Fox Paintball Field

Fox Paintball Field is located along the Fox River in Newark Township, Illinois, just outside the small town of Millington and about 60 miles southwest of downtown Chicago.

A Living Piece of Paintball History

Fox Paintball has been welcoming players since 1990, but the land itself has been a paintball field since 1984 — it was one of the original sites for the National Survival Game brand, the company that launched the entire sport back in 1982. The field is still owned and operated by Tim Glavin, a founding owner who has been part of the game from the very beginning. Walking onto the property, you can feel the history beneath the trees and bunkers. The field sits on roughly 60 acres of forest terrain along the Fox River. The natural landscape offers thick vegetation, large trees, creeks, ditches, and gentle hills that create an authentic woodsball experience. Over the decades, countless players have ducked behind these same trees and crawled through these same ravines, making it a place where paintball tradition runs deep.

Woods, Wrecks, and Tournament-Grade Turf

The playing areas at Fox Paintball are split into several distinct zones, each with its own character. The woodsball fields make the most of the natural terrain — think tall grass, forest cover, and uneven ground that rewards stealth and smart movement. On top of that, the staff has built up scenario-style fields using old cars, boats, giant tires, shipping containers, barrels, sewer pipes, and trenches. These props turn the forest into a living battlefield where every corner tells a different story. What really sets Fox apart is the regulation Xball / Airball field they maintain during the warmer months. This is a professional-grade tournament field with inflatable bunkers, just like the ones used in national paintball leagues. It is the only field in the Chicago area that offers this kind of setup to the general public and private parties, not just tournament teams. Whether you are a first-timer or a seasoned veteran, you can step onto the same kind of turf the pros play on.

Scenarios, Storylines, and Saturday Showdowns

Fox Paintball runs a variety of game formats throughout the season. Walk-on days feature classic modes like capture the flag, team deathmatch, and domination, but the field is also known for its themed scenario games. Past events have included a James Bond-themed "Spectre vs. M16" scenario that had players fully immersed in a spy-versus-spy narrative. The staff keeps things fresh by rotating objectives and mixing up team compositions. For those who prefer a different kind of action, Fox also hosts airsoft open plays on select Saturdays throughout the year, run in partnership with the Mag Monkeys group. These events feature game types like team deathmatch, capture the flag, and domination, and rental rifles and SMGs are available. It is a welcoming community that brings together airsoft enthusiasts from across the region.

A Tailgate-Style Experience with Room to Relax

Fox Paintball calls itself a "tailgate facility," and that is exactly what it feels like. Guests are encouraged to bring their own coolers, food, and even grills to cook out during the day. There are picnic tables scattered around the property where players and spectators can sit back, eat, and recharge between matches. The only thing not allowed is alcohol — everything else is fair game. There is also a full retail store on-site that carries all the major paintball brands: Dye, Planet Eclipse, Tippmann, Empire, Virtue, and many more. Whether you need a new marker, a replacement mask, or just some extra pods and paint, the shop has you covered. The staff can also service and repair markers, fill HPA and CO2 tanks, and even handle hydrotesting for cylinders.

Built for Birthdays, Corporate Days, and Everything in Between

Fox Paintball is a natural fit for private events of all kinds. Birthday parties, corporate team-building outings, youth group gatherings, bachelor parties, and family reunions all find a home here. Private groups get their own dedicated staff member and exclusive use of the fields for either a half-day (4 hours) or a full-day (8 hours) session. For younger players or those who want a gentler introduction to the sport, Fox offers Paintball Lite — low-impact games that use smaller paintballs with less energy. It is a great way for kids and beginners to enjoy the thrill of paintball without the sting. The field also offers discounted rates for first responders and youth groups, making it accessible to a wider community. The staff at Fox Paintball is a diverse group of outdoor enthusiasts who genuinely enjoy what they do. Many reviews highlight the friendly, helpful attitude of the crew, especially when it comes to guiding first-time players through the experience. The owner, Tim Glavin, has been known to personally reach out to guests who had a less-than-perfect visit to make things right — a sign of a place that truly cares about its community.