What we're about
Meet fellow fans, celebrate Japanese pop culture, and discover anime that changes your life! Founded 2006. Join us free today.
• We’re anime fans who enjoy a wide array of Japanese pop culture
• We welcome newbies and seasoned veterans 18 years and older
• We love crushing all those otaku stereotypes
• We’re a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
👋 FREE MEMBERSHIP – JOIN TODAY!
Whether you’re interested in meeting new people, discovering new anime titles, or debating the merits of subs vs. dubs, we’ve got an event for you.
⭐️ 2021 PROGRAMS VIA DISCORD
✦ Anime Deep Dive (Tues): Watch a hidden anime gem and chat about it.
✦ Art Circle (Weds): Share your creative side with a friendly group of regulars.
✦ Social Mixer (1st Thu): Meet like-minded fans and discuss all things anime.
✦ Manga Circle (2nd Sun): Book-club for selected manga or specific arc.
✦ Anime Circle (3rd Sun): Book-club for selected anime series, film, or OVA.
✦ Anime Sampler (3rd Sat every season): Discover the latest anime together.
Upcoming events (4+)
Come rep AnimeChicago at Anime Central 2022! We’re hosting 2 IRL meetups and 3 panels, and we’re so excited to see you there.
ABOUT ANIME CENTRAL
- Buy your badge to avoid lines!
- Masks and vax cards are required
- Panel schedules TBA so check back here for updates
ANIMECHICAGO MEETUPS [as of 4/11]
🔔 Hangouts and Updates • Discord + Guide
Members use Discord to find each other, arrange photoshoots, attend panels together, make dining plans, and more. Join now to get the party started.
🍻 Member Mixer • Thu 5/19 @ 7pm
Meet us for drinks! Save your spot →
🧢 Cells at Work! Cosplay Parade • Sat 5/21 @ 2pm
Let’s celebrate our amazing Covid-fighting defense systems with cosplay! Learn More →
💬 Podcast Panel • Friday @ 6pm in DESCC 1-3
Lessons Learned from Creating a Cowboy Bebop Podcast
Hosted by Jamie Sanchez, Panelists TBA
💬 Fan Labor Panel • Saturday @ 6pm in DESCC 1-3
Passion to Profession: Your Skills Pay Bills!
Hosted by Jeremy Harris, Panelists TBA
💬 Live-Action Panel • Saturday @ 8pm in DESCC 1-3
Live-Action Anime Adaptations: Golden Era or Apocalypse?
Hosted by Jamie Sanchez, Panelists TBA
- Jamie
- Rachel H
- Eren
- 13 attendees
We’re hosting 5 events at Anime Central 2022! Learn More →
Location TBA – We’re looking to reserve Park Tavern’s patio or garage door sections [updated 3/27].
Mixers are all about meeting other members, so it's perfect if you haven't been to many (or any) of our meetups yet.
- This is a 21+ bar so bring your valid ID
- Check in and grab your name tag when you arrive
- Vaccinated friends are welcome!
- Jamie
- Trey
- Ben P
- 22 attendees
We’re hosting 5 events at Anime Central 2022! Learn More →
Let’s appreciate our amazing Covid-fighting defense systems by celebrating Cells at Work! at our inaugural Cosplay Parade!
Our parade focuses on the quantity of costumes, with an emphasis on stress-free designs that even first-time cosplayers can replicate.
We created this COSPLAY GUIDE to simplify the process and save you time.
HOW DOES THIS WORK?
- RSVP here so we can expect you
- Select a Cells at Work! character that best suits your design constraints. Tell us who you’re cosplaying in the comments.
- Source your costume!
– Rummage through your wardrobe for pieces you own already
– Purchase or craft the remaining pieces
– Collaborate and ask questions in our Discord channel #acen-2022
– Test drive everything to ensure function and comfort - Arrive at our Meetup on Sat 5/21 at 2pm in full costume.
- Have a great time and take lots of photos!
WHAT’S THE ROUTE?
We start at Stephens’ Circle Drive and conclude with a group photoshoot at the Cosplay Photography Sets (Dealer’s Hall). Weather pending. View map →
WHAT ELSE SHOULD I KNOW?
- Please dress to your comfort level and comply with Covid rules on-site.
- Seriously, it’s very easy to cosplay! Ordinary Cell is as simple as it gets.
- Please take creative liberties with your costume, but keep it PG-13.
- This meetup is subject to our policies, ACen policies, and local laws.
- Jamie
- Eren
- Jeremy P.
- 13 attendees
★★★ FOLLOW THESE STEPS TO ATTEND! ★★★
① Get Verified on our Discord, at least 30 minutes before the event.
② Look for the Meetup channel live on Discord 15 minutes before.
Trouble? https://animechicago.com/discord
Art Circle is your place to draw, color, sketch, model, and whatever other creative endeavor you're into!
★ 6:45 pm – Video Chat Opens
Head to our Discord channel #arts-crafts for further information on how to join the video chat.
★ 7:00 pm – Create Together!
Work on your creations in the video chat and let's talk art, anime, and whatever you're in the mood for!
★ 8:45 pm – Show Your Progress
Feel free to share what you've worked on, get some constructive criticism, and provide your own feedback for others.
- Jeremy P.
- 1 attendee
Past events (604)
- Jeremy
- Adam
- Chris D.
- 9 attendees