Illinois is home to over 12 million people spread across the state’s many vibrant cities. One of the most exciting things about Illinois is its rich history. Most people have heard of Chicago-style pizza and the 110-story Willis Tower, but they may not know that Illinois was the first state to ratify the 13th amendment and abolish slavery.
Since its early days, Illinois has championed individual freedoms and prosperity. This tradition continues today, making the Land of Lincoln a fantastic place to live. If you’re single, you might want to explore your options for happiness by downloading a local dating app. We’ve compiled a list of the top dating sites and apps in Illinois to help find your special someone.
Match
- Relationships: Friends, Dates, and Relationships
- Match System: Browse by zip, age, appearance, more
- Our Experts Say: Match has facilitated the most dates and relationships of any dating site, and its large audience and high success rate make it our top review. Our Review »
- Browse Free: View Photos Now
Match has made it easy for Illinois residents to find their partner. Match is one of the best apps on the dating market now because it helps users personalize their dating pool with its amazing features. When users create an account they specify the gender they’re looking for and then are asked a series of questions based on their life (career, relationship status, children) and interest. That way the app can find matches that align with what a user is looking for in a partner.
If you’re using Match in Illinois, you can get straight to the point without feeling like you’re hitting a dead end. You can send likes to your matches to show interest and make your intentions clear. All mutual matches can chat for free, so don’t be skittish about expressing interest.
One member of Match left an amazing review about the website: “I am picky, friends talked me into it and it was the best thing I ever did! I met an amazing man. We have been together 3 years and are getting married this December. I couldn’t imagine my life without him. He’s definitely the best thing to ever happen to me. There’s certainly a lot of good/bad to everything but I would recommend this to everyone,” said Stacy, a former member of Match.
eharmony
- Relationships: Casual Dates, Deep Relationships
- Match System: Personality test suggests matches
- Our Experts Say: Accounting for 2% of U.S. marriages, eharmony’s compatibility-based system and commitment-minded user base are ideal for those seeking a serious relationship. Our Review »
- Browse Free: View Photos Now
Founded in 2000, eharmony is one of the most reliable dating apps on the market today. Most young singles today have probably grown up seeing the commercials on TV. eharmony is verified — sort of like having a blue checkmark on Instagram — as the place for intentional dating. When users create new accounts, they are given a questionnaire to fill out so all potential matches are aligned with their values.
Singles on eharmony can look for local matches and identify compatible date prospects in the dating scene. Users have unlimited browsing and communication options with a free membership, but singles will need a premium membership (starting at $36 per month) to send messages to any and every person they like online. Illinois residents on eharmony can make a love connection thanks to the simple and effective matchmaking tools.
- Relationships: Hookups, Casual Dates, Affairs
- Match System: Search by age, location, appearance, and more
- Our Experts Say: With its massive user base and advanced privacy features, Ashley Madison is the #1 site for discreet hookups, dates, or relationships. Our Review »
- Browse Free: View Photos Now
Ashley Madison is a discreet dating website where singles, poly groups, and couples can live out their erotic fantasies. Ashley Madison’s motto — “Where discretion meets desire” — embodies the belief that sometimes secret dating makes things more interesting.
Ashley Madison users can form a new relationship that is exciting and responsibility-free.
Marriage doesn’t have to be dull with Ashley Madison. Once users create an account, they are able to identify as attached or unattached so new matches know the deal.
The messaging system is free for all female members, and male members have to upgrade to premium (starting at $59) to message their matches. This system makes the platform safe for female users. Illinois residents can now have more fun with less stress when they use Ashley Madison.
OurTime.com
- Relationships: Dates and Relationships
- Match System: Search by profiles by zip and more
- Our Experts Say: OurTime is well-known in the over-50 dating crowd, particularly because it has a ton of helpful search features and an easy layout. Our Review »
- Browse Free: View Photos Now
OurTime makes it easy for older Illinois couples to restart their love lives. Sometimes singles allow their age to become an excuse not to date or they may feel like they’re not able to find the right person. Users over 50 can discard those misconceptions thanks to OurTime where they can find someone who can relate to their experiences and maturity level.
OurTime introduces modern dating for older users and makes it easy for them to use the site with ease. Creating an account is free for all, and users can scroll through all their matches and make new connections. But users do have to upgrade to a premium membership to message (starting at $17.99). OurTime has a 4.5 out of 5 rating among dating websites, so it is guaranteed to help seasoned singles find their perfect partner
- Relationships: Deep Relationships or Just Casual Dates
- Match System: Search by location, age, more
- Our Experts Say: BlackPeopleMeet.com is the one of the largest and most popular dating sites for black and biracial singles, and the site is used by more than 5 million people a month. Our Review »
- Browse Free: View Photos Now
BlackPeopleMeet is the answer to the diversity gap that dating sites are missing. It can be hard for biracial and Black singles to find a space where they can feel safe and see other faces like theirs.
Over 55% of Black Americans responding to a survey said that being Black is central to their identity and how they see themselves. With BlackPeopleMeet, Black singles can have a community with each other.
BlackPeopleMeet is a safe space for the Black population. Here is a review by Kimberly from Utah about BlackPeopleMeet: “My favorite dating app for my fellow African Americans! It’s been such a success meeting people of my same race! so grateful for black people to meet!”
FAQs: Is There a Chicago Dating App?
No, Chicago has its own pizza, but it doesn’t have its own dating app (yet!). Local Chicagoans will have to join a mainstream dating app to meet new people in their area. Fortunately, most dating apps have location filters that can have you swiping only with locals in no time. Bumble is a useful dating app that makes it easy to find people in Chicago. Bumble has a strong local presence and organizes events around town.
Is Tinder a Good Dating App for Illinois Singles?
Tinder has been downloaded over 630 million times since 2012, so it’s certainly got a lot of swipe options available. That said, Tinder has its drawbacks. Users have complained that it is too big, leads to swiping fatigue, and promotes superficial profiles. The fast-paced, looks-driven environment can deter singles who want a genuine connection and lasting relationship.
Tinder is a good dating app to explore for casual chats and meeting a lot of new people, but it’s not the best if you’re hoping for a deep conversation that leads to a real commitment. Still, research has shown that online dating can work and is worth a try.
Illinois Dating Sites Connect Rural and Urban Singles
Illinois is truly a remarkable place where you can meet that special someone and fall in love. All you need is the right dating site or app to kick things off.
Our article has listed some of our tried-and-true favorites, but of course there are plenty more available for all sorts of daters. Whether you’re looking for the most popular dating apps around or a dating site with niche interests, you can meet your match by looking online.
Use these dating sites to enhance your experience in the Prairie State and explore its wonders with a new partner in your area. Good luck!
