Chicago is where my family and I have strapped into some of our favorite VR outings, and every spot on this page is one we personally visited and reviewed. The range runs from a private headset room paired with axe throwing to room-scale free-roam battles and a Lego-themed VR race built for kids. These are our honest, first-hand takes on where to go and what it actually costs.
I’m the curator of this blog, simply a regular guy who thrives on seeking out virtual reality adventures across Chicago with my family. We’ve morphed our quests into an exciting venture, evaluating and commenting on the best VR spots we come across. Therefore, if you’re hunting for enthralling virtual reality experiences in the Chicago area, you’ve absolutely come to the right place!
Note, if you’re looking for other cities, click here!
Our table isn’t just a list; it’s our personal journey through the virtual landscapes, complete with names, locations, themes, and honest user ratings from yours truly and the fam. We detail everything from age suitability and costs to the pros and cons we’ve encountered, all to help you pick the perfect VR adventure!
Virtual Reality Near Chicago
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best VR in Chicago?
Our top pick is Axeclusive Axe Throwing & VR Lounge in Schiller Park, which earned a full 5 out of 5 from us. We booked a private VR room with an Oculus Quest and worked through archery, an alien shooter, and a family-friendly underwater game, all with hands-on help from the staff. Armaga VR in North Riverside came in close behind at 4.5, with jetpack flight, space racing, car racing, and VR roller coasters that felt genuinely immersive.
How much does VR cost in Chicago?
Prices depend on the format. At Axeclusive, a private VR room ran us $55, with axe throwing at $30 per person for an hour if you add it on. Accelerate Indoor Speedway in Mokena charges about $25 per person for VR access, with standard pricing of $20 for one 10-minute session or $35 for two back-to-back sessions, and Groupon deals often bring that down. Armaga VR sells hourly packages that we found gave a lot of play for the money.
Which Chicago VR spot is best for kids or a birthday party?
For younger kids, Legoland Discovery Center in Schaumburg is the easy call. Its Great Lego Race VR ride uses goggles and body sensors so kids steer a Lego race car by turning their bodies, and the venue also has 4D movies and build stations. Axeclusive worked well for our 11-year-old's first-ever VR session thanks to gentle, all-ages games. For a party with a competitive edge, Accelerate lets groups of up to six play together and pairs VR with go-karts and axe throwing.
Where can I do free-roam or multiplayer VR in Chicago?
Accelerate Indoor Speedway in Mokena is the one we tried for free-roam VR. It runs two wireless, room-scale multiplayer experiences: Reclaim!, a competitive PvP laser tag game, and Chaos Jump, a co-op mission where you fight robots on alien planets. The wireless Oculus Quest gear let us move freely around a spacious floor, and both games support head-to-head or team play for the family.
What are the age limits for VR in Chicago?
At Accelerate Indoor Speedway, the VR games have a minimum age of 5, likely due to the mild sci-fi action, and kids also need to meet the height requirement. Axeclusive was comfortable for our 11-year-old and offers games curated for all ages. Legoland Discovery Center is aimed at families with younger children, so it is a good fit when your kids are too young for the shooter-style experiences elsewhere.