Deal Her In

Join us for a beginner-friendly poker night focused on confidence, connection, and claiming your seat! 🤝

Whether you're returning or new, this event welcomes all levels—no poker experience needed. If poker has felt exclusive, consider this your invitation to join in!

We're gathering women to learn poker from scratch in a warm, low-stakes environment in the heart of Chicago. Poker is about making smart decisions with imperfect information, knowing when to hold and when to fold, and getting comfortable taking a seat at the table. These skills are valuable in every aspect of life.

📍 Event Details

• Date: Wednesday, Aug 26, 2026
• Time: Starts at 6:30 PM
• Location: SHFT, Chicago
• Admission: Buy a ticket to hold your seat — keeps it accessible and helps ensure attendance. Snacks & drinks provided! 🍹

This is a female-identifying event centered around confidence, empowerment, negotiation, and risk-taking. Come solo or bring a friend!

✨ What to Expect

• A relaxed, social evening: part hands-on learning, part networking, zero pressure.
• Small tables with experienced instructors (trained through Poker Power) to teach the basics, making total beginners the focus.
• Snacks and drinks (including non-alcoholic options) to enjoy while you connect with others.

🃏 Learn to Play

• Play at small tables sorted by experience level with friendly instructors.
• Develop skills in confidence, decision-making under uncertainty, and knowing your worth at the table.

🥂 Real Networking

• Meet founders, investors, and women doing interesting things in one room.

💡 Why You Should Come

• Demystify a game you were never taught and walk out able to play.
• Connect with others in a unique setting—learning something new is a great icebreaker!
• Build a seat-at-the-table mindset, gaining confidence and comfort with risk.
• Enjoy an evening in a beautiful Chicago community space you may not know about.

🗓️ Evening Schedule

• 6:30 PM: Arrive, mingle & snack 🥂
• 6:50 PM: Welcome & host introductions
• 7:00 PM: Breakout poker teaching sessions (beginners encouraged!)
• 8:30 PM: Wrap-up: networking & facilitated conversation

👋 Your Hosts

• Holley Brandchaft-White & Genia Yovankin — SHFT: A Chicago wellness and community hub.
• Sophia Huard — Ghost Social: A poker instructor passionate about connecting people.
• April Oury — Chicago founder turned investor: A poker instructor who values strategy and community.
• Haley Kwait Zollo — Starting Line: A VC and poker instructor who connects game instincts to investing.
• Mahika Hari — Centr: Founder of an app focused on real-life connections.

Let’s come together, learn to play, and build our village! 🌟