WhirlyBall Chicago

Where Bumper Cars Meet the Big Leagues

WhirlyBall Chicago is home to a one-of-a-kind sport that blends the thrill of bumper cars with the strategy of lacrosse, basketball, and hockey. Players climb into electric "WhirlyBugs" and use handheld scoops to pass a whiffle ball and score points by launching it into an elevated goal. It is fast, competitive, and surprisingly easy to pick up — no prior sports experience needed. The venue features three WhirlyBall courts, so multiple groups can play at once, and each court session includes a brief rules and safety overview before the action begins. Beyond the signature game, the club offers a multi-level laser tag arena where players can engage in six-minute rounds of tactical combat across two floors of obstacles and hiding spots. For those who prefer a classic pastime, there are twelve lanes of bowling with automatic scoring and bumpers available for younger players. Pop-up games like ping pong, giant Jenga, cornhole, and giant Connect Four round out the activity roster, ensuring there is something for every kind of guest.

Arena Design That Keeps You on Your Toes

The WhirlyBall courts themselves are spacious, walled-in areas with smooth flooring designed for the WhirlyBugs to glide and spin. Goals hang ten feet high at each end, and the low-speed bumper cars (capped at 4 mph) keep the game safe while still allowing for plenty of bumping and blocking. The laser tag arena is a multi-level maze of ramps, barriers, and dark corridors, creating an immersive environment for tactical gameplay. The bowling alley features a modern, neon-lit aesthetic with lounge seating and overhead screens showing scores and sports. The entire 50,000-square-foot facility has an industrial-chic feel, with exposed brick, polished concrete floors, and warm lighting. The design was influenced by Michelin Star restaurant aesthetics, giving the space a polished yet relaxed vibe. An outdoor terrace on the second level offers views of the Chicago skyline and is equipped with fire pits and couches, making it a welcoming spot to unwind between games.

More Than Just a Game Night

WhirlyBall Chicago is a natural fit for corporate team-building events, birthday parties, bachelor and bachelorette celebrations, bar and bat mitzvahs, wedding receptions, and holiday parties. The venue can accommodate groups from 10 to 500 guests, with private event spaces available on both floors. The upstairs function room can host up to 230 guests standing or 190 seated, and includes its own private bar, terrace access, and full audio-visual capabilities for presentations or speeches. Popular event packages often combine multiple activities — a group might start with an hour of WhirlyBall, move to bowling, and finish with laser tag, all while enjoying catering from the in-house kitchen. The venue's event coordinators work with hosts to customize the flow of the evening, from buffet-style dinners to cocktail receptions with passed appetizers. For corporate clients, all-day team-building packages are available that include breakfast, lunch, breakout snacks, and two hours of activity time.

Fuel Up and Wind Down

The on-site restaurant and bar is a destination in its own right. The menu features fresh takes on classic American fare — think burgers, wings, street tacos, flatbreads, and salads — alongside a rotating selection of over 30 craft beer taps and signature cocktails. The kitchen uses quality ingredients and offers vegetarian-friendly options. Guests can order food and drinks directly at their bowling lane or in the lounge areas, with waitstaff circulating to keep glasses full. After the games are over, the outdoor terrace becomes a gathering place for groups to relax by the fire pits, take in the skyline, and recap the evening's highlights. The upstairs VIP bar and lounge offers a more intimate setting for smaller groups, with shuffleboard and additional seating. The venue also has a dedicated party space for kids' birthdays, complete with private tables and a dedicated host.

A Team That Knows How to Throw a Party

The staff at WhirlyBall Chicago includes dedicated referees for the WhirlyBall courts, game marshals for laser tag, and experienced servers who handle groups of all sizes. Many reviews highlight the attentiveness and energy of the team, from the front desk to the game officials. The venue employs personal event managers who work with clients from the initial booking through the day of the event, handling setup, scheduling, and any special requests. The management team has been noted by regulars for going above and beyond — one recent review mentioned a manager who even joined a young guest for a game of ping pong to make the experience more memorable. While some past reviews have noted inconsistencies in service during very busy periods, the overall sentiment from recent visitors is that the staff is friendly, professional, and committed to making sure everyone has a good time.

Built for Celebrations of Every Kind

WhirlyBall Chicago is particularly well-suited for milestone events. Birthday parties for kids and adults alike are a staple, with packages that include game time, food, and dedicated party space. Corporate groups use the venue for team-building exercises, holiday parties, and client appreciation events, taking advantage of the all-day meeting packages that combine conference facilities with recreational activities. The venue has also hosted weddings — the upstairs space transforms into a reception hall with room for a dance floor, while guests can play WhirlyBall during the cocktail hour and bowl or play laser tag after dinner. The facility is fully ADA compliant, with wheelchair-accessible entrances and spaces. Free on-site parking is available, which is a notable perk in Chicago. The venue is also a short walk from the Clybourn Metra station and has easy access from the Kennedy Expressway, making it convenient for guests coming from both the city and the suburbs.