Pumping Station One (PS1) is Chicago's largest hackerspace. They have a DIY CNC night every second Wednesday of the month. It is open to the public. I went last month and met a lot of great people.
They usually have a 1/2 hour presentation then work on projects and ideas. Last month there was a
Phlatprinter demonstrated. This month I will be presenting the 2.x laser. I can't bring the actual laser, but I will present a slide show and have a few sub assemblies to show.
Stop by Wednesday 9/14/2011 if you are in the area.