Chicago School of Shoemaking & Leather Arts

The Chicago School of Shoemaking and Leather Arts is the only dedicated leatherwork and footwear-making school in the Midwest, offering hands-on classes in leather goods construction, fine leatherworking, and shoemaking from beginner through professional levels. Located in Ravenswood's creative industrial corridor, the school teaches everything from basic snap-setting and cutting techniques to constructing full custom shoes, bags, and belts, with an on-site store stocking tools and materials. The community-driven studio runs weekly sessions throughout the year, attracting craft enthusiasts, fashion designers, and working professionals looking to develop tangible, durable skills with their hands.