There used to be a time when saying “I like anime” would be followed by a “huh?” Now anime has become a mainstream term and more often than not, fans are stereotyped as those who lack social skills, personal hygiene practices and the ability to cope with mainstream culture itself. But many who enjoy Japanese animation and other geeky pursuits are socially intelligent people, these days often finding themselves lost among crowds of stereotypical otaku. AnimeChicago serves as a social calendar, news source, and organization listing for those Chicagoans who enjoy many friendships that started, but did not end, with the question: “So, what are you into?”

We’ve been participating anime community for several years now and have fallen into our own niches, many across town and in the ‘burbs. Despite this, we’ve managed to come together to produce articles and maintain the calendar for this website through the awesome power the Internet. Our sources are from insiders on the convention scene and club organizers themselves.