Diversey Board Gaming Club

The Diversey Board Gaming Club is a place to meet new people, take a load off, grab a snack, and - of course - play board games! The Club is hosted at 925 W Diversey Pkwy, Chicago, IL just off the Brown Line (secular club on the premise of a United Methodist Church within the Reconciling Ministry Network).

Note: Event patrons are asked to make small donation to help fund Game Night events and support its continued success including space fees, snacks, and drinks (non-alcoholic).

Frequently Asked Q’s:

I’m New, How does the Game Night meetup work?
We’re new too! Events held on Fridays from 6:30 PM to midnight at 925 W Diversey Pkwy (within the Holy Covenant United Methodist Church).

You will find a bookshelf of board games and more that your fellow attendees have brought, and a table with snacks (you can also bring your own to share). You can play any game that's out, and add your own to the mix if you brought some. Don't hesitate to invite anyone who looks lost or idle to join in your game!

How to get players to join a game?
Mini flags 🚩will be located at each table for whomever is playing/hosting a game. Flag UP 🚩= “LOOKING for a Player(s) to Join!”. Representing an open invite for anyone to join before the game starts!

What board games will be there?
You can expect modern board & card games like Catan, Werewolf, Secret Hitler and Ticket to Ride, and too many others to name. Classic games such as mahjong, rummy, Go, etc may make an appearance if that’s your jam, please bring a copy!

Do I NEEEEEEeeedddd to donate?
No. It is a donation! But, we will shake our heads and collectively say “for shame for shame" if you do not. But for seriously, the suggested donation of $10 directly benefits secular events held at the building (Holy Covenant United Methodist Church), and pays for the snacks, beverages and other administrative costs of using the space.

OMG the meetup is full can I still come?
Yes you can! We appreciate the RSVP because it helps us prepare the event. However, in the very very slim chance that we're over space capacity, you may need to wait outside or perform a side-quest at the local headquarters or coffee shops down the block until someone has left.

Can I come late?
Yes, but we highly suggest coming on time for the best experience. The nature of this meetup is that you will ideally have time to play 2 to 4 games each time.

Is the building accessible for those with limited mobility?
Yes! Our space is fully ADA accessible through the Wilton Ave gate.

Can I bring an original board game I invented?
HELL YEAH MY DICE ROLLER! We love this. If you get people interested (very easy here) get some free play testing but be excellent about it. Let everyone know what is up and don’t hog a table purely for your game.

Can I bring a pet?
Please do not bring pets! As we strive to create an inclusive environment, service animals and support animals who are trained for busy environments are welcome.

Is there anything else I need to know to be a good citizen at a game night?
We believe that the following courtesies are essential for providing a framework where people who might be strangers can enjoy each others’ company while gaming:
Respect your fellow attendees’ time:
• Try not to be absent from the table or distracted when it is your turn.
• Take cues from your tablemates about approximately how long your turn should take.
• People who are leading and teaching games should do their best to honestly predict the length of the game.
• Players should be prepared to finish the game to its conclusion. Resigning in a game that has more than 2 players often has an ill effect on the experience of the players who remain.
• When borrowing another attendee’s game (especially later in the evening, and especially if the game is long), please attempt to check in with the owner about their schedule. It can be frustrating to a game owner when they are planning to leave, but are stranded while a table is using their game.

Respect your fellow attendees’ property:
• People are sometimes shocked to find out that the games we play are designer objects that can cost upwards of $75. Now that you know, please treat the cards and components gently, so that the owners can continue to enjoy them for years to come.
• Our game night runs on the generosity of game owners who share and lend their games, knowing that there is occasionally the risk of damage. When an incident occurs that results in damage to your game, please stop what you are doing and come to an agreement about how you can make it right between you. You can call on the co-organizers to help arbitrate if necessary.

Respect your fellow attendees. Period!
• No Gate-Keeping will be tolerated!
• Be excellent to each other! Ask before assuming that someone knows or doesn't know how to play a game. If the competition gets to your head and you feel like saying something rude, instead take a break out front or at one of the marvelous coffeehouses, restaurants, or bars in the area.
• No sexism, racism, ableism, homophobia, transphobia, etc. In case of conflict, apologize and listen with an open mind. Contact the co-organizers if any behavior makes you uncomfortable. We are and always be bigotry-free!