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Jejune Institute - CLOSED
Categories: Education Arts & Entertainment Education, Arts & Entertainment [Edit]
580 California StSte 1607
(between Spring St & Kearny St)
San Francisco, CA 94104
Neighborhood: Financial District
(415) 325-4014
- Good for Kids:
- No
Guy W. said: "An excellent service. Effective teachers. 5 stars." read more »
78 reviews for Jejune Institute
78 reviews in English
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Review from angela v.
San Francisco, CA
12/11/2011
I wish this was still open! I want to finish my level.
does any one know of other alternative reality games in sf? -
Review from Jon K.
4/10/2011 1 Check-in Here
Along with the others posts you'll read about this location, I am not able to release any information other than what's already been posted.
The JI was an amazing adventure, given a free afternoon you would find yourself truly seeing things in the city in a newer perspective.
I have some hopeful news for late comers who still want a taste of what they're missing: The only new information I can say is that officially the Jejune Institute is closed as, Saturday the 9th of April was the last day their office was open. However, there are many resources available online that can get you started; I strongly suggest that you get those nice comfy walking shoes and hurry before the "now unkept" clues/markers/etc disappear. -
Review from Stephanie W.
Arlington, VA
4/3/2011
I can't tell you what the Jejune Institute is. All I can tell you is that it's special enough to be my 500th review. It's near and dear to my heart.
I can tell you two facts about the Jejune institue
1. It is an alternative reality game, not a cult
2. It is ending April 10th after a three year run
That's all I can tell you. If you experience it yourself, that's all youll want me to tell you. Go before it ends, and see the world around you through different eyes. -
Review from Laura F.
4/13/2011
I'm glad my cousins and I were able to fit in on the last day of Jejune Institute! We came early to be added to the list... waited a couple of hours, and got in at 3pm.
I can only tell you that it was such a fun adventure! And you become more aware of your surroundings.
I also liked how we surpassed 3 other groups that went before us. /winning
Hopefully they reopen in a new location... elsewhere... so others can have their minds blown. -
Review from Kat T.
Washington, DC
12/4/2010
A MUST DO IN FRISCO!!
Why the hell do people post pics up? Prove that they too have a social life or something? Anywho all you need are the following:
1) Ignore all the photos posted up there and read on to #2
2) Pick a sunny day && some comfortable shoes to run around with
3) Grab your cell phone, wallet and fill it up with $2 (you'll find out why) on your way out the door.
4) Bring your brains && a positive attitude. The receptionists are pretty bitchy. (Pass out name tags && collect paychecks. How hard can life be)
Other info you might wanna know:
-- You'll be running around the city, more isn't always merrier.
-- This puzzle can take between 2-3 hours to solve
-- The activity closes @ 5pm
-- Doing ANYTHING buzz'd is always better *BIG GRIN* -
Review from Shannon B.
San Francisco, CA
7/24/2011
Self help me to the now-age with some mystery. It's a game, so get into it. This was so damn weird. Jejune Institute, I love it! Also, I don't think this closed, I just can't believe that.
Listed in: Things that are free
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Review from Caitlin M.
Oakland, CA
12/9/2010
DO NOT READ REVIEWS OR LOOK AT PHOTOS OR GOOGLE THIS.
Just go, wear comfortable shoes, and bring a phone and $2. It doesn't need to be a sunny day--it was pouring yesterday and I had a great freakin' time. -
Review from Grace C.
Newport Beach, CA
2/1/2011
It almost feels pointless leaving a 3-star review when an establishment boasts otherwise flawless marks but if you can take anything away from my review, I guess you can just say that this isn't an activity for everyone, because it just wasn't for me.
You can blame that on a number of things: 1) I was dressed in a sundress coming from SoCal bc my friend told me it'd be 80 degrees in SF when it was actually no more than 60 (thanks for nothing!), 2) it was raining that day (booo norcal!), 3) we had to wait 2 hours for our appointment (be sure to put your name in early)... If things were going more in my favor, then I'd probably give Jejune 4 stars, but despite all my complaints, I feel like it's still lacking something... I wish there was some edge of competition during the puzzle because when we were doing it, we took our sweet time, even stopping by a bakery in Chinatown to chow down. It felt more like a slow-paced tour through the city except with many diversions, interruptions, and roadblocks.
Definitely don't think this is a "must-do" by any means, and in my opinion, you'd appreciate it more if you actually live in SF. As a visitor (especially on a rainy weekend), I felt like I wasted my time which I would've enjoyed much more spending at Union Square (typical OC-er...) ;P
PS: On the Saturday that we went, it closed at 6:30 not 5... just FYI. -
Review from Denise L.
San Francisco, CA
4/3/2011 1 photo
Still not really quite sure what the Jejune Institute is or why this game exists......
Came here spontaneously this Saturday at around 1:30pm and the next available appointment was at 5:20pm. If you don't have the entire day to dedicate to spontaneity, I'd recommend scheduling an appointment. I won't disclose what the game entails, but I will say this:
As my group and I returned to the Jejune Institute building, the doors were locked and the security guard at the front desk told us that the building was closed and that the receptionist for the Jejune Institute left. This was a problem, because we needed to return to the office in order to complete the game. We just spent the last hour or so doing this thing and we were soooo close to the end - we were not about to just leave at the tail end. How anticlimactic. So - long story short, we found an alternate entrance into the building and ended up climbing 15 flights of stairs in order to unfold the mystery of the game...HAHA! That is what I call determination.
I don't know if I fully grasp the concept of Jejune, but the whole experience was entertaining. Weird? Yes. Sketchy? At first. But don't worry - it's completely safe and fun. Last day to do it is this Friday.
Phone isn't necessary, my group completed without one. But like everyone else said - bring an ID, $2, and wear comfy walking shoes. Do not research what this is before you do it or look at any of the photos. Reserve about an hour to an hour and a half to complete this.
The Jejune Institute put a lot of time and thought into making this game. It's interesting and a good time to spend the day when you have nothing to do. Definitely a one-time thing though. -
Review from Becca S.
12/11/2010
Things you need:
Complete and utter ignorance of everything: The more knowledge you have, the less fun it will be. Just look up the address and go.
A few friends: You could certainly do it by yourself, but I personally think it is improved with company.
$2.00: Just because.
Outerwear: Because you'll be outside, duh.
Comfy shoes: Walking is involved.
Cell phone: Oh, come on. You have that on you all the time, anyway.
The desire to have a good time and feel like kind of a badass.
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Things I think you're allowed to know:
Yes, it's kind of like a puzzle.
The Jejune institute can certainly be enjoyed on its own, but it is better to think of it as a beginning than as a discrete event unto itself. This is really key to how I view the whole affair, so I figure it will help some of you all, too.
Now go forth and....you didn't think I would give you anything else, did you? -
Review from Lydia W.
3/14/2011
It's a good idea to make a reservation, especially on the weekends, if you want to avoid waiting in line. I made an appointment through email and they were pretty organized about it. They require a $10 deposit, which is reasonable, but a little sketch when you realize you don't know what you're getting yourself into. Don't worry it's not a cult.
Anyhoo we showed up like an hour late due to awful downtown traffic and were initially told we would have to wait 2 hours! I turned on my charm and powerful whining skills and we were granted immediate admission. Thank you receptionist!! May good karma come to you.
I'd recommend going to the Jejune on a sunny day - it's just better that way. Wear comfy shoes, bring water, bring snacks if you work better with higher blood sugar or just enjoy snacking. I think any party greater than 3 would be too much, so ideally 2-3 people would embark on this journey together. And it's about 2 hours in duration depending on many factors.
Overall this was a unique experience and I'd definitely recommend it to my friends looking for an urban adventure. -
Review from Phuong M.
San Francisco, CA
10/12/2010
This is not a cult! Probably.
My friends and i did this on a warm sunday afternoon and it was tons o' fun. Get a small group (there were 4 of us total, and i think that's a terrific number), and plan for 2 hours to go around town for a bit and use your brain (sparingly).
It allows you to go at your own pace, take side trips into local stores if you choose, and in general BLOW YOUR MIND. Probably.
Some tips: bring a couple bucks, keep your phone handy, wear comfortable shoes.
Just remember, it's not a cult! Probably. -
Review from Craig B.
Oakland, CA
2/14/2011
What a great way to spend an afternoon in SF! Reading too much about this experience will ruin the fun, but keep in mind:
1. Show up early and don't be surprised if there is a waiting list--- we arrived at 1:15PM, and the next available slot was at 3PM.
2. At a casual pace, it took us (two people) two hours. Your mileage may vary. -
Review from Cathy Y.
8/30/2010
I was inducted just three days ago and am already knee-deep in the conspiracy. Who is Octavio Coleman, Esq.? Who is Commander Fourteen? Who can you trust? What is the true path to Nonchalance?
Go. Find out yourself! -
Review from Lauren F.
11/14/2010
Totally bizarre. Totally awesome.
A San Francisco must-do. Although, not going to lie, I still don't get it. But mad props to whomever went to all the trouble to set this thing up.
Like the others have said, go in with an open mind, good walking shoes, a couple bucks, and THINK. This definitely makes you wrack your brain. Highly recommend for a nice day! -
Review from Sabrina A.
San Jose, CA
5/9/2010
It was fun. A group of 8 of us met up to celebrate my boyfriend's birthday - unique but go with people who are into it. I tried not too have too high of expectations but people hyped this up a little much with 5 star reviews and vagueness. I'd still recommend it though but definitely would recommend:
Go with a smaller group, so you can hear each other, not faction into groups. We had a group of 8. So they split us up at first but were brought back together after a short bit.
Go with people who want to do this, so you can all get into it and have more fun.
Go during good weather, it was much more enjoyable in the sun. The adventure is walkable (I was worried how tired I would be after 2 hours). Totally fun and worth the excursion.
Talk with the receptionist, he was awesome.
You need a cell phone and a few bucks - nothing else.
Go with the vagueness and just relax and have some fun.
Enjoy. -
Review from Christine K.
San Francisco, CA
9/26/2010
A ton of fun.
And do not look at the pics posted here. They give everything away.
Plan for an hour or so. Take your time. Enjoy it. -
Review from Mark S.
Hayward, CA
Updated - 7/17/2011
Oh damn this sucks, I still have my envelope and stopped at the cat...
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/5/2009
Just walk into 580 California st. it's a huge building in the financial district, tell the security… Read more »
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Review from Elaine S.
San Francisco, CA
11/21/2010
A fun, almost free (less than $2) activity that will keep you occupied for a few hours. Don't read into it, it will be a lot better if you don't know what to expect.
I highly recommend going to Jejune! -
Review from Peter T.
San Francisco, CA
5/27/2010
Down the rabbit hole we go! Go, visit Jejune, but beware the liar, Octavio Coleman, Esq.!
Seriously, go. Bring 2-4 people. Just DON'T STOP at the "end" of the act. There's more than you know now, waiting to be discovered. Who are you? A Jejuneite, a non-chalant from elsewhere, or maybe a philatelist? The EPWA wants your help, bless Eva. He's a thief, he is! A dirty, rotten thief!
More fun than I've had in ages, but I do enjoy this sort of thing. Just show up and give it a go. ) -
Review from FirstContact S.
Oakland, CA
11/27/2010
Awesome!
A must go. Do not look at the pictures but definitely look at the website and read the insights of Octavio Coleman.
I cant say any more.... -
Review from wendella a.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 9/10/2009
From: 83960
EPWA ALERT: WHO IS KELVIN WILLIAMS?
DOES HE KNOW UPON WHAT SACRED
GROUND HE TREADS? WITH US OR AGAINST?
FIND OUT:
http://rememberingeva.com/1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/4/2009
"To those dark horses with the spirit to look up & see...a recondite family awaits".
If it makes no… Read more »
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Review from eugene c.
Washington, DC
7/4/2010
I was very impressed after my free introductory workshop at the Jejune Institute. This place is definitely worth a visit! It really only costs you a little time and less than a few hours.
Do yourself a favor and don't look at any of the posted photos, nor research this place until after your visit. Go in with an absolute open mind and make your opinions after. I'm glad I did. Who knows how long this place will be around. -
Review from Suzanne B.
San Francisco, CA
6/1/2010
Recently, I was asked to suspend disbelief and take part in the activities of the Jejune Institute. Anything that starts with the phrase "it's not a cult" is bound to be an interesting experience, right?
So...after all is said and done, I find I can't tell you anything. I can't tell you what the Jejune Institute is, or what it does, or what you may be asked to do if you visit. I can't explain why you might end up spending an hour or two of your valuable time, or how you might find yourself enjoying those hours. I can't enumerate the reasons I'll be bringing others to take part. I can't convince you to come experience it for yourself - but if you have a sense of fun and whimsy and the ability to think slightly sideways, I highly encourage it.
Bring a small amount of cash, and at least one companion.
Oh, and by the way, it's absolutely not a cult.Listed in: Dating 101
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Review from Quinn S.
4/29/2009
It's not anything like what you are imagining it to be, and quite different from however it has been described to you.
Just go, and you will thank me at the end of the day.
Better to go with a friend than alone, better to bring a cell phone, and a dollar, and the understanding that once you think it's over, it's only just beginning. -
Review from Guinevere Y.
San Francisco, CA
8/9/2010
580 California St. 16th floor. Bring a friend, an ID, and a couple bucks.
3, 2, 1... HUP! -
Review from W L.
Los Angeles, CA
7/28/2009 24 photos
5 stars - had to take away one because we weren't able to finish the experience due to technical difficulty at Jejune.
LET ME RUIN THE EXPERIENCE FOR YOU...
just kidding. you should stop reading because you're doing yourself a disfavor by reading on....
i'm giving you another chance to move on....
please. read up on something else....for your own good.
and don't look at my pictures either. They're for people who are lost (like that one guy who took 2 hours to go through half the clues)....
i'm serious!
it's like Two Girls One Cup. you can't un-see what you read or see in pictures! last chance to abort!
Okay okay. You're like me. You have to know what you're getting into. If you're reading on, don't blame me for ruining your Jejune experience!
There is nothing evil about this. There is nothing scary or psychologically damaging. It's just a really really cool scavenger hunt with clues leading from one spot to the next. Call it LARP-ing with card stock with hints and directions, and a number 2 pencil, if you will.
What's impressive is that the clues blend in with the city and passersby have no idea why you're staring at numbers on a light pole or running through the emergency exit of a building (cuz you were told to!) or buying an otherwise useless envelope at an Asian store in Chinatown or punching in a code to open a lockbox at a public garage.
Totally fun to do with a small group of friends (we were a group of 5) so everyone can brainstorm (or ride on the coat tails of others' brain waves) and walk around FiDi/Chinatown (mostly Chinatown).
I would have given this 5 stars except when we came back to the receptionist asking for the Good Doctor (yes, part of the "game"), it turned out the institute had hit a glitch. There was vandalism or technical glitch or something bad that happened.
The receptionist is really nice (this past Sunday) though she has to do her job and give you no clues whatsoever. Just don't be scared at the word, "induction" and "inductee." There's no swords, no needles, no blood. You're really just watching a video. What i want to know is....is someone watching us mess around the room behind that one-way mirror?
What i want to know is how they can afford to offer this experience, rent office space, hire a receptionist, without charging people any money? I read that people's apartments get messed around with...real or not, good thing i don't live in the city!
Oh yeah, you might get txt msg's if you give them your mobile number, but not everyone gets txt'd. (They were probably watching behind that mirror to see who was serious!)
Definitely try this place...they're open from Tuesday - Sunday until 5pm -
Review from Alice C.
2/2/2010
Looking for a novel, fun way to kill an hour and a half on a weekend afternoon?
Are you up for a sense of adventure?
Are you ok with being extremely uncomfortable in an "OMG THIS IS SO AWKWARD I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT'S GOING TO HAPPEN NEXT" sense?
Do you have a group of 4-5 open-minded friends, and $1.00?
Ever wanted to explore SF and see the city in a way you never have before?
Need to walk off the gravy covered waffles you so gingerly stuffed down your throat like a little greedy fat kid?
If you've answered yes to the questions above (well, maybe not the last one...), then put on your walking shoes and go! This is guaranteed to be an interesting time...
Oh, and leave your phone number when they inquire! It's important for Chapter 2... Crap, I've said too much. -
Review from Aaron M.
San Francisco, CA
11/15/2008
I never imagined I would be able to communicate with our oceanic brethren, but after fourteen easy sessions at The Jejune Institute's Aquatic Thought Foundation I have attained this amazing skill. To say nothing of the fascinating and true practice of Breathairianism, which I am now studying. Thanks to the wisdom and generosity of Octavio Coleman, Esq. I have grown happier in my everyday life, feel more connected, and have begun to grasp the hidden power of Divine Nonchalance.
Truly, a recondite family awaits!
All you need to do is take the first step. Visit The Institute today for your simple, easy orientation session. You won't regret it. -
Review from Nancy W.
Long Beach, CA
8/22/2010
If you don't like: puzzles, uncertainty, walking, mystery, don't bother going to the 16th floor of 580 California St. Go home, be comfortable, watch some television or something.
If you do like: the slight thrill of a city adventure, opening your eyes as wide as you can, thinking into, around and all over the box, put on your walking shoes, grab a friend, a pen, two dollars and enter the building.
If you're looking for: a job, a cult, financial advice, an easy answer to life's hard questions, look somewhere else.
If you're not looking for: a scam, a pyramid scheme, banality, listless tourism, you might enjoy it.
Don't overthink it and really SEE what you see.
Remember, there's magic around every corner in this crazy universe. -
Review from Cerra B.
San Francisco, CA
12/2/2008
If you've always been interested in camera's that can take photos back in time, finding techniques to talk to dolphins, and drinking pure water run through crystals, this is the place for you.
Plus, they have an oscilloscope and use algorithms.
It's a really cool set up, and everything is done amazingly well. I highly recommend at least checking it out if you're bored one afternoon. -
Review from Seth F.
Brooklyn, NY
11/14/2010
You need: a friend, a nice afternoon, and some decent shoes.
The less you know about it, the better and more fun it is. Great way to engage with the city, and if it suits you, you can continue on playing for much, much longer than you ever thought you would.
And if you're like me, you'll wonder for ages how in the world they've managed to get this game so well set up across so many different people and businesses. -
Review from Laura B.
1/31/2010
RAND-awes-OM-e
i want more things in SF like this. -
Review from Shaf K.
San Jose, CA
6/13/2010
Bring $2.20, photo ID, a cellphone and a couple of friends. Once you're done with Act I remember to LOG IN.
There may be parts where you don't know what to do, but you can (if you use your head) figure out what to do next.
"For those dark horses with the spirit to look up and see...a recondite family awaits." -
Review from Adam D.
Oakland, CA
1/20/2010
Best way to explore San Francisco.
Seriously, just go do this. I don't want to ruin it. It's the best. I'd give this a hundred stars if I could. -
Review from Kira H.
San Francisco, CA
11/19/2010
This was super fun!!!
A good tip: don't go with a bunch of people. My husband and I went (he just told me that we had to be somewhere at a given time and made it a fun surprise adventure) and we had the best time! I imagine that going with a group would make the "hunt" go much faster, easier to solve, and not be as mysterious seeming. We even went in bad weather. It's worth it, trust me! -
Review from Amanda C.
San Francisco, CA
4/22/2009
Trust no one.
Bring a dollar.
It will change your life.Listed in: You're a tourist but I love…
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Review from Ashley H.
San Francisco, CA
2/20/2010
Walked in expecting an afternoon of adventure.
Well months later it just keeps getting deeper and deeper!
Between the E.P.W.A. , JeJune, Savants and various other groups, individuals and encounters I still have no idea who to trust, who to help and what I'm actually supposed to be doing. Except laugh and have fun while straining my brain to figure out the next set of instructions.
Great way to explore the city! Also to let loose and explore a little bit of yourself (hint: that part of you that is like 5 years old still). -
Review from Don O.
San Francisco, CA
9/8/2009
Do *not* get inducted!
The Jejune Institute is nothing but a bunch of LIES!
The path to divine nonchalance leads elsewhere.... -
Review from Thyrone A.
San Ramon, CA
10/5/2009
Everyone here is a bunch of weirdos that has been brained washed by the handsome old man name Octavio Coleman, Esq.
I thought I was in for a swingers party
