Join us at 8+ events, every month!
Whether you’d like to discover new anime titles, debate subs vs dubs, or meet new people — we’ve got an event for you.
Get smarter with us!
Low-key presentations exploring Japanese pop culture at local venues.
Spotlight Series
Every 1-2 months
We host casual talks exploring Japanese pop culture, historical influences, and personal experiences of how anime defines our identities and our communities.
Convention Panels
Based on convention schedules
Our team has hosted dozens of panels on anime, manga, and Japanese pop culture as both guests and applicants of large-scale conventions. It’s the best way to get the word out!
Festival Booths
Based on festival schedules
Local festivals allow us to educate folks through one-on-one discussion. We also bring our Anime Advice Bot to help folks discover their new anime obsession.
See our past Talks…
AnimeChicago at ACen 2022!
Learn how your skills pay bills at “AMA: Passion to Profession”
Our Digital Future is Now – Recapping AnimeChicago’s First Online Symposium
Our Panels at Anime Central 2018
Discussion Groups
Small group meetups (4–14 attendees) hosted by a moderator guiding the conversation so everyone is heard and you can participate at your own pace. Please enjoy the selected topic beforehand; we don’t watch or read during the event.
We discuss all types of works, reflecting on production history, cultural relevance, and acclaim. What can Ghost in the Shell teach us about Japan’s political climate? Does Ping Pong’s style help or hinder the story? These are just some of the questions we try to answer.
Anime Discussion
Third Thursdays at 7pm. No experience required.
Anime Circle watches a chosen Topic solo, then examines it from various angles in an open and inclusive environment. You will leave with a deeper understanding and appreciation of anime.
Manga Discussion
Second Sundays at 2pm. No experience required.
Manga Circle guides you through the unbelievably vast world of Japanese comics. Attendees read the Topic beforehand and discuss the art, story, and motivation behind the work together.
Art Initiatives
Anime and manga is a visual medium! We celebrate the artistry and craft that goes into is production, and encourage fledgling artists to learn more through fan labor and analysis.
Art Circle
Every Wednesday at 7pm. All skill levels welcome.
This weekly hangout is for artists of all skill levels and avid learners to meet, discuss, and draw together. We’re mostly beginners improving our craft, discussing art and anime, and sharing feedback. We focus on anime and anime-inspired works of any medium but completely open to anything you’re willing to share.
Art Anthology
On hiatus after 4 volumes
We announce a new theme and publish a digital gallery of member-created artwork. We accept any medium – drawings, renderings, writings, multimedia, and even photo representations of hands-on work.
Museum Outings
Whenever there’s interest
Should a local museum showcase work related to Japanese pop culture, we’ll organize an outing for it!
Social Meetups
Hang with fellow anime fans! We host meetups, movie outings, parties, and much more.
Social Outings
Whenever there’s interest
Our meetups offer fans a place to simply hang out, meet others, and discuss all things Japan. It’s a fantastic opportunity to introduce yourself, meet the team, and chat with members. You’ll likely walk away with one new anime recommendation by the end of the event!
Outings, Movies, Dining, Festivals!
Whenever there’s interest
We attend anime screenings in theaters, performances, dining experiences, and culturally-significant festivals, art shows, concerts featuring Japanese guests, and other events related to Japanese pop culture. AnimeChicagoans always have a buddy to hang with.
Convention Gatherings
Based on convention schedules
Conventions are better with AnimeChicago members! Join us for meetups at Anime Central, C2E2, and other regional shows throughout the year. Members are invited to attend our panels, at-con meetups, and other collaborations we’re involved with over the weekend. We can also publicize your panel if you want! Join us on Discord for real-time updates and plans during convention outings.
Anime Curation
Our team has over 80 years of anime knowledge combined. It’s challenging to unearth the good stuff across six decades of Japanese animation and comics. Let us help!
Anime Samplers
Third Saturday of Every Quarter at 2pm
Join AnimeChicago as we watch first episodes of the upcoming anime season! We curate and introduce the lineup, and you leave a few anime titles to follow. This event is suitable for both new and regular members with any level of anime knowledge or experience. The hope is that you leave with at least one new anime to watch.
Anime Showcases
Random Thursdays at 7pm online
Watch some undiscovered or forgotten gems with us on our Discord server! Happens every Tuesday evening.
Anime Advice Bot
An online tool we developed
Our “Choose Your Own Adventure” bot is a hit. Answer a few questions to get an anime selection curated for your tastes!
Online Guides
Published by our Members
We occasionally publish roundups, reviews, and other content here on this website.
Signal Boosts
Send your request today!
We collaborate with many local organizations, and help promote the great things they’re doing. We offer: Promotion to our Community, Publishing articles and interviews, Collaborations and Sponsorships.
Common Questions
Is AnimeChicago a convention?
No, we organize local meetups. Sometimes we’ll host an academic talk. But we love attending, promoting, and hosting panels and meetups at our favorite local conventions!
Who can join? Are guests or kids allowed?
Members must be 21 years or older. Our membership ranges through 20s, 30s, and 40s.
Our content and activities aren’t suitable for minors, and we often discuss mature topics and gather at bars. Meetup.com does not allow minors on their platform, and we do not offer programs for kids or teens.
Your guests are welcome to attend any of our Meetups that allow you to add guests. Other events have limited seating, so please do not bring guests. Invite them to sign up for a free membership at Meetup.com to guarantee a seat for them.
What are your events like?
These are small-group meetups hosted by a moderator who guides the conversation along and ensures everyone has an opportunity to speak. There’s usually a selected Topic and some prepared questions, but the conversation is ultimately up to you, the attendee. We try to keep the conversation to one speaker at a time to make sure everyone is heard. Please enjoy the selected Topic beforehand – we don’t watch or read anything during the event due to time constraints.
Where do you typically meet?
All of our Circles meet online at our Discord server – member access only.
Circles were typically held at cafes and bars, sometimes at meeting spaces, and sometimes online. We usually select venues with small, intimate spaces, like separate rooms at cafes and bars, to enhance the atmosphere. While there might be a bit of background noise, we try to keep the discussions as private as we can. Please be respectful of our venues and other patrons.
Our preferred venues are within Chicago’s city limits, mostly in the Lakeview or Bucktown area. We select relaxed and budget-friendly venues with CTA access, ample parking, and pedestrian-friendly streets. We generally switch between well-known establishments and newly-opened shops. Some events are hosted at private co-working spaces, while others happen at restaurants, bars, and cafes where things are more organic.
We frequently meet at venues that serve alcohol. We balance that out with events at cafes and libraries to the best of our ability.
How do I prepare for an event?
- Read the event description!
- You may need to watch or read a title before meeting.
- Bring cash to cover entry, meals, or other needs.
- Prepare to socialize.
- Update your RSVP!
What are your Policies regarding RSVPs, No Shows, and Community Behavior?
Please update your RSVP as soon as possible if you cannot attend an event. Having an exact headcount makes it select the right location and reserve the right number of seats. We have a “Three Strikes” policy to prevent vacant seats at our events.
What’s your Covid policy?
We moved most of our discussion meetups to Discord which is accessible to Members only. If you do attend one of our events in person, we invite you to mask to your comfort level. Any attendees visibly unwell will be asked to leave for the safety of the group.
How often do you watch anime?
We watch anime every three months at Anime Samplers and occasional movie outings. The rest of our events are focused on discussion and socializing with members.
How do you select Topics?
- Discussion-worthy: We select material that could win (or already have won) Crunchyroll’s Anime of the Year Award or an Eisner. Sometimes, we’ll dig up some critically-acclaimed oldie that folks might have missed. Occasionally, we’ll discuss a well-received fan-favorite. All the time, we look for material that keeps the conversation lively for a few hours.
- Approachable: Most of our selections are shorter in nature so that more people have the opportunity to enjoy it and be involved. Long-running series are not available due to the length of the time it takes to enjoy – but self-contained arcs or spinoffs of a longer work are allowed.
- Accessible: We can’t really discuss something hard to find or too expensive to enjoy.
- Got a topic you’d love to talk about?
Let us know! With all the great content out there to discuss, we very rarely revisit a previously discussed work. But we’ll consider any suggestion.
Will you speak at my event?
We’re flattered! AnimeChicago is on a mission to educate Chicagoans on all things Japanese Pop Culture. Please contact us with details on your opportunity.