Oui Chef Chicago

Oui Chef Chicago is a traditional culinary education center specializing in cooking classes for children ages 18 months to 18 years, located in Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood at 2622 N Halsted Street. Founded and led by Chef Laura Ragano, a classically trained chef passionate about teaching culinary skills to young people, the program focuses on small class sizes to provide individual work opportunities and personalized attention to each student. Classes are typically 75 minutes long, allowing sufficient time for students to complete individual recipe work while instructors coach based on each child’s skill level.

The curriculum is designed to teach fundamental cooking techniques and food knowledge, educating students about ingredients and preparation methods that enable them to become confident cooks in their own homes. When caregivers are required in class for younger students, Oui Chef also teaches adults methods to involve their children in food preparation at home, extending the learning beyond the classroom. Classes are organized around core themes to provide continuity and progressive skill development.

Oui Chef operates on a flexible enrollment model with monthly tuition charges and no commitment beyond one month at a time, making it accessible for families with varying schedules. The program offers regular weekly classes featuring rotating menus that celebrate seasonal ingredients and cuisines from around the world. Recent themes have included Midwest and Fall Season recipes, as well as international cuisine exploration. Special programs include summer camps, Valentine’s cake decorating classes, and other seasonal workshops. Birthday parties and field trips can also be arranged for private groups. Classes are available for various age groups including toddlers with caregivers and independent sessions for older children and teens.