Chicago Collect-A-Con 2025: The Ultimate Trading Card & Pop Culture Bash!

Get ready to unleash your inner collector at Chicago Collect-A-Con 2025, storming into the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center on October 11-12, 2025! This isn’t just a convention—it’s a high-octane, heart-pounding celebration of trading cards, retro gaming, anime, and pop culture that’ll leave you buzzing with excitement. Whether you’re a Pokémon card pro, a retro game nostalgist, an anime aficionado, or just chasing that perfect Funko POP!, Collect-A-Con 2025 is your ticket to a weekend of epic finds, fierce battles, and pure Chicago-style fandom fun.

What’s the Deal?

Brace yourself for two days of non-stop action across a massive 10,000+ square-foot playground packed with treasures and experiences! Here’s what’s waiting to level up your weekend:

🃏 Trading Card Mania

With over 1,000 vendor tables, Chicago Collect-A-Con is the Midwest’s ultimate trading card mecca! Hunt for rare Pokémon, Yu-Gi-Oh!, Magic: The Gathering, Dragon Ball Z, and Lorcana cards. From vintage holographic gems to the hottest new releases, you’ll find unbeatable deals and trades to make your collection legendary. Bring your binder, haggle like a pro, and maybe snag that one card you’ve been dreaming of!

🎮 Retro Gaming Rewind

Step back in time at the Retro Gaming Zone, where nostalgia reigns supreme! Score classic Nintendo, Sega, or PlayStation games, battle it out on vintage arcade cabinets, or test your skills on modern consoles with a retro twist. Whether you’re chasing a rare Game Boy cartridge or reliving your childhood with Mario and Sonic, this zone is a gamer’s paradise.

📚 Anime, Comics, & Collectible Chaos

Dive into a sea of anime and manga merch, from exclusive figures to rare manga volumes that’ll make any otaku’s heart skip a beat. Explore stacks of comics, from Marvel classics to indie gems, and hunt for Funko POP! figures, action figures, and unique collectibles that’ll elevate your shelf game. With vendors showcasing everything from Studio Ghibli swag to superhero statues, your collection is about to get a major upgrade.

🌟 Meet Your Faves

Get starstruck with celebrity guests and anime voice actors who bring your favorite characters to life! From autograph sessions to lively Q&A panels, you’ll hear behind-the-scenes stories and snap selfies with icons from gaming and anime. Expect a lineup that’ll have you geeking out, whether you’re a fan of classic Pokémon dubs or the latest anime hits.

⚔️ Tournaments & Live Action

Feel the thrill of live card tournaments, where top players battle it out in Pokémon, Yu-Gi-Oh!, and more for epic prizes and ultimate bragging rights. Watch heart-pounding live card breaks, where collectors tear open packs chasing ultra-rare pulls, or join the crowd for cosplay showcases and live performances that keep the energy sky-high. It’s a spectacle you won’t want to miss!

🛍️ Vendor Wonderland & Exclusive Swag

With hundreds of exhibitors, you’ll discover a treasure trove of unique finds, from custom card sleeves to convention-exclusive merch. Grab limited-edition Collect-A-Con goodies, rare prints, or that one-of-a-kind collectible that screams you. Pro tip: Bring a big bag, because you’ll want to take home a haul!

Why You Can’t Miss Collect-A-Con 2025

Chicago Collect-A-Con 2025 is more than an event—it’s a vibrant community where collectors, gamers, and pop culture fans come together to celebrate what they love. With over 12,000 attendees, a buzzing vendor floor, and the electric energy of Chicago’s fandom scene, this is your chance to dive into a world of trading, gaming, and collecting. Whether you’re building the ultimate deck, hunting for retro treasures, or just soaking in the vibes, Collect-A-Con delivers a weekend of memories that’ll last a lifetime.

📅 When: October 11-12, 2025
📍 Where: Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, 5555 N River Rd, Rosemont, IL
🕒 Hours: Saturday 10 AM–6 PM, Sunday 10 AM–5 PM
🎫 Tickets: Grab your passes early to join the Midwest’s biggest trading card and pop culture party!

Pack your trade binder, rally your crew, and get ready for a weekend of epic deals, nostalgic vibes, and pure pop culture joy. Chicago Collect-A-Con 2025 is calling—will you answer the challenge?