with meetup, you will likely find for every 10-20 people who express interest, you will be lucky to get 1-2 of them to actually show up to a meeting. Once. Better to stick to existing trader meetups that have at least 50-100 interested people, and whose "home page" shows they have already had some meetings (RECENTLY). For example in NYC, I believe IBD does a trader's meeting. Don't know if they have a Chicago version
with meetup, you will likely find for every 10-20 people who express interest, you will be lucky to get 1-2 of them to actually show up to a meeting. Once. So starting up your own would likely be somewhat fruitless. And they have a monthly fee, I think. Better to stick to existing trader meetups that have at least 50-100 interested people, and whose "home page" shows they have already had some meetings (RECENTLY). For example in NYC, I believe IBD does a trader's meeting. Don't know if they have a Chicago version Also on the Craigslist idea, CL also has forums on different subjects by area, and the people on such forums may be local. Wouldn't hurt to try and float your idea there and see if any interest.
NP. It is always a good idea to try and find others in your area who are fellow traders (who also happen to know a few things, not just leaches).