Extra Life Chicago Gaming Convention
presented by MJ Holding

Extra Life Chicago Gaming Convention

Join Us for the 4th Annual Extra Life Chicago Gaming Convention
Sunday, February 22, 2026 | 11 am – 6 pm
Artifact Events | 4325 N Ravenswood Ave, Chicago, IL 60613

Registration

The Extra Life Chicago Gaming Convention (ELCGC) is a Chicago charity gaming convention, built to bring together players, creators, and fans for one impactful day of gaming for a cause. It’s where you can level up your fun while making a real difference for kids at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago.

From gaming tournaments to video games and Dungeons and Dragons, cosplay contests to live performances, ELCGC has something for every type of player. Choose your own adventure from the below:

Schedule of Events:

Video Game Tournaments with I Play Games!
Race, fight, and dunk it out in Mario Kart, Street Fighter, and NBA Jam with hosts Marris from 95.5 Rock FM and Leon Rogers from WCGI.
Board Game Adventures with Game Base 7
Explore a massive board game library and learn new favorites with expert guides on hand.

Cards, Classics, and Crowd Favorites

Trading Card Games for All Levels
Learn the Pokémon TCG with Pokémon Professors, dive into Disney Lorcana, or command the table in Magic: The Gathering Commander.
FreeN’ Fun Bingo
Games and prizes keep the excitement going all day long.

Create, Craft, and Get Creative

Miniature painting workshops
Friendship bracelet making
Live caricature drawings by Bright Light Events & Entertainment

Roll for Adventure

Dungeons & Dragons Sessions
Join professional Game Masters from Rough Magic Games for immersive tabletop adventures.
15-minute D&D Tarot Readings
A quick and magical twist on classic role-playing fun.

More to Explore

Artist alley featuring talented creators
Cosplay competition
Special guests, including a custom-to-scale BB-8 by Jake’s Robotics, the Windy City Ghostbusters, Leah Lux as Elsa and the 405th Midwest Regiment
Opportunities to meet Lurie Children’s patient champions and play alongside them throughout the day

Play With Purpose

Every ticket purchased is a direct donation to Lurie Children’s, supporting life-changing care for children and families. Attend for an hour or stay for the full day—every moment makes a difference.

Buy your tickets today

Your support matters. Every button mash, dice roll, and photo op helps raise funds for kids who need life-changing care.

Sponsorship Opportunities

When you sponsor ELCGC, you’re not just putting your logo on a banner, you’re joining forces with the Chicago gaming community to help kids get the care they need, when they need it most. Your brand will be front and center with an engaged, passionate audience while aligning with the world-class care of Lurie Children’s. Sponsors gain visibility, credibility, and the chance to be part of something truly game changing.

Please reach out to [email protected] to learn more

Raffle Prizes Available to Win at ELCGC

Dyson Vacuum
Shure MV7 Streaming Mic
Switch 2
Extra Life bundle: Extra Life Rug and Neon Light
Anda Seat Kaiser Pro Gaming Chair
Lego Set Bundle

and more! Add raffle tickets to your order when you buy your event ticket, or buy them on site.

Cosplay Competition

This is your moment to bring your favorite character to life. Our cosplay competition is judged by Lurie Children’s patients, making it one of the most heartfelt contests you’ll ever enter. Costumes must be family-friendly, and weapons of any kind (even foam or replica) are a no-go.

Sign up here to take part in the Cosplay Contest!

Performances & Entertainment

Our main stage is where gaming meets the spotlight. Past acts have included cosplay dance battles, Mortal Kombat martial arts demos, live chiptune performances, and DJs spinning game soundtrack remixes. If your talent can wow the crowd, we want to see it.

Email [email protected] to get on stage.

Thank you to our presenting sponsor

Learn more about MJ Holding

Thank you to our program sponsors

Learn more about I Play Games

Learn more about Bright Light Events & Entertainment

Any other skills or ways to make ELCGC engaging?

We want to hear from you! Please let us know if you have any talents, skills or strengths that you think would fit in at our convention. E-mail us at [email protected].

FAQ

Expand All

Where and when is the Extra Life Chicago Gaming Convention?

The 4th annual Extra Life Chicago Gaming Convention will be on Sunday, February 22, 2026 from 11 am – 6 pm at Artifact Events (4325 N Ravenswood Ave, Chicago, IL 60613).

How much does a ticket cost?

Attendee Prices

Individual [Adult] - $30
Individual [Child] - $20
Individual [Student] - $25
Under 3 – Free

Is Extra Life Chicago Gaming Convention a family-friendly event?

Yes, the Extra Life Chicago Gaming Convention is for all ages! There will be games accessible for everyone, from tabletop set-ups to video game streaming. Join in on a competition or play for fun with anyone and everyone who loves to game.

Do I have to be a gamer to attend ELCGC?

No! Participation in Extra Life looks different for everyone. Our community is made up of people from all walks of life, but we all share the mission of supporting the patients and families at Children's Miracle Network Hospitals.

Is my ticket refundable?

Tickets and/or badges ("Tickets") for the event ("Event") are non-refundable and non-transferable and cannot be reproduced or resold. The unauthorized resale or attempted resale of the Ticket is prohibited and will constitute a forfeiture of the Ticket without compensation. Each Ticket must be used by the same person (the "Attendee") for the Event. The Event's operating hours, schedules, vendors, and programming are subject to change or cancellation without notice. Each Ticket is a revocable license to attend the Event. All programming and performances are subject to availability and access is not guaranteed. Extra Life and Lurie Children's are not responsible for lost or stolen Tickets.

Can I leave ELCGC and come back in?

Yes, please ensure you have your badge for re-entry.

Can I bring outside food/drink?

ELCGC attendees will receive food and drink as part of their event admission. However, one re-fillable water bottle is also allowed per guest. Any food required for medical purposes, medically-indicated nutritional supplements, and special dietary needs can be brought into the event. Baby food/formula are also allowed! Outside alcoholic beverages are not permitted.

Can I wear a costume?

Yes! We will be having a Cosplay Competition, but even if you do not enter the contest, you are welcome to come to ELCGC in costume. Due to the family-friendly nature of the event, weapons are not permitted, including any toy/plastic/foam weapons.

Extra Life Chicago Gaming Convention presented by MJ Holding