Free Geek started in Portland, Oregon as a simple idea: take in used electronics, keep them out of landfills, and get them into the hands of people who need them. The idea spread, and Chicago got its own location — until the pandemic forced it to close in June 2022.

We’re not affiliated with the original Free Geek Chicago, but we believed the city still needed what it offered. So we reopened it. We’re a mom & pop nonprofit operating out of Mt. Greenwood on the southwest side of Chicago.

Here’s what we do: donated tech comes in, we refurbish what we can, responsibly recycle what we can’t, and sell the rest to our community at prices that don’t hurt. Because everyone needs internet access to apply for jobs, pay bills, do schoolwork, and function in daily life — and a computer shouldn’t be out of reach.

Good hardware gets thrown away every day by offices and individuals upgrading to something newer. We’re here to interrupt that cycle.

Want to help? We’re always looking for volunteers to help tackle the donation backlog. Submit an application — we’d love to have you.