Top 5 Indie Wrestling Venues in The Chicagoland Area
We got the idea to write this blog after we saw some slander about the Berwyn Eagles club floating around Twitter. Now we know that it’s no Taj Mahal, but there are things that make the Eagles Club and every venue in the Chicagoland area special in their own way. So, we decided to rank our top 5 favorite venues in the Chicago indie wrestling scene. Now, please allow us to explain the scoring system (nobody will read this part but we are going to do it anyways)
Venues will be graded on a 1–10 scale in three categories…
- Location - is the venue conveniently located for majority of patrons? Easy accessibility for both city and suburb people? Nearby parking? Public transportation? Etc, etc.
- Bar/Drinks - What’s available and is it affordable? Is the bar located in a place that’s easily crowded or is this never a problem?
- Atmosphere — What are you taking in with your five senses while the show is going on? How is the usual crowd at this venue? Gen Z would call this a venue “vibe check”.
We will take the averages of the three scores for a final venue score. We will round up all final venue scores.
They may be shitholes, but they are our shitholes and they are the setting for a lot of great wrestling memories to come.
Venues Considered, But That Did Not Make The List
There are many venues that have housed indie wrestling magic over the years, not all were worthy of making the top 5 list for various reasons. For example, maybe their venue score was just too low so they didn’t crack the top five, or perhaps the venue is temporarily retired or not being used anymore for that purpose. Here’s a list that didn’t make the cut for various reasons.
- American Legion Post 974 in Franklin Park
- Thornton Distillery
- Marion Catholic Field/Gym
- Thunderbolts Stadium
- Thalia Hall (It felt unfair to include this since it’s a venue made to host large scale events)
- Cicero Stadium (It felt unfair to include this since it’s a venue made to host large scale events)
- The Forge in Joliet, IL
- Joe’s on Weed St
#5 — The Five Star Swap Mart (Villa Park, IL)
This venue’s review and scoring was written by Cris Romero.
This versatile establishment has been home to Galli Lucha Libre and other promotions for years and is a staple in the indie wrestling community. Need something to do on a Sunday with the family? Look no further! This venue is GPA’s personal favorite.
Location — 7.8 — Villa park has no public transportation nearby, but an easy drive in with ample parking. If it’s your first time, you might have to ask for some directions once you enter the Swap Mart but you can also use your wrestling senses and follow the sounds of bumps and noise makers.
Bar/Drinks — 7 — You can get your hands on beverages for the most part (sodas, beer, and even agua frescas). It is cash only but it gives you that atmosphere of lucha libre, You can enjoy Mexican treats such as elotes, sliced fruit with chile, flaming hots with Cheetos, tacos and if you are lucky you might even get to try the famous Galli dogs.
Atmosphere — 8.4 — If you are looking for “family friendly”, crowd involvement, lucha libre atmosphere, this is the place to be. If you are sensitive to loud noises bring your noise blocking headphones because the crowd gets loud! There are drums, Mexican noise makers, air horns, vuvuzelas and many fans whistling in a very unique Mexican style.
Average Venue Score = 7.7
#4— 115 Bourbon Street
115 Bourbon Street in Merrionette Park, IL may not be an option for AAW anymore, but we have a soft spot for it so we ranked it at number 4. This place is actually massive and feels like 4–5 bars all rolled into one. But where the wrestling took place made for some really good bar fights and memorable balcony dives. This place is definitely gritty in it’s own way, but the vibe matched the style of brawlers like Sami Callihan, Eddie Kingston and Brody King.
Location Rating — 6.8 — With no easy way to get down there without a car, Bourbon Street takes a hit in this department. Also, parking was/is always a hassle because it’s a restaurant and has other bar areas and there’s a valet that makes thing’s more complicated.
Bar /Drinks— 9— Full bar, can’t really complain.
Atmosphere — 7.5 — Nothing too special, but the crowd that came for these shows would always enhance the matches and cheer for their favorites.
Average Venue Score = 7.8
#3–Emporium (Logan Square)
It’s wrestling in an arcade. Should we even say more? Cris and I already enjoy arcades. There’s nothing like that sweet bump of nostalgia when you see a MK3 Ultimate arcade machine only to play it and realize you know one how to perform move in total, but the uppercut strategy still works for a bit. This is a vibrant, colorful, and flat out enjoyable experience.
Location — 7.5 — Lack of parking hurts a bit, but it’s right near a blue line stop and there’s plenty to do afterwards! If you’re driving in from a suburb you might hate your life on the drive in, wonder if there are any SpotHero’s nearby?
Bar/Drinks — 9.2 — Full bar, an extra 0.2 for for tasty beers and better beer selection than most places.
Atmosphere — 7.8 — A bit torn on this, the atmosphere is intimate and the crowd being able to bang on the ring is a thrill. The TVs help, but it gets crowded in there which can be overwhelming.
Average Venue Score = 8.2
#2–The Logan Square Auditorium (LSA)
Now some of you might be disappointed this venue has landed at #2 and I can see why. At times, this venue feels like it was made for indie wrestling. Apparently, they also hold weddings here and I went to Star Wars burlesque at this venue and the seating felt a bit awkward but I digress. I’ve taken upwards of 15 people to this venue who have never seen an indie show before and they loved every second of it. Now I know the promotion and wrestlers make the show, but the venue certainly helps create an experience for someone that’s just looking to kickback, relax and have a good time. When you first enter the venue, it feels very mysterious, “how is this place above Lulu Cafe an actual venue?” said one of my co-workers, well get ready to learn graps Andy the co-worker.
Location — 7.8 — Much like Emporium, there’s a lack of parking but it’s right near the L. Likely not convenient for suburb people, but there’s endless options of places to go to after including many Mexican food spots nearby.
Bar/Drinks — 7.2 — Waaaay to damn expensive, this likely costed the venue the #1 spot. A modelo should not be $10!
Atmosphere — 9.8 — Bright lights, lots of room, big stage, secret hideout vibes, men’s bathroom is a bit cramped, the local crowd loves to have a good time though.
Average Venue Score = 8.3
#1–The Berwyn Eagles Club
Once the LSA landed at #2, you and I both knew what had to be the top dog. Everything about this place screams indie wrestling, from the wood panel walls to the piss soaked bathrooms, to the REASONABLY PRICED MODELOS. When this place was created, it didn’t know that it had indie wrestling in it’s future, but when you look at it, this is what indie wrestling is all about. It’s about grinding out matches in places like this for the love of the sport, or for that ounce of hope that one day you’ll make it to the big time. It’s old school street sign and matching vibe is what makes it great, but I heard it got new floors? Haven’t been able to see those so they won’t be considered.
Location — 8 — Parking is just ok, good in between location for city and suburbs folk, there is a Metra train. Not a ton of great bar options after.
Bar/Drinks — 8.3 — Beers, candy, chips, I believe they serve tacos in the back sometimes. No complaints.
Atmosphere — 9.6 — Dock a few points for the piss soaked bathrooms but that’s not a complaint either, screams indie wrestling in here, intimacy acts as a strength, vintage in all the right spots.
Average Venue Score = 8.6
How did we do? Where did we go wrong? Tweet us @2heelsandaface
