Spellbound Games

Owner-run Noble Square game shop on Milwaukee Ave hosting Lorcana championships, weekly card game events and free-to-play board game meetups.

Spellbound Games is a compact, quiet shop on Milwaukee Avenue between Noble Square and Wicker Park, and it serves card players and board gamers alike. Owner-operator Geo is the reason many reviewers keep coming back. One describes him as an uplifting presence who handles everything from gameplay strategy questions to product recommendations with the same professionalism.

The event calendar is busy. Spellbound has hosted Disney Lorcana championship events, and the store runs regular trading card game nights along with board game meetups. Notably, groups can play in the store without a cover charge. One heavy-board-game regular was amazed by that and wished there were a tip jar. If you're getting into the TCG scene, a newer player says this is the best place in Chicago to start.

Not every event lands perfectly. A Lorcana championship player wished the store handed out participation packs and explained prizes before the event started. Ask about prize structure before big tournaments if that matters to you.

The shop sells singles and sealed product through its online store, which helps if you want to check stock before you visit. In-store, the selection covers popular card games plus a solid range of board games and accessories. Travelers mention stopping in with time to kill before a flight and finding a friendly employee and a full calendar.

Hours are 2PM to 9PM Monday through Friday, 10AM to 9PM Saturday and 10AM to 7PM Sunday. The shop is on the Milwaukee Avenue corridor, a short walk from the Division Blue Line station, and works well as an evening stop for anyone searching for a Chicago card shop with open play space.