Teacher-owned, online language school - based in Chicago

Step inside. Speak easy.

Conversational English and Russian lessons, taught by the teachers who own the school.

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English and Russian Lessons Online — Chicago Based — Est. 2025 — Real Conversation — Teacher-owned and Operated — Solidarity — Communicative Approach

English and Russian Lessons Online — Chicago Based — Est. 2025 — Real Conversation — Teacher-owned and Operated — Solidarity — Communicative Approach

01 Who we are

A school owned and run by the people who teach in it

At EFL Speakeasy your classes are taught online by worker-teachers, educators who own and operate the school together.

We're a teacher-owned co-op and we believe language learning should be engaging, supportive, and tailored to your goals.

Our classes focus on real-world communication, cultural understanding, and building confidence. Whether you're a beginner or looking to refine your fluency, we're here to help you grow and communicate with power.

The approach

The Communicative Approach

Instead of memorizing grammar rules or drilling exercises, you use English to talk, listen, ask questions and share ideas, just like in real life.

02 What we do

Small group and individual classes, plus Russian

We offer small group and individual conversational English classes online via zoom. We keep class sizes small to ensure that you get the attention you need. We're also not just having classes, we're working towards building a community of learners!

New

Individual lessons in Russian

Grammar, reading and communication with Dustin, who is certified in teaching Russian as a foreign language by Moscow State University.

03 The lesson menu

Select a lesson below for more information

Free language consultation Free
15 minutes · English or Russian

English

One-on-one with Frankie or Dustin

Standard English lesson $50
1 hour · One-on-one
x5$235 x10$450
Focused English lesson $40
45 minutes · One academic hour
x5$190 x10$350
Extended English lesson $70
90 minutes · Two academic hours
x5$335 x10$650

Russian

With Dustin, certified by Moscow State University

Standard Russian lesson $45
1 hour · Grammar, reading, speech
x5$215 x10$400
Focused Russian lesson $35
45 minutes · One academic hour
x5$165 x10$300
Extended Russian lesson $60
90 minutes · Two academic hours
x5$290 x10$550

15 minutes · English or Russian

Free language consultation

We're excited to meet you! This 15 minute Zoom session is a chance for us to get to know each other and determine your current level and your language learning goals, in English or in Russian. During this consultation, we'll:

  • Learn more about your language background and goals
  • Recommend the best class or package for your level and needs
  • Answer any questions you have about our approach, pricing, or scheduling

Book this lesson

x1Free

1 hour · One-on-one

Standard English lesson

Have your own one-on-one lesson with Frankie or Dustin! Our signature session gives you a full hour to work at your own pace with no distractions. In these sessions you will:

  • Get personalized feedback and targeted practice
  • Dive deeper into topics you care about
  • Leave each lesson with clear takeaways and strategies to keep improving

Book one lesson, or save with a package

x1$50 x5$235 x10$450

45 minutes · One academic hour

Focused English lesson

A shorter, 45-minute version of our Standard one-on-one lesson, designed for students who want focused, efficient practice that fits a busy schedule. Lessons are short enough to stay sharp, and frequent enough to keep your English moving forward week to week. Ideal for package deals. During this session, you will:

  • Practice targeted skills with clear, immediate focus
  • Work through key vocabulary and structures at a brisk, productive pace
  • Build consistency through regular, manageable practice with your personal teacher

Book one lesson, or save with a package

x1$40 x5$190 x10$350

90 minutes · Two academic hours

Extended English lesson

Go beyond. This is our Standard one-on-one lesson extended to 90 minutes, for students who already enjoy the 60-minute format and are ready to move past the surface into sustained, fully developed communication. There's room to think, build ideas, and express them completely. During this session, you will:

  • Speak at length and build real conversational flow
  • Explore more complex topics and richer vocabulary
  • Strengthen your ability to think and respond naturally in English

Book one lesson, or save with a package

x1$70 x5$335 x10$650

1 hour · Grammar, reading, speech

Standard Russian lesson

This session is designed for students who want to build a strong foundation in Russian while actively using the language in a structured and supportive environment. In 60 minutes, we focus on both understanding and communication. You'll work through key grammar and vocabulary, while also practicing how to use them in real speech.

Book one lesson, or save with a package

x1$45 x5$215 x10$400

45 minutes · One academic hour

Focused Russian lesson

A shorter version of our Standard one-on-one lesson, designed for students who want focused, efficient practice in Russian that fits a busy schedule. In 45 minutes, we work through one clear area of grammar, reading or speech at a brisk, productive pace. Lessons are short enough to stay sharp, and frequent enough to keep your Russian moving forward week to week. Ideal for package deals.

Book one lesson, or save with a package

x1$35 x5$165 x10$300

90 minutes · Two academic hours

Extended Russian lesson

This one-on-one session builds on the same structure and goals as the 60-minute Standard lesson, but in a longer, more intensive and immersive format. There is more time to fully work through key concepts, reinforce patterns and spend longer using the language in context.

Book one lesson, or save with a package

x1$60 x5$290 x10$550

04 Questions

Select a question below for the answer

Do I need a certain level to start?

No. We teach everyone from beginners to advanced speakers who want to sound sharper. In the free consultation we work out where you are and what would actually help, then recommend a format.

How do the lessons work?

Every lesson runs on Zoom, one-on-one with Frankie or Dustin. We use the Communicative Approach, which means you spend the lesson using English rather than memorizing rules. We bring materials suited to your level and goals, and you leave with something concrete to work on.

Which lesson length should I pick?

The 60-minute lesson is our standard and suits most students. The 45-minute focused lesson fits a busy schedule and works well in packages. The 90-minute extended lesson is for students who already like the 60-minute format and want room to go deeper.

If you're unsure, book the free consultation and we'll tell you honestly which one fits.

What are the packages, and are they worth it?

Packages are 5 or 10 lessons bought at once, at a lower price per lesson. A 10-lesson package saves the most. They suit students who want to study regularly, which is also what produces real progress.

You can always start with a single lesson and move to a package later.

Do you teach Russian too?

Yes. Dustin teaches Russian, holds a Certificate in Teaching Russian as a Foreign Language from Moscow State University, and lived in Moscow for nearly eight years. Russian lessons cover grammar, reading and communication, in 60 or 90-minute formats.

What time zone are you in, and when can we meet?

We're based in Chicago (Central Time), and we teach students in other time zones regularly. Available times are shown when you book, already converted to your own time zone.

How do I pay?

Payment goes through our booking system when you book a lesson or a package. Card payment, no subscription, and nothing charged automatically afterward.

What if I need to cancel or reschedule?

Contact us at least 24 hours before the start of the lesson and we’ll work with you to reschedule at no extra charge.

Do package lessons expire?

No. Packages never expire, so you can book the lessons at your own pace.

Who are you?

We're Frankie and Dustin, two teachers with over 20 years of experience between us. EFL Speakeasy is a teacher-owned co-op, so the people teaching are the people running the school. You can read our story here.

Still not sure? Ask us in a free 15-minute consultation.

Book a free consultation
Language is power.

EFL Speakeasy was born out of a shared struggle. We first came together in solidarity while organizing for better working conditions at a Chicago-based ESL school.

Read our story

04 Contact us

We can't wait to hear from you

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