Mission Statement

Our intention is to socialize and expand the visibility of games in the Chicago metropolitan area. We are firm believers that many gamers are social, but often can't find other gamers with similar interests due to work and family commitments. Online forums (like NeoGAF) and game stores have become the next best alternative. We're aiming to fill this social gap by creating an active, networked community of working professionals that love video games and actually meet in person.

Popular mass media, from local news broadcasts to entertainment sections of newspapers, continue to ignore gaming as a relative and viable entertainment option. By getting a large group of people together in an organized fashion, we hope to become so big we can't be ignored – further legitimizing the hobby to the masses.

We are the first active gaming club that does not focus on just LAN parties. As of today, we have an incredibly fast growing member base and have just completed our first official meeting on December 1. We're currently planning genre/console focused live discussion forums, tournaments and a host of other gaming related activities for 2008. All gamers are welcome and no system, genre or individual is discriminated against. Our slogan is "Allegiance to Good Games."

You have a VOICE and it should be heard. Are you sick of arguing over message boards about review scores because you know that they're wrong? CGC review scores are the AVERAGE of all voting CGC members.

We have a lot more great ideas, but need your help! By attending meetings, you'll be on the ground floor of a group that hopes to bring back the socialization and real community that you once enjoyed as a kid and has been lost with the anonymity of the Internet and Xbox Live. Remember when you used to argue that Super Mario Brothers 3 was better than Super Mario World on the playground with your best friend in 1992? Well, you were right and you can still argue...

...while you have a beer in your hand and meet some great people.

The bottom line? The CGC is about YOU.

CGC FAQ

Why was the Chicago Gamers created?
The CGC is a group created to facilitate the socialization and networking of like-minded responsible and professional working adults.

I've never of something like this. Is this concept new?
There are Chicago Social Clubs for sports, drinking, cigars and a whole host of other topics. So, why not video games?

How do I know what other kinds of people are in the club?
The CGC does not discriminate against any types of gamers. Come to a meeting and find out!

Are there tangible benefits to being an active member?
A unique trading system for members allows equal and fair exchange (temporary or permanent) of titles to keep your gaming costs LOW while your unplayed backlog HUGE. We also host tournaments sponsored by local businesses with prizes. Club members vote to decide the game to be played in the next tournament!

Is this just a bunch of nerds getting together? I'm not a dork...but do love video games.
The CGC is not a nerd club. Rather, it is a group of working professionals that have video games as their #1 hobby.

I've met some cool guys at GameStop before. What's the difference here?
Video game stores are not social places to meet other people. The clerk behind the counter (and your wife, your coworkers and your boss) doesn't care about your Guitar Hero obsession. The CGC does and wants to hear about it.

Can anyone join?
You must be at least 21 to be a member. Your membership is official once you've attended one meeting, and sent in your profile and picture to chicagogamersclub@gmail.com.

Who started this?
Adam Greenblatt and Anthony Westenkirchner started the CGC after a long night of drinking in the summer of '07. It become apparent that not only were we close friends that loved video games, but we were also not total dorks. It has become our mission to find other people that feel outcasted by the social "norm" and to help reshape the perception of gamers across the globe.

Can I help write?
We'd invite you to send over a writing sample with the following information attached. A resume is also acceptable as long as the following information is included. Our Editor-in-Chief will review your application and contact you. Send applications to chicagogamersclub@gmail.com.

Full Name:
Address:
Education history:
Current employment:
Previous writing experience (if any):
Top 3 Favorite Games:
Top 3 Favorite Consoles:
How would your best friend describe your personality?
Are You Willing to Start a local Global Gamers Club (GGC) Chapter and act as founder?
How familiar are you with web site/blog site design?
Do you currently have a website/blog? (include address)
Do you have any special talents?
What's your first gaming memory?