Illini Union Powerzone Arcade
Now known as the Rec Room, this facility is located in the lower level of the student union and also includes a bowling alley and billiards.
Location
Garcia’s Pizza in a Pan: Champaign New
Garcia’s Pizza in a Pan, also known as “The Flying Tomato Brothers,” was founded in 1971 in Champaign, Illinois. At its peak, the chain expanded to operate 18 locations across Illinois, Indiana, and Missouri. It became well-known for its unique deep-dish pizza and quirky branding. Some of the locations had a small selection of arcade games that ran on branded tokens. Today, only two locations…
Odyssey Fun World I
A 30 year old suburban Family Fun Center. Its sister location in Naperville closed in 2019. Still operating as of Mar 2025.
Magic City
A roller rink and entertainment complex from the mid-90s. Reference: https://www.chicagotribune.com/1995/06/13/aim-to-have-a-total-blast/ https://www.chicagotribune.com/1998/04/09/teen-clubs-doors-keep-closing/
Haunted Trails – Joliet
Haunted Trails is a family-friendly entertainment center with two locations in the Chicago area: Burbank and Joliet. Both venues offer a variety of attractions suitable for all ages, making them popular destinations for family outings, group events, and celebrations. Opened in 1988, this 14-acre park boasts three go-kart tracks, two 18-hole miniature golf courses, a laser tag arena, amusement…
Haunted Trails – Burbank
Haunted Trails is a family-friendly entertainment center with two locations in the Chicago area: Burbank and Joliet. Both venues offer a variety of attractions suitable for all ages, making them popular destinations for family outings, group events, and celebrations. Established in 1975, this location features an award-winning miniature golf course, go-karts, junior go-karts, batting cages,…
Mother’s Pinball
Mother’s Pinball, originally known as “Hotter Than Mother’s Music,” was a notable establishment in Mount Prospect, Illinois. Founded in 1971 at 2 E. Northwest Highway, it initially operated as a music store, offering a wide range of albums and music equipment. Over time, it transformed into a popular pinball arcade, especially after obtaining a permit for pinball machines in April 1975. The…
Just For Fun: Town & Country Mall
“Just for Fun” was a popular arcade located within the Town & Country Mall in Arlington Heights, Illinois. Situated adjacent to the movie theater, it became a favorite spot for both children and adults, offering a variety of arcade games and a notable ticket/prize counter. In the 1990s, “Just for Fun” served as a location for Konami and Bally-Midway to test new games, including titles like…
Fun Zone Game Room – Century Centre
Fun Zone was an arcade located within the Century Shopping Centre in Chicago. The Century Shopping Centre, known for its unique vertical design, has housed various entertainment venues over the years, including the Landmark Century Centre Cinema. While specific details about Fun Zone’s operations and closure are limited, it is remembered as part of Chicago’s vibrant arcade scene. It opened…
Dennis Place for Games: Rogers Park
Dennis’ Place for Games was a notable arcade chain in Chicago, founded by Dennis Georges in the late 1970s. The first location opened across from Lane Tech High School, and over time, Georges expanded the business to include multiple locations: two in Chicago, one in Norridge, and another in Rockford. The Belmont Avenue location, adjacent to the CTA Red Line’s Belmont station, became…