# Arc Academy > Information about Arc Academy, a Welding and Fabrication Workshop and Community business. ## About LEARN IT. WELD IT. MAKE IT. Founded in 2008, Arc Academy is a founder-led, not-for-profit welding school offering affordable, hands-on training that builds practical skills for creative work and careers. What We Offer Our Mission Making welding accessible to anyone who wants to learn. Arc Academy provides hands-on instruction in welding, forging, and fabrication in a safe, supportive environment designed for all skill levels. Students work with experienced instructors, professional-grade tools, and make their first weld on day one—building real skills for creative projects, practical needs, or new career paths. Founder’s Vision More than 30 years ago, I chose welding—for work and for art—and it changed my life. Arc Academy was built to make that same opportunity accessible to others through hands-on instruction focused on real skills, confidence, and outcomes. “Welding gave me a future I’m proud of. Arc Academy exists to make that opportunity accessible to others.” — Steve ChristenaOwner & Founder Supportthe Mission Learn, Create, and Build Together. Help Keep Welding Education Accessible Arc Academy is a founder-led, not-for-profit welding school committed to keeping hands-on trades education affordable and accessible. Donor support helps sustain small class sizes, professional-grade equipment, and a safe learning environment for students at every stage. Membership has its perks! After completing your first two MIG classes, you’re eligible to become a member.Membership is $105 per month and includes Open Shop access at no additional cost, available from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on all days the shop is open. Meet our team Experienced. Professional. Charming! Team member: Curtis Team member: Natalie Team member: Dan Location: 2225 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60622, USA About Arc Academy Your Home for Welding Courses and Classes in Chicago Team member: Steve Christena Title: Founder & Lead Instructor Steve has been in the welding world for over 15 years, sharing his love for teaching and helping students learn welding and fabrication techniques that are necessary for their success. Team member: Sarah Johnson Title: Welding Specialist As a certified welder, Sarah has worked on many projects, from art to buildings. She loves to show students how welding can be used in creative ways. Team member: Mike Davis Title: Fabrication Expert Mike teaches students the best ways to work with metal and fabrication skills, ensuring they learn the latest tools and techniques. Join Our Community Get started today Discover the potential of welding and fabrication at Arc Academy. Whether you're a beginner or looking to enhance your skills, our community is here to support you every step of the way. Let's build something incredible together! Questions? Contact Us Location: 2225 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60622, USA Frequently asked questions We're here to help! Contact us if you have any questions that we haven't answered here. Q: What services does Arc Academy offer? A: Arc Academy specializes in a wide range of welding and fabrication services, including custom projects, workshops, and training programs for all skill levels. Q: How can I schedule a workshop or training session? A: You can schedule a workshop by visiting our 'Workshops' page or by contacting us directly through this form. Q: Do you offer private lessons? A: Yes, we provide private welding lessons tailored to individual needs. Please contact us for more information. Q: Where is Arc Academy located? A: Arc Academy is located in Chicago, IL. For our exact address and directions, please visit our location page. ## Pages - [Home](https://www.arcacademy.com/index.md): Join Arc Academy for expert welding and fabrication training in Chicago. - [Blog](https://www.arcacademy.com/blog.md): Explore expert welding and fabrication tips, tutorials, and news at Arc Academy. - [About](https://www.arcacademy.com/about.md): Discover Arc Academy, Chicago's premier welding and fabrication workshop community. - [Memberships](https://www.arcacademy.com/join.md): Join Arc Academy for exclusive welding membership benefits in Chicago. - [Contact Us](https://www.arcacademy.com/contact-us.md): Get in touch with Arc Academy for welding and fabrication inquiries. - [Schedule](https://www.arcacademy.com/schedule.md): Book your spot in our welding classes and workshops in Chicago today! - [Terms & Conditions](https://www.arcacademy.com/terms-conditions.md): Read the terms and conditions for Arc Academy's welding services and community. - [Open Shop Access](https://www.arcacademy.com/services/open-shop-access.md): Gain hands-on experience with our Open Shop Access in Chicago. Perfect for hobbyists & professionals. - [Welding Classes old](https://www.arcacademy.com/services-welding-classes.md): Join our hands-on welding classes at Arc Academy in Chicago and master essential welding techniques. - [Welding Courses](https://www.arcacademy.com/services/welding-courses.md): Join Arc Academy's welding courses to master welding techniques in a hands-on environment. - [Reviews](https://www.arcacademy.com/reviews.md): Discover what our community says about Arc Academy's welding services and workshops. - [FAQ](https://www.arcacademy.com/faq.md): Find answers to common questions about our welding and fabrication services. - [Gallery](https://www.arcacademy.com/gallery.md): Explore our gallery showcasing stunning welding and fabrication projects by the Arc Academy community. - [Travel](https://www.arcacademy.com/travel.md): Explore travel options to expand your welding skills at Arc Academy. - [Cancellation Policy](https://www.arcacademy.com/cancellation-policy.md): Learn about Arc Academy's cancellation policy for workshops & classes in Chicago. - [What to Wear](https://www.arcacademy.com/what-to-wear.md): Discover essential attire for welding and fabrication activities at Arc Academy. - [MIG 2 Class](https://www.arcacademy.com/mig-2-class.md): Advance your skills in MIG welding with our comprehensive MIG 2 class at Arc Academy in Chicago. - [MIG 3 Class](https://www.arcacademy.com/mig-3.md): Join our advanced MIG 3 Class to master MIG welding techniques. Sign up at Arc Academy! - [Women in Welding](https://www.arcacademy.com/women-in-welding.md): Join the movement of women in welding at Arc Academy. Empowering skills, community, and opportunity. - [TIG 1](https://www.arcacademy.com/tig-1-class.md): Learn TIG welding basics at Arc Academy, Chicago's premier workshop for aspiring welders. - [TIG 2](https://www.arcacademy.com/tig-2-class.md): Enhance your skills with our TIG 2 welding course at Arc Academy. - [TIG 3](https://www.arcacademy.com/tig-3.md): Advance your skills with our TIG 3 welding course at Arc Academy in Chicago! - [SMAW (STICK)](https://www.arcacademy.com/stickclass.md): Explore SMAW (Stick) welding techniques at Arc Academy. Join our hands-on workshops today! - [Arc Forge](https://www.arcacademy.com/arc-forge.md): Discover top-notch welding and fabrication at Arc Forge, Chicago's trusted workshop. - [Fab 105 Course](https://www.arcacademy.com/fab-105-course.md): Master fabrication techniques in our Fab 105 Course at Arc Academy. - [Welding Boot Camp](https://www.arcacademy.com/wedbootcamp.md): Join our intensive Welding Boot Camp at Arc Academy and become a skilled welder in no time! - [Teen Welding Camp](https://www.arcacademy.com/teenweldcamp.md): Join our Teen Welding Camp in Chicago to develop welding skills and create amazing projects! - [Gift Card](https://www.arcacademy.com/gift-card.md): Give the gift of creativity with Arc Academy gift cards for welding and fabrication classes! - [Class Offerings](https://www.arcacademy.com/class-offerings.md): Join Arc Academy for expert welding and fabrication training in Chicago. - [Courses](https://www.arcacademy.com/courses.md): Join Arc Academy for expert welding and fabrication training in Chicago. - [MIG 1 Class](https://www.arcacademy.com/mig-1-class-1.md): Join our MIG 1 class and master MIG welding techniques at Arc Academy, Chicago's premier welding workshop. - [Schedule](https://www.arcacademy.com/schedule-1.md): Book your spot in our welding classes and workshops in Chicago today! - [Home OLD](https://www.arcacademy.com/1-copy.md): Learn more about Home OLD - [Donate](https://www.arcacademy.com/donate.md): Help us empower our community through your generous donations to Arc Academy. - [Classes OLD](https://www.arcacademy.com/classes-1-old.md): Join Arc Academy for expert welding and fabrication training in Chicago. - [MIG & TIG](https://www.arcacademy.com/mig-tig.md): Learn MIG & TIG welding at Arc Academy in Chicago. Hands-on training in a supportive community. - [Private Classes](https://www.arcacademy.com/privateclass.md): Private Classes: Build you own class at Arc Academy. Join our hands-on workshops today! - [Memberships Guidelines ](https://www.arcacademy.com/membershipguidelines.md): Join Arc Academy for exclusive welding membership benefits in Chicago. ## Services - [Welding Classes](https://www.arcacademy.com/services/welding-classes.md): Hands-on sessions for learning practical welding skills. - [Welding Courses](https://www.arcacademy.com/services/welding-courses.md): Comprehensive programs focusing on welding techniques and theory. - [Open Shop Access](https://www.arcacademy.com/services/open-shop-access.md): Facility access for skilled individuals to use welding equipment independently. - [Monthly Membership](https://www.arcacademy.com/services/monthly-membership.md): Monthly members benefit from access to the open shop anytime between 9:00 AM and 9:00 PM for a $105 a month.