I find that it depends on the time you are on italki. You can go to the top of the page where the Chat function is represented by a pink cloud. Click onto it so that it is grey.

I've this problem, too! :(

i don't think you can do anything, the website is hosted on a webhotel and if the website is busy it will slow down and it will take longer to respond etc... you could disable certain things but.. not more than that

Try to disable the chat.