Coming Soon

Chicago Open Pipes is coming soon! We're ready to rack and stack to build the first independent, data center-neutral, nonprofit Internet exchange in Chicago.

The gear has been sitting in my office for way too long. I finally looked at the calendar and realized if I wanted to get this thing started in 2025, I needed to pick a date and make a move.

When I saw my son had December 8th off from school, I figured it was the perfect opportunity.

"Hey, you want to come to Chicago with me that day? Help me rack some equipment and get the new internet exchange up and running?" I sweetened the deal: "It's 350 Cermak, it used to be the biggest data center in the world, and way too much of the midwest's internet flows through it."

He just looked at me and slowly shook his head. "Dad..."

I felt my pitch deflating. "What? I thought you'd think it was cool."

He laughed. "No, I'm definitely coming. I just think it's funny -- how many 15-year-olds have a parent say 'hey, you know that day off from school? Want to go start an internet exchange?'"

Fair point, not nearly enough!

So, coming soon. December 8th. Stay tuned.

I already have a few peers lined up, if you're interested in connecting, reach out: [email protected]

For more details on locations, pricing, and technical specs, check out the Chicago Open Pipes page.

Stay tuned for updates as we get this thing off the ground.