Tech Tutors

By
November 2018 View more

A 20-foot TV wall, concert hall lights, music speakers, and cushioned wall pods describe the atmosphere at a new Naperville business in town. But it’s not a sports bar or night club—it’s a coding school for kids.

Codeverse, an IT startup that recently acquired $10 million in funding, is set to open its second studio in the Main Street Promenade (55 South Main Street, Suite 230) at the end of the month. The suburban location will be similar to its flagship studio in Lincoln Park, says cofounder Katy Lynch Ulliott, with the addition of some design features such as a smart glass wall. “Also, a live moss wall gives off this beautiful fragrance that makes the kids feel like they are part of a futuristic spaceship,” she adds.

Ulliott and her husband, Craig, founded the company with a mission to teach 1 billion children (ages 6 to 13) the crucial skill of coding. Using a kid-friendly coding language called KidScript, the fundamentals are taught by building apps and games with just an Apple iPad.

“Our in-house curriculum team builds hundreds of lessons for kids,” says Naperville native and studio manager Colton Antos. “What’s really cool about KidScript is that it’s so easy. Kids learn by doing, and when they get in here they can just go to town.”

Codeverse will offer 75-minute classes starting December 4, plus weeklong camps during school vacations. For more information, visit codeverse.com or call 844.644.CODE.—MD

Other Openings this Month

Glowzone
This new glow-in-the-dark family entertainment center features indoor go-carts, arcade  and virtual reality games, mini golf, a ropes course, and augmented climbing walls.
301 South Route 59, Aurora | 630.273.3331, glowzone.us

Lauren Rae Jewelry Boutique
This new downtown Naperville store (formerly It’s a Bling Thing) carries sterling silver, semiprecious stones, designer jewelry, and accessories.
14 Jackson Avenue, Naperville | 630.717.1111, shoplaurenrae.com

Marcus
This contemporary, multilabel boutique has opened in downtown Hinsdale. Up-and-coming and best-selling brands include Citizens of Humanity, East 2 West and Principle Denim.
101 South Washington Street, Hinsdale | 312.255.1721, shopmarcus.com

Sweet Home Gelato
Artisan gelato flavors, made fresh onsite, include sea salt caramel, pistachio, dark chocolate, and roasted almond using ingredients from Italy.
50 South Main Street, Naperville | 630.210.8457, sweethomegelato.com