Enchanted Castle in Lombard, Illinois, has an interesting history. It opened in 1983, founded by Harold Skripsky, who envisioned a magical family entertainment center with a medieval fantasy theme. Over the years, the venue changed ownership several times. In 1993, it was sold to Discovery Zone, but Skripsky repurchased it in 1996. Later, in 1997,…
Formerly located on Western Avenue, just across from Lane Tech High School at ~3400 N. Western. It was managed by Gale Vales in 1985. References https://www.newspapers.com/article/chicago-tribune-interview-with-manager-o/169537944/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/17220794519/?multi_permalinks=10157756677134520&hoisted_section_header_type=recently_seen
An early and very popular arcade located in Chicago’s Loop, next to a large record store (Downtown Records) that opened in March 1974. The name was a portmanteau of it’s owners, Steve Rubin and Gary Buslik, two young entrepreneurs. Sometime in the mid-70’s, Rubin and Buslik also opened a place called Rubus Jungle, which supposedly…
Hidden Cove was an entertainment facility in Bourbonnais, Illinois. It featured a variety of attractions, including an arcade, mini-golf, and sports facilities. The establishment changed owners and its name in 2013 to The Legends Sportsplex. It closed in 2016, and the building is now home to a facility for the Adventure Christian Church. References https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=pfbid031bitaucgwUYjJV2sF9nAtyb18exAf7MKxCZyf31PJqVqFPoPJCRATA3giy1iut66l&id=125833006733…
Cozzi’s Adventure Golf & Games, formerly located in Lake Zurich, IL, was a notable family entertainment center that combined arcade gaming with other recreational activities. The facility opened in the Spring of 1999 and featured an array of attractions, including an arcade filled with video and redemption games, a mini-golf course, and other outdoor activities.…
Skate West was a roller skating rink located at 2333 Theodore Street in Crest Hill, Illinois. It has since been rebranded as Family Fun Zone, which continues to operate at the same address. It includes an arcade with a number of games. Originally, it was known as Rosalie’s Roller Skate, owned and operated by Rosalie…
Kiddie Kingdom was an arcade and pizzaria concept located in Niles, IL. It opened in 2009 and closed in 2020, and was owned by Isabelle and Micheal Nigro. References https://www.chicagotribune.com/2020/07/03/kiddie-kingdom-an-indoor-childrens-play-center-in-niles-will-not-reopen-due-to-pandemic-owners-say/
Izzy’s Arcade Bar was a 2nd arcade concept owned and operated by the Nigro family (who owned Kiddie Kingdom, next door). This concept was geared toward adults. It opened in 2018 and closed in 2021. References https://www.facebook.com/IzzysArcadeBar/ https://www.chicagotribune.com/2020/07/03/kiddie-kingdom-an-indoor-childrens-play-center-in-niles-will-not-reopen-due-to-pandemic-owners-say/
House of Kicks was an indoor amusement park located in Chicago, Illinois. Plans for the park were announced in 2000, aiming to transform an empty warehouse into a family entertainment center. The park opened its doors in March 2002 but ceased operations in 2005. It included a handful of amusement park rides and an arcade…
Jupiter’s is a well-known establishment in Champaign, Illinois, offering a combination of dining and entertainment experiences. There are two primary locations. This is the original location: a pizzeria and bar with billiards and a handful of slot machines. References https://www.smilepolitely.com/splog/celebrate_20_years_at_jupiters_downtown_today/
