Junto Waukesha

A weekly social club for adults in their twenties seeking new friends and in-person social activities.

What is the Junto?

A Junto (HOON-toe) is “a group of persons joined for a common purpose” (Merriam-Webster. (n.d.). Junto. In Merriam-Webster.com dictionary).

Named after the Junto founded by Benjamin Franklin in his youth, Junto Waukesha is a weekly social club based in Waukesha, Wisconsin. A standard meeting consists of chatting and board games at a local brewery. The environment is fun, low pressure, and new members are always welcome.


The Junto is founded on the following assumptions:

Meaningful, in-person social interaction is critical to wellbeing:

Recognizing the fundamental human need for social connections, the Junto prioritizes the significance of robust, in-person social bonds for overall wellbeing.

Young people are lonelier than ever:

In response to the pervasive trend of young adult loneliness and fewer close friendships, the Junto aims to provide a solution through fostering real-world social connections.

Virtual communication is insufficient:

Virtual communication and social media can never fully satisfy the need for genuine socialization on their own. Excessive reliance on devices isolate us from each other. While we acknowledge the utility of these tools when used properly, they can never replace in-person socialization.

There needs to be a “common ground” for socialization:

This common ground should be easily accessible, meet regularly, and be free of political, religious, or ideological bend. Cost should never be a barrier to entry; participation should be free or nearly free (never more than $10). Phones should never be used during a Junto meeting. There should be an emphasis on connecting with your fellow members and encouraging mutual improvement.

Location and Schedule

We meet on Tuesday evenings from 6pm to 8pm at Raised Grain Brewing Company, located at 1725 Dolphin Dr Ste B, Waukesha, WI 53186. On a typical night, 10-15 participants attend. Feel free to reach out to juntowaukesha@gmail.com with any questions.

Other Junto Chapters

There is a need for community everywhere, and my hope is that more Junto chapters will be formed to meet that need. If you are interested in organizing your own local chapter, please contact Louis at juntowaukesha@gmail.com.