Chicago

Illinois · United States

Chicago

  • 4 Game Masters nearby
  • Population 2,716,000

Chicago is a city of neighborhoods and table talk. On the North Side and the South Side, people gather around a map and some dice. A local Game Master keeps things moving, teaches new players, and shapes the story so everyone gets a moment to shine, in person or online.

Groups here book one-shots for birthdays, first sessions for curious friends, and steady campaigns that carry through winter. Offices in the Loop bring in a Game Master for team building. Teachers and librarians schedule kid-friendly adventures. Friends make a cozy Saturday night of it, snacks ready and playlists set. It can be as casual or as epic as you want.

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Tabletop adventures in Chicago

Bring a Chicago Game Master to your table for D&D and more at home, the office, a library room, a park in summer, or online.

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Where games usually happen

Most games happen at home, around a dining table in Logan Square, Bronzeville, or Rogers Park. Downtown teams meet in conference rooms near the Loop and River North. Many groups reserve study rooms at the Harold Washington Library Center or a neighborhood Chicago Public Library branch. Park district fieldhouses and community centers work well for larger groups.

In summer, some people pick a shady spot near the lake or a picnic table in Humboldt Park, roll out a map, and let the breeze turn the pages. Local game stores with open tables are another option if your group prefers that scene. The Game Master travels to you by L or car, brings what’s needed for the session, and helps you find a good spot if you are not sure.

Game Master sits behind a Dungeons & Dragons screen with dungeon terrain and fantasy miniatures.
Game Master sits behind a Dungeons & Dragons screen with dungeon terrain and fantasy miniatures.
Close-up of a shimmering blue six-sided dice (d6) with gold number detailing, ideal for tabletop RPG gameplay.
Close-up of a shimmering blue six-sided dice (d6) with gold number detailing, ideal for tabletop RPG gameplay.

How does booking work?

1.

Send your request

Tell us your preferred date, location, group size, and what kind of session or event you are planning. You do not need to have everything figured out yet. A rough idea is enough to get started.

2.

We match you

We find a professional Game Master whose style, experience, and availability fit your group. We then adapt the adventure to your group, occasion, and preferences.

3.

Start your adventure

Your Game Master comes to your location or joins you online with the story, characters, and game materials. Take your seat, make your choices, and let the adventure begin.

Game Masters around Chicago

Within reach are Game Masters who love big worlds, quick improv, and player-driven stories. Some run tight, tactical combat with maps and minis. Others lean into mystery, comedy, or sci-fi horror. Many are happy guiding first-timers, using clear rules and safety tools so everyone feels welcome.

You will find folks who can bring printed handouts, terrain, or even a few custom minis when the game calls for it. Systems on offer often include Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder Second Edition, Call of Cthulhu, Daggerheart, Dungeon Crawl Classics, and the occasional offbeat gem like Paranoia. Tables form for birthdays, bachelor and bachelorette nights, office socials, school clubs, and library programs. Winter invites long campaigns. Summer fills with breezy one-shots before a Sox or Cubs game. Whatever the mix, the vibe is friendly, flexible, and here for the story you want to tell.

Players celebrate a tabletop roleplaying moment together beside a Game Master screen and battle map.
Players celebrate a tabletop roleplaying moment together beside a Game Master screen and battle map.
Close-up of a red 12-sided die with gold numbers, used for fun fantasy board games.
Close-up of a red 12-sided die with gold numbers, used for fun fantasy board games.

Stats don't lie!

1000+

Sessions hosted

12+

Countries played in

150+

Professional GMs

4500+

Hours of gameplay

12600+

Fireballs cast

What players say

  • Ruby was fantastic, this was our group’s first DnD experience and she helped everyone understand the rules and have fun with it.

    Adam

  • We had a very good time, the boys loved their campaign and Evan was really great. I definitely recommend Evan. Thank you

    Cheidhia

  • Geert was very fun and enthusiastic! We were rolling on the floor laughing :D

    Wessel

  • It was a fantastic experience for the girls! Thank you, Marie! You were super well prepared, the girls hung on your every word and it felt like you had been playing together for years! Hopefully see you next time!

    Annick

  • Tom was fantastic! Really great with the children and patient with the explanations. Wonderful evening and definitely worth repeating! Kids asked a day later when we were going to do this again.

    Danny

  • First of all I want to say that Sebastian was really great as a DM. For his first run as a booked DM, he did a really good job. The 3 stars refer to the following: 1. We were disappointed that the adventure was labelled a One Shot and yet wasn't a complete story. Finding out that there are two more parts wasn't very positive for us, because that meant there was no satisfying ending to the story. 2. As new players it was difficult for us to understand the English character sheets in such a short time. In German it would have been much easier. Even getting the character sheets a few days in advance would have been helpful for preparation. 3. More guidance would be good. Especially for beginners, a more linear one shot would have been pleasant. We wasted a large portion of the adventure time doing unnecessary things because we didn't really know how the game worked. Overall I think the StoryForgers concept is really good and I see a lot of potential in it, especially for introducing new players to D&D. I hope you don't take my feedback the wrong way but as honest criticism. LG Mario

    Mario

  • Bryan was outstanding. We had a group of mixed experience and he kept everyone captivated and involved. He had a great attitude and made the game fun for everyone. Really appreciated how he was able to simply explain what was needed from our lesser experienced players and keep our more experienced players on their toes with his knowledge of the game. Everyone in our party had a great time because of Bryan.

    Jeremy

  • Dayron was great. Well-prepped. Timely. And had a great sense of humor.

    Corey

  • Dayron was wonderful; provided a great experience. Thanks!

    Casey

    The Merry Meeple

Game Masters near Chicago and online

  • Tyler

    5

    • Chicago
    • English

    I'm Tyler! I have had a love for tabletop role playing games since middle school when my cousin and I would play the third edition of Dungeons and Dragons on my grandmother's…

    View profile: Tyler

  • Walter I.

    he/him5

    • Chicago
    • English, French

    Hello! My name is Walter, I live in Chicago and I have been playing D&D since 2010. I enjoy video games, TTRPGs, and almost everything science fiction/horror. When not playing…

    View profile: Walter I.

  • Isa the DM

    she/her5

    • Chicago
    • English

    Isa is a storyteller and creative with a background in improv and theater. Her games focus on collaborative storytelling, putting the players in the driver's seat of the story. As…

    View profile: Isa the DM

  • Dayron Leon

    he/him5(3)

    • Brooklyn
    • English, Spanish

    Hi!!! I’m Dayron Leon. I’m a professional actor based in NYC. I was born in Cuba and raised mostly there and in Miami. I am also a lifelong nerd. Love everything from Fantasy…

    View profile: Dayron Leon

  • Matt P

    he/him5(1)

    • Washington
    • English

    Hi, I'm Matt! I've been running tabletop RPGs for just over 20 years, and I'm always eager to meet new players and see what kinds of creative and wonderful stories we can create…

    View profile: Matt P

  • Nikolai Kachuyevski

    he/him5(1)

    • Philadelphia
    • English

    Hi there! I've been running games for eight years, mostly dabbling with 5e/5.5e and homebrew systems. Typically, I make up my own worlds rather than running games in the Forgotten…

    View profile: Nikolai Kachuyevski

  • Jo Goforth

    they/them5

    • New York
    • English

    Based in New York city, Jo is an avid lover of horror, whimsy, and camp. They love D&D but have a special place in their heart for indie TTRPGs like Kids on Bikes, Penumbra…

    View profile: Jo Goforth
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Frequently asked questions

Which parts of Chicago and nearby suburbs do you serve?

Chicago neighborhoods like Wicker Park, Hyde Park, Andersonville, Lincoln Park, Uptown, and Pilsen are all within reach. Nearby suburbs such as Evanston, Oak Park, Skokie, Berwyn, and parts of the North Shore or near O’Hare are commonly booked as well. Travel details are confirmed during scheduling so your start time is smooth.

Can you run a game at our home, office, school, or a public spot here?

Yes, sessions can be set up in living rooms, conference spaces, campus clubs, or low-noise cafés and community rooms around the city. Please confirm venue rules about reservations, outside food, and ID check-in, and share any access notes like elevators or loading zones. The Game Master will tailor materials to the space and table size.

Do you offer games in Spanish or Polish, or only in English?

Most tables run in English, but you can request Spanish, Polish, or another language common in Chicago during booking. We will try to match your group and can suggest an online option with a local schedule if an in-person match is not available.

What does a first session for a new group in Chicago look like?

It starts with a brief check-in on goals, tone, house rules, and safety, then quick character guidance if anyone needs it. After that comes a short starter adventure that teaches the flow of play and lets everyone try a few key moves, with a wrap-up to plan future dates.

Nearby locations

Explore all locations

Popular game systems

  • Dungeons & Dragons

    • High Fantasy +7
    • 1 – 7 players
    • Moderate rules

    Forge your own fantasy tale with Dungeons & Dragons. Create a party of bold heroes, outsmart traps, bargain with dragons, and claim treasure in vivid worlds. Think the fellowship spirit of The Lord of the Rings, only you choose the paths, the battles, and the ending.

    View system: Dungeons & Dragons

  • Call of Cthulhu

    • Cosmic Horror +7
    • 2 – 6 players
    • Moderate rules

    Call of Cthulhu is the classic game of investigative cosmic horror. Play doomed investigators probing occult mysteries and fragile sanity.

    View system: Call of Cthulhu

  • Daggerheart

    • High Fantasy +7
    • 2 – 6 players
    • Moderate rules

    Daggerheart is a high-fantasy RPG where every roll uses Hope and Fear d12s. Big heroics meet meaningful consequences in fast, story-first play.

    View system: Daggerheart

  • Vampire: The Masquerade

    • Vampire +7
    • 2 – 6 players
    • Moderate rules

    Vampire: The Masquerade is modern-night roleplay about hunger, power and secrecy. Think Interview with the Vampire, but you make the calls. Scheme, seduce and survive as a coterie while a professional Game Master brings a city of dark politics to life.

    View system: Vampire: The Masquerade

  • Cyberpunk

    • Cyberpunk +7
    • 2 – 6 players
    • Moderate rules

    Rule the neon sprawl with Cyberpunk RED, the near-future game of mercs, megacorps and hard choices from R. Talsorian Games. Fast, deadly action, slick tech and tense heists. If you know Cyberpunk 2077, you already feel the grit and style.

    View system: Cyberpunk

  • Lancer

    • Mecha +7
    • 2 – 5 players
    • Detailed rules

    Pilot a custom-built mech in high-stakes missions that blend sharp tactics with character drama. Lancer delivers crunchy battles and sweeping sci-fi about duty, politics, and hope. If you love Gundam, you will feel right at home.

    View system: Lancer

  • Starfinder

    • Space Opera +6
    • 2 – 6 players
    • Detailed rules

    Starfinder is Paizo’s science-fantasy of blaster fights, spell-slinging technomancers, and starship showdowns. Think Mass Effect with magic. Our Game Masters guide you through strange worlds, daring heists, and alien mysteries that reward teamwork and bold choices.

    View system: Starfinder

  • Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay

    • Dark Fantasy +7
    • 2 – 6 players
    • Detailed rules

    Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay plunges you into the Old World, a grim, disease-ridden land of cults, corruption and hard choices. Think The Witcher, but with black humor and worse odds. Gritty investigations, lethal fights and messy magic, guided by our Game Masters.

    View system: Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay

  • ALIEN: The Roleplaying Game

    • Survival Horror +7
    • 2 – 5 players
    • Moderate rules

    Stalk the dark between the stars with ALIEN: The Roleplaying Game, a cinematic survival horror experience. Stress fuels panic and hard choices as you fight to survive. If Ridley Scott's Alien hooked you, this delivers that same cold-sweat dread at the table.

    View system: ALIEN: The Roleplaying Game
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StoryForgers is on the hunt for passionate and creative Dungeon Masters to join our team.
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