let's do fun thingsgame night · chicago
game night in chicago
a curated list of friendly game nights happening across chicago. board games, trivia, party games, and the kind of room where you can show up alone and end up on a team.
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game night: speed friending
Duffy's Tavern and Grille
looking for your game night crew? this is the place to start. we're kicking the night off with a low-pressure icebreaker. from there, you’ll rotate through a selection of easy-to-learn, fun-to-play party games, playing two different games with two different groups to keep things social, active, and engaging. then open play begins, and the night transitions into our classic game night experience. mix, match, and play whatever you’d like from our curated collection of approachable games designed to spark friendly competition and conversation. whether you’re new to board games or just new to chicago, this night is built for meeting new people and making friends. check-in begins at 6:15 pm, speed friending starts at 6:30 pm. open play kicks off at 7:30. see you there 🎲
game night - 7:30 start time
Duffy's Tavern and Grille
join us for game night every Monday at Duffy's! must rsvp at link below. we've got a curated collection of fun easy-to-learn games that allow you to make friends over friendly competition coming solo? we've got you covered! we'll set you up with games and fun players to enjoy the night with. see you there! this game night follows our speed friending game night! mix and match with new people before our usual open play game night begins. check out speed friending in our event feed for more details.
game night
Duffy's Tavern and Grille
join us for game night every Monday at Duffy's! must rsvp on pie at link below for entry. we've got a curated collection of fun easy-to-learn games that allow you to make friends over friendly competition coming solo? we've got you covered! we'll set you up with games and fun players to enjoy the night with. see you there!
cultured.
Barcocina Lakeview
cultured is a language-exchange mixer built around curiosity, culture, and conversation. when you arrive, you’ll get a passport and lanyard to customize with flags representing the languages you speak, the places you’ve been, and the ones you’re excited to learn more about. around the room, tables are marked by country, creating natural gathering points based on shared interest. this isn’t a class and it’s not about being fluent. say it wrong, that’s the point. the goal is to start conversations, learn through connection and games, and meet people who are genuinely curious about the world and each other. come curious. leave cultured.
unmasked: formal murder mystery cocktail party
Winnie's
cocktail hour from 6-7, night starts at 7 step into a world of elegance and deception. dress to impress in your finest cocktail attire as you take on the role of a glamorous guest at an exclusive gathering where nothing is as it seems. over the course of the evening, you'll uncover secrets, forge alliances, and piece together clues to solve a shocking crime. one of you is the killer. everyone has a motive. trust no one. prizes will be awarded for best dressed, best character, and best detective. this is part social experiment, part theatrical experience, and entirely unforgettable. come ready to play a character, sip on cocktails, and lose yourself in a night of mystery and mischief.
let's learn jiu jitsu (women only)
Downtown Jiu Jitsu Club Chicago
jiu jitsu class for women you've probably thought about it before. maybe you, or someone close to you, has been in a moment that felt unsafe and wondered what you would do if things became physical. knowing how to respond can make all the difference. this one is for the ladies. we're bringing in dr. ignacio juan keller sarmiento to the downtown jiu-jitsu club for a introductory self-defense class rooted in brazilian jiu-jitsu. techniques designed to work even against a larger, stronger attacker. no prior experience necessary. what you'll learn the session is split into two parts. first, you'll learn escapes from common standing situations: wrist grabs, hair pulls, and chokes. in the second half, you'll work on how to respond if taken to the ground. the focus is escape-based, not striking. break free, manage distance, get out safely. what to expect you'll partner up and take turns as attacker and defender in a safe, controlled environment. want an extra challenge? you'll have the option to test your skills against ignacio with increased resistance. time permitting, ignacio will close with a q&a on real-life situations. what to wear comfortable workout clothes, hair tied back, barefoot or socks. contact lenses recommended over glasses.
game night: liar's night
Duffy's Tavern and Grille
liar's night is back. we're switching up game night. every game on the table will focus on social deduction, deception, bluffing, and reading the room. spend the night trying to catch someone else in a lie, or convincing the group you’re totally innocent (even when you’re definitely not). coming solo? we’ve got you covered. we’ll help match you with a group and walk everyone through the rules so you can jump right in and start playing. whether you’re a master manipulator or a terrible liar, this is a game night where everyone wins.
common questions
- do i need to bring my own game?
- no. every game night on this list provides games at the venue. if you want to bring a favorite, the host usually welcomes it.
- is it weird to come alone to a game night?
- no. about half of the people at any given game night came solo. you'll be on a team within five minutes.
- how much does it cost?
- most cost $0 to $25. you'll see the exact ticket price on each event card.