When asking yourself about something to do near me in Chicago with a group of friends or family, consider
Good Games Chicago
Why Good Games Chicago is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Good Games Chicago stands out as a premier destination for tabletop gaming enthusiasts seeking a vibrant and inclusive community experience. With a remarkable 4.9 rating from 439 reviews, this store combines a well-curated selection of the latest and most sought-after board games, card games, and role-playing games with spacious, welcoming play areas designed for both casual meetups and competitive events. Whether you're a seasoned gamer or just starting out, Good Games Chicago offers a friendly environment that encourages social interaction and shared enjoyment of the hobby. The store operates under a hybrid model, blending retail offerings with organized play opportunities. This means customers can purchase top-tier gaming products and immediately enjoy them in onsite tournaments or casual play sessions, hosted regularly to cater to all interests and skill levels. Located centrally with extended hours, Good Games Chicago makes getting your game on easy and accessible at virtually any time of day. Emphasizing inclusivity, the store welcomes players from all backgrounds and levels of experience, fostering a strong community spirit that enhances every visit. Highlights include a premium product selection, dedicated space for organized play, and a calendar filled with engaging events and tournaments that keep the gaming community active and connected.
Here's what people think of Good Games Chicago
As of recent, Good Games Chicago holds a 4.9-star rating based on 439 reviews.
Customer reviews consistently praise Good Games Chicago for its welcoming atmosphere, knowledgeable staff, and the high quality and availability of gaming products. Many reviewers highlight the store’s excellent event management, noting that tournaments and play sessions are well-organized and provide a great way to meet fellow gamers. Positive feedback often mentions the friendly community and how the staff go above and beyond to assist customers in finding the perfect games or answering rules questions. Users also appreciate the store’s convenient location and hours, making it easy to drop in and enjoy gaming at their leisure. On the other hand, some critical reviews point to occasional crowding during peak hours and limited parking options near the store. A few customers have experienced stock shortages for very popular items during major releases, though restocking is generally prompt. Despite minor issues, the overwhelmingly positive sentiments about the store’s environment, product range, and community engagement prevail. Overall, reviews reveal Good Games Chicago as a top-tier gaming venue that successfully balances retail excellence with an inclusive and engaging play space, reinforcing its stellar reputation among tabletop gaming enthusiasts.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
AnselAlly
Located next to a university and a park, this shop sits in the middle of the street. It features an electronic card catalog for its trading card games, with some higher-value cards on permanent display. After placing an order on their computer, a list is printed and a staff member gathers your cards. The shop also carries Warhammer, D&D, and other board games, with a decently sized area in the back for play. Commander play Saturday at 5pm. First shop I visited from being out of state. Would come back again
kudosbear02
Currently favorite game store in Chicago. Ive only been in a few times but they have been awesome helping me get the poke cards I needed for the prize packs I put together for my program 🥰
Cat
Been my LGS for the last 4 years and have never had a bad experience there. Staff are all wonderful, kind, knowledgeable people, game selection is amazing, active community and excellent events across a range of TCGs and tabletop games. Can't speak highly enough of it. Go here, buy some stuff, support a great store!
Alex Johnson
Purchased a MTG precon that was NOT marked up! $50 for Squirreled Away in January 2025 was very much appreciated and will stop by again when in-town! Highly recommend for Magic fans.
Juan Aponte
Great store for buying trading cards singles packs, boxes, and bundles. You can also get varied board games, from the classics to the niche.
How to reach Good Games Chicago
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Website: None
Why Good Games Chicago may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Good Games Chicago with your friends?
Good Games Chicago offers a vibrant and welcoming space specially designed to bring friends and family together around an exciting shared interest: tabletop gaming. Whether you're a seasoned gamer or new to the world of board games, card games, or role-playing games, Good Games provides an inviting atmosphere that encourages socializing, collaboration, and healthy competition. The venue's mission to introduce as many people as possible to the joy of tabletop games means you'll find a supportive, friendly community eager to share fun experiences. Its central Chicago location on West Webster Avenue makes it easily accessible for groups, making planning your meetup hassle-free. The venue’s extended hours suit any schedule, ensuring you can gather when it’s convenient, whether that’s a casual afternoon or a lively evening. For groups looking to strengthen bonds or just have a memorable outing, Good Games Chicago delivers a unique combination of entertainment, community, and comfort that few other venues offer.
What activities are available at Good Games Chicago?
Good Games Chicago offers a wide range of gaming experiences that cater to all tastes within the tabletop universe. You’ll find an extensive selection of board games, card games, and role-playing games suitable for both casual play and competitive tournaments. Popular titles like Magic: The Gathering (MTG) are supported with regular weekly events, such as MTG Modern nights, booster drafts, and tournaments with prize pack rewards for winners. Fans of other trading card games like Digimon can join weekly community play events designed to welcome new players and foster camaraderie. For sci-fi and tactical enthusiasts, Good Games hosts casual meetups for games like X-Wing, offering an opportunity to learn, strategize, and compete with other players. Seasonal and special gaming events such as Pokémon GO League Challenges further diversify the gaming calendar, ensuring there’s always something new and exciting to experience. This programming variety guarantees that every member of your group will find something they enjoy, making it an ideal destination for diverse groups wanting to share fun and interactive experiences around their favorite games.
Why is Good Games Chicago perfect for a group meetup?
Good Games Chicago’s environment is purposely crafted with groups in mind. The spacious, comfortable venue provides plenty of table space to accommodate gatherings of varying sizes, from intimate friend groups to larger family events. Its premium retail store aspect means you and your friends can browse the latest games together and even purchase new ones to try immediately on-site. The friendly and knowledgeable staff offer helpful recommendations and support, which is ideal if some members of your group are new to tabletop gaming or are unfamiliar with specific games. The range of events and tournaments on the schedule gives your group ample opportunity to engage collectively in structured yet casual play. Since tournaments have entry fees and prize systems, groups can add an extra layer of excitement and competition to their meetup if they choose. In addition, with extended hours, you can plan meetups late into the evening, giving your group the freedom to enjoy uninterrupted game time in a welcoming community space. These features, combined with Good Games’ dedication to community building, make it an ideal, hassle-free venue to gather friends and family for an unforgettable day or night out.
How does the expert community and staff enhance your experience?
At Good Games Chicago, the staff and community play a vital role in making every visit special and accessible. The staff are not only well-versed in the mechanics and nuances of the many games offered but are passionate about creating a smooth and inclusive experience for everyone. Whether you seek advice on which game best suits your group’s interests or need clarification on complex rules, the staff are available and eager to assist. The venue is recognized for cultivating a welcoming, friendly community where newcomers and veterans alike feel comfortable interacting, sharing strategies, or joining ongoing games and events. Weekly regulars foster a spirit of inclusiveness that turns strangers into friends, enhancing your social experience significantly. This community aspect supports both casual and competitive play styles, ensuring your group can find the right balance of fun and challenge. Participating in weekly events or spontaneous game sessions facilitated by expert staff members enhances group cohesion and provides opportunities to forge lasting friendships based on shared gaming enthusiasm.
What kind of event and tournament structure does Good Games Chicago offer?
Good Games Chicago has an extensive event calendar that appeals to both competitive gamers and casual players. Weekly tournaments such as Magic: The Gathering Modern events and booster drafts come with clear structures, record-based prizing, and manageable entry fees ($10-$22), creating an exciting competitive atmosphere perfect for those who enjoy skill-based play. The store also hosts quarterly Expanded Tournaments and seasonal challenges, which further deepen engagement within the gaming community. These well-organized tournaments provide opportunities for groups to compete individually or as teams, adding dynamic strategies and friendly rivalry to your meetup. Casual meetups like X-Wing games and Digimon TCG sessions bring the community together in a more relaxed environment, ideal for groups looking for more social, less intense gaming sessions. Each event is tailored for accessibility, encouraging players of all skill levels to join. This range of structured and casual formats means that whether your group wants to dive into serious competition or simply enjoy a lighthearted game night, Good Games Chicago can accommodate your preferences seamlessly.
How does the location and facility contribute to a great meetup?
Situated at 1145 W Webster Ave in Chicago, Good Games offers a conveniently central location that is easily reachable by public transit or car, making it an ideal meetup spot for residents throughout the city and nearby suburbs. The facility itself is designed to be spacious and comfortable to support a variety of group sizes without feeling crowded. Clean, well-lit, and organized, the store space enhances the gaming experience by offering dedicated areas for retail browsing as well as for playing games. The layout encourages movement between playing tables and the store, enabling groups to combine shopping and gaming without interruption. The store’s hours, typically from 11 am to 10 pm on most days, provide flexibility so meetups can span from daytime through evening, perfect for accommodating different schedules among friends or family. All these factors — location, facility design, operating hours — come together to create an environment where groups can gather, play, and socialize with ease and comfort.
What kind of food and beverage options are available to support your group?
While Good Games Chicago primarily focuses on gaming, it recognizes the importance of food and drink to a successful group outing. Although the venue itself does not operate a full kitchen or bar like some other board game cafes, visitors often bring snacks or can enjoy nearby local eateries before or after their gaming sessions. This flexibility allows your group to customize your meetup based on personal food preferences, dietary needs, and budget. For longer gaming events, the staff is supportive of outside food and beverages, allowing friends and family to create a relaxed and cozy atmosphere reminiscent of gaming nights at home but enhanced by an expansive library of games and community energy. Additionally, the venue occasionally collaborates with local food vendors or features special gaming night offerings that include refreshments, enhancing the social aspect of your gathering. This setup complements the core focus on games and community while still prioritizing guest comfort and enjoyment during your time there.
How does Good Games Chicago support new and casual players in your group?
Good Games Chicago is as much about community education as it is about competition and play. The staff’s approachable and patient demeanor is particularly helpful for newcomers or casual gamers in your group who might be unsure of rules or gameplay. They offer guidance on selecting games that match your group’s experience level and interests, ensuring everyone can participate and have fun without feeling overwhelmed. The availability of a wide range of games — from simple, well-known classics to complex modern titles — means you can start with easy options and progressively explore more challenging or strategic games. Additionally, the weekly events encourage fresh players to join and learn in a friendly environment alongside more experienced gamers. This delicate balance of competitive excitement and newcomer-friendly support helps maintain a positive, stress-free atmosphere where everyone in your group, regardless of prior experience, can fully enjoy their time at Good Games Chicago.
What makes Good Games Chicago stand out from other board game cafes?
Good Games Chicago distinguishes itself through its unique combination of being both a premium retail store and a dedicated community play space. Unlike many other board game cafes that focus mainly on casual dining and play, Good Games offers a high level of specialization with frequent tournaments, a vast inventory of gaming products, and a welcoming space designed for serious gamers and casual players alike. Its focus on community-building events and extended operating hours invites repeated visits and fosters long-term friendships within Chicago’s gaming culture. The store's commitment to inclusivity ensures all demographics feel at home, including families, young adults, and hobbyists. Also, its professional organization of events with clear entry rules, prize structures, and consistent scheduling reflects the venue’s dedication to providing a structured yet fun experience. All these elements combined create an environment where your social meetup feels both meaningful and entertaining, setting Good Games apart as a premier destination for tabletop gaming in Chicago.
How can you make the most out of your visit to Good Games Chicago?
Maximizing your experience at Good Games Chicago involves planning ahead and engaging actively with the community. Checking the event calendar before you arrive can help ensure your meetup coincides with exciting tournaments or special game nights that add energy to your gathering. Consider inviting friends who might want to learn a new game, as the staff’s expertise makes this an enjoyable process. Bringing snacks or light refreshments can make longer visits more comfortable and social. Exploring the retail section with your group might inspire game purchases that extend the fun beyond your visit. Most importantly, fostering a spirit of friendly competition and cooperation will help everyone feel included and energized. Regardless of your group’s experience level, Good Games Chicago offers a vibrant and flexible environment where game nights can become cherished memories. The combination of dedicated space, passionate staff, and diverse gaming options makes every visit worthwhile.