Location

Just Games – Downers Grove

Just Games Inc. operated a number of arcades in the Chicagoland area in the 1970s and 1980s. This location opened in 1973 and existed at least through 1990. Reference: https://www.kineticist.com/post/mike-vinikour-interview https://www.newspapers.com/article/chicago-tribune-just-games-wins-dispute/173622861/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/chicago-tribune-confirmation-just-games/173623568/

Just Games – Hanover Park

Just Games Inc. operated a number of arcades in the Chicagoland area in the 1970s and 1980s. This location was part of a small strip mall adjacent to the old Kmart at Irving Park Road and Wise Road. It operated from the mid 1970s until around 1988 and was owned by Larry Glick, who managed several arcades in the Chicago suburbs during that era….

Just Games – Chicago

Just Games Inc. operated a number of arcades in the Chicagoland area in the 1970s and 1980s. This location was inside the Harlem-Foster Shopping Center. It likely lasted well into the 1980’s but the exact closing date is unknown….

Just Games Mt. Prospect Exterior 1977

Just Games – Mt. Prospect Euclid

Just Games Inc. operated a number of arcades in the Chicagoland area in the 1970s and 1980s. This location was particularly infamous for a shooting that took place within it on August 9, 1977, killing 1 man and injuring 4…

Super Just Games / Nickel City

Super Just Games is a beloved arcade in Northbrook, Illinois, known for its wide selection of classic and modern games. It opened in 1992 and remains a popular destination for gamers in the area, offering a nostalgic experience with games like Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, and other iconic titles. While it originally operated on tokens, in 1999, it transformed into Nickel City, an arcade where games can…

Treasure Chest

The Treasure Chest (AKA Baer’s Treasure Chest) was a unique novelty shop and arcade located in Chicago. It had a magic counter where renowned magician Ed Marlo worked, and upstairs was Abbott’s Pro Shop, managed by Don Alan. The shop was a hub for magic enthusiasts and even had connections to Okito, a famous magician and inventor. The front of the store was filled with gag gifts and novelties,…

Star Worlds

Star Worlds Arcade in DeKalb, Illinois, established in 1985, has been recognized as one of the last remaining neighborhood arcades from the 1980s. It originally opened on January 11, 1985, in Maple Park, Illinois, with just 18 arcade games. Patrick O’Malley, the founder, started it as a personal collection of games in his parents’ garage before moving to a commercial space. The arcade later…

The People’s Choice

The People’s Choice Family Fun Center in Waukegan, Illinois, is a sprawling entertainment hub that originally began as a small game room in 1984. It is now over 43,000 square feet of fun with a wide range of attractions, including 150+ arcade and redemption games, bumper cars, kiddie rides, and even a mini Vegas strip for adults. The center also features Rocky’s Pizzeria, serving homemade pizzas…

Wright’s Barnyard / Hollywood Park – Lansing

Wright’s Barnyard in Lansing, IL, was a beloved family entertainment center that opened in 1956 founded by Burt and Millie Wright. The venue began as “Golden Acres” and evolved into a multifaceted amusement park featuring go-karts, mini-golf, batting cages, arcade games, and a dining area. Unfortunately, Wright’s Barnyard closed in 2006, with its land being repurposed for the expansion of…