👋 Welcome [Nerds Like Me]
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👋 Welcome

Jonathan Shertok
December 31, 2024

Welcome

(Logo) The image displays the text 'Nerds Like Me' in white, stylized font with a 3D effect, accompanied by a light grey abstract graphic element resembling a circuit board or brain on a black background. Text: Nerds Like Me #000000 | #FFFFFF | #D3D3D3 | #ADD8E6 | Colors: #000000, #FFFFFF, #D3D3D3, #ADD8E6 Note: This image combines a distinct graphic element with stylized text, designed to serve as an identifier for a specific entity or brand. Its concise nature and clear visual identity suggest it functions as a logo.

A local community for tech-minded professionals who believe deep conversations are better with a drink in hand.

We’re a curated meetup group based on Chicago’s North Shore, focused on real-world applications of Data, Analytics, AI, and Product Development. Whether you’re designing systems, shipping code, or shaping strategy, if you like nerding out about how things actually work (not just the hype), you’re in the right place.


Bradley Golden explaining ‘Vibe Coding’ at Beermiscuous in Highwood, IL

Why We Exist

It all started with a simple post looking for others who wanted to talk tech over coffee. The response was overwhelming. Clearly, there was unmet demand for a meetup that goes beyond buzzwords and brings substance, candor, and camaraderie to the forefront.

We now meet monthly, typically weeknights after bedtime, at local breweries, bars, and cafés. Every session features:
  • Live demos or walkthroughs (tools, use cases, battle scars)
  • Lessons from failure, not just success
  • Cross-industry perspectives you won’t find in a podcast
  • And yes, sometimes a whiteboard

Who It’s For

We’re professionals across industries, from Big Tech and startups to law, healthcare, finance, and manufacturing, united by a desire to learn, share, and question the status quo.

If your work touches tech and you’re serious about understanding how it’s applied in the real world, you’ll feel right at home.

“Less about abstract AI philosophy, more about practical takeaways and shared experiences.”

 

(Photo) A group of adult men are gathered indoors, likely in a restaurant or event space, posing for a photograph. Many of them are wearing name tags, and a large screen displaying 'No signal input' is visible on the brick wall in the background. Text: No signal input EXIT A group of adult men | Indoor, appears to be a casual gathering space like a restaurant or bar with exposed brick walls and industrial-style lighting. | Multiple people (approximately 30), most are smiling and looking towards the camera, many wearing name tags, a large blue screen, and industrial-style interior design elements. | #8B664B | #007bff | #4F4F4F | #A9A9A9 | Group portrait, candid, wide shot. | Colors: #8B664B, #007bff, #4F4F4F, #A9A9A9 Note: The image captures a real-world scene with multiple people and objects in a specific setting, which is characteristic of a photograph.
Initial meeting at Broken Tee Brewery in Highwood, IL

How to Join and Get Involved
  1. Subscribe to explore upcoming events and stay in the loop: Sign Up
  2. Follow us on LinkedIn for speaker announcements, highlights, and nerdy banter: LinkedIn
  3. Get involved by volunteering to host, present, or help organize: Learn More
  4. Questions: Email [email protected]

Organizer
(Photo) A close-up, circular portrait of a smiling bald man with a reddish-brown beard and glasses, wearing a dark blue suit jacket and a white shirt. The background is a blurred outdoor walkway with columns. person | outdoor | single person, smiling, wearing glasses, professional attire, blurred architectural background, circular crop | #2A3C52 | #F0F0F0 | #D3A783 | #3F5B5B | #E0E0E0 | portrait, headshot | Colors: #2A3C52, #F0F0F0, #D3A783, #3F5B5B, #E0E0E0 Note: This image is a realistic depiction of a person captured by a camera, focusing on a human subject in a specific setting, which fits the definition of a 'photo'.
Jonathan Shertok
The Nerd
📍 Based in Highland Park, IL

(Logo) The image displays two interlinked chain links, designed with intricate circuit board patterns, positioned above the text 'NERDS LIKE ME'. The overall design is clean and modern, set against a light background. Text: NERDS LIKE ME #3F464B | #C2C7C8 | #888E90 | #F2A96B | #85C0C0 | #F8F8F8 | Colors: #3F464B, #C2C7C8, #888E90, #F2A96B, #85C0C0, #F8F8F8 Note: This image combines a distinct graphic element (circuit board chain links) with a brand name ('NERDS LIKE ME'), which is characteristic of a logo designed to represent an entity, likely a podcast or community.