and some out in the community, depending on the specific interest represented.

Interest Group registration is based on membership year dates (July 1 - June 30 of each year). Members can register anytime during the membership year for an Interest Group.

Those who have a 2025-26 Annual Membership will see a "Register" button by each available interest below when logged into their OLLI account. Click that "Register" button to register for the Interest Group.

If you are not a member yet for 2025-26, you will need to purchase a membership before registering for Interest Groups.

Interest Group costs are a la carte – members pay for each of the Interest Groups for which they register. There are currently no online Interest Group options. Please note that registration for 2026-27 memberships and interest groups will open on Wednesday, May 27. If you'd like to attend an interest group session between now and then, you may do so by registering without paying a fee.

	with 2025-26 Annual Membership	with 2025-26 Online-Only Membership
Interest Group Fee	$10.00	N/A

Any member is welcome to submit an Interest Group proposal via the OLLI Interest Group application.

2025-26 Interest Group Registration is OPEN!

Chinese Mahjong and Friendship: In-person
Group Leader: Christina Myers
Dates: 7/1/2025 - 6/30/2026
Times: 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Days: F
Format: In-Person
Sessions: 0
Room:
Seats Available: 34
Fee: $0.00

Interest Group Leader: Christina Myers

Location: OLLI Library

Description: The focus of the group is to learn to play this game and to develop friendships among OLLI members while playing. Mahjong is a game of skill, strategy, and luck. Interest group players will learn and play a modified version of the game with simpler rules. The rewards for playing will be great socialization and fun!

Mahjong sets and tables are provided.

This group meets on the 1st & 3rd Fridays of each month, 2:00-4:00 p.m.

Ethnic Cuisines Dining Group: In-person
Group Leader: Fred Christensen
Dates: 7/1/2025 - 6/30/2026
Times: 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Days: Tu
Format: In-Person
Sessions: 0
Room:
Seats Available: 33
Fee: $0.00

Interest Group Leader: Fred Christensen
Co-leaders: Mohan Tracy, David Tracy

Location: Area restaurants

Description: Champaign-Urbana is fortunate to have a very diverse set of national cuisines: at least ten, with four or five more within an easy driving distance (Chinese, Mexican, Italian, Japanese, Thai, Indian, Zambian, German, Korean, Lao, etc.). This group meets once per month for dinner, conversation, and a chance to try familiar or unfamiliar menu items.

In general, on arrival at the restaurant, a knowledgeable person (friendly chef or group member) tells us two things about that ethnic cuisine: (A) What are three characteristics that are different or special about this cuisine, and (B) What one entrée would you recommend to a beginner?

These get-togethers require dinner reservations and agreement on a system for payment. With 10 or fewer participants, individuals or families can pay for their own meals. For larger groups, there are several options to choose from: split the group over two evenings, let the group leader pay for all and split the bill evenly between the participants, other options? We decide this together.

Group typically meets one Tuesday evening per month, from 6:30 PM – 8:30 or so. Details are emailed to registered group participants.

Knitting and Other Crafts: In-person
Group Leader: Susan Garnsey, Melanie Loots
Dates: 7/1/2025 - 6/30/2026
Times: 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Days: F
Format: In-Person
Sessions: 0
Room:
Seats Available: 34
Fee: $0.00

Interest Group Leader(s): Susan Garnsey & Melanie Loots

Location: OLLI Conference Room

Description: This group will meet approximately every other Friday from 2:00 – 4:00 p. m. in the OLLI conference room to knit, craft, and discuss our projects. Bring your projects and join in! Experienced knitters will be on hand to answer questions.

This group meets approximately every other Friday from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. Registered group members will be emailed dates.

Let's Go Hiking!: In-person
Group Leader: Fred Christensen
Dates: 7/1/2025 - 6/30/2026
Times: 10:00 AM - 2:30 PM
Days: Sa
Format: In-Person
Sessions: 0
Room:
Seats Available: 25
Fee: $0.00

Interest Group Leader: Fred Christensen
Co-leaders: Isabel Cole, Walter Hurley

Location: Varies

Description: There are dozens of good destinations for walks and hikes near Champaign-Urbana, and this group will explore them. Members of this Group meet at a prearranged spot for carpooling and drive to the trailhead for each hike. Usually, there will be a short warmup hike in the morning followed by a brownbag lunch or a local restaurant meal, then a longer hike in the afternoon (on hot summer days, the longer hike can be done in the morning). Total distance walked each day will usually be 2 to 6 miles. The most remote hiking destinations might be to Starved Rock State Park (two hours north) and Turkey Run State Park (two hours east).

At least one hike per month will be scheduled, more in spring and fall with warmer weather. As the Group evolves, dates and arrangements can change; it’s up to the Group members! Since weather is a factor, rain dates can be announced for each hike.

Group typically meets on Saturdays but sometimes hikes during the week. Times may vary. Details are emailed to registered group participants.

OLLI Folk Singers: In-person
Group Leader: Sarah Wisseman
Dates: 7/1/2025 - 6/30/2026
Times: 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM
Days: W
Format: In-Person
Sessions: 0
Room:
Seats Available: 24
Fee: $0.00

Interest Group Leader: Sarah Wisseman
Co-leader: Charlie Wisseman

Location: OLLI Blue Room

Description: This informal group meets every two weeks to sing folk songs from the Rise Up Singing books belonging to OLLI. We take turns choosing the songs, and some of us supplement the books with additional sheet music. Singers of all ability levels and instrumentalists are welcome!"

Group meets every other Wednesday from 3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

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