Chicago Anime Hangouts

meetup for chicago anime hangouts! hope to have conversations about anime, and manga and more. just show up :D just note that this is the first event focused around volunteering, and helping people, so be prepared to learn more about the non-profit we're working with in addition to the socializing aspect, and getting a meal or dessert afterwards.

Nourishing Hope is an established Chicago food pantry, providing free food in a comfortable person-focused environment, with social and mental health services.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR SIGNING UP TO VOLUNTEER AT BOTTOM

description: come help us pack orders for Nourishing Hope's Online Market! Then we will load orders into the van for distribution. Volunteers are encouraged to wear comfortable clothing and closed toed shoes. Gloves provided at individual shifts.

schedule:
5:30: get trained to help load orders and pack for Nourishing Hope.
post-meetup: open to walk to Sabroso! Mexican Grill (624 N Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60622 - 8 minute walk away) to grab a light meal, or grab smoothies/dessert nearby.

we hope to see you there!

---INSTRUCTIONS---
Volunteering at Nourishing Hope (formerly Lakeview Pantry):
Register to be a volunteer: Form link

Already have a volunteer account? Login into your personal volunteer site (link here), click Volunteer Calendar, and enter the group code: 3315 under "I have a Group Code." Watch this helpful video!

How do you do, fellow gamers?

We’re not touching grass & instead going online onto our Discord server's #General VC chat for a relaxed night of video gamin', voice chattin', & general vibin'. We'll chill & play for awhile, probably talk about some events that are coming up, then collect recommendations for our next gaming event. We'll likely play for ~2 hours or more, so hop in even if you'll be late!

This Month's Game: Sonic Racing: Crossworlds
• We'll be playing Sonic Racing: Crossworlds again, a racing game (Who could've guessed) that allows you to play as Sonic and friends along with crossovers like Hatsune Miku, Joker Persona 5, Minecraft Steve, Spongebob Squarepants, and Ichiban Kasuga from Yakuza: Like a Dragon. This game can have up to 12 racers in a lobby and supports cross-platform play so you'll definitely be able to hop into the action with us.

Important:
• Join our Discord server here, we'll be in the #General VC chat.
• Have your Steam account name or friend code in-mind so that someone can friend you & add you to the game.
• Steam Friend Code URL: https://steamcommunity.com/my/friends/add

We'll try to be there at-least ~15 minutes early in a lobby area to talk before the movie starts.
Buy your tickets in advance: Fandango. Or Direct Link If This Works.
• Movie: All You Need Is Kill @ 8:00pm.
• Date: 01/16/2026 (Friday).
• Theater: AMC River East 21.

Hey folks, this is a casual meetup to watch All You Need Is Kill in theaters! We'll meetup at the theater, watch the film, then chat & might grab dinner afterwards. Whether you’re new to the group or a regular, this is a laid-back way to meet new people with similar interests!

About All You Need Is Kill:
• Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0YpXN40vIxM&pp=ygUUQWxsIFlvdSBOZWVkIElzIEtpbGw%3D
• Synopsis: All You Need Is Kill is a 2026 American science fiction action film starring Tom Cruise and Emily Blunt. Directed by Doug Liman and written by Christopher McQuarrie, Jez Butterworth and John-Henry Butterworth. The film takes place in a future where most of Europe is occupied by an alien race known as mimics. Major William Cage (Cruise), a public relations officer with no combat experience, is forced by his superiors to join a landing operation against the aliens, only to find himself experiencing a time loop as he tries to find a way to defeat the mimics. Bill Paxton and Brendan Gleeson appear in supporting roles.

About AMC River East 21:
• AMC Theatres offers a range of ways to enjoy your experience. From spacious rocking seats to luxury recliners, innovative menus & premium offerings like IMAX, Dolby Cinema, & Prime at AMC.
Post-Meetup: If we somehow lose you & you want to sync up with us after the event, DM us in our...
• Discord
• or this Meetup chat!

See ya there!

Disclaimer: This event will overlap with our "Volunteer w/ Greater Chicago Food Depository (Archer Heights)" event. Our dates/times for both events are already locked in. Apologizes to those who wish to attend both!

Anime Chicago Hangouts is having its 1st seasonal anime screening of 2026! This event has us watch several first episodes within the current anime season lineup to see what's good (& what's not).
• Seasonal Sampler List: We'll post a Google Sheets link (with a list of the shows we're watching) closer towards the sampler date once shows are out & we can review them first for quality.
• Disclaimer: We'll typically avoid sequel series in case folks haven't seen them before, plus avoid anything a bit too provocative based on the venue's request.
• Socials: Visit our website for a list of our meetup socials (like Discord).

About the Chicago Public Library of West Loop:
The screener will meet on the second floor of the Chicago Public Library in the West Loop (122 N Aberdeen St, Chicago, IL 60607).
• The West Loop library has been generous to provide us with this space, so we ask everyone to be respectful of the Chicago Public Library's Code of Conduct regarding behavior & speaking volume.
• The library has specified that light snacks remain allowed (i.e. bagels/donuts/munchkins/chips), but so long as this is not a full meal.
• Please try to update your RSVP within at least 12 hours before this event if you can't make it to be respectful towards any folks on the waitlist.

Schedule (Rough Estimate):
*this schedule is made with the assumption that shows are 20-25 minutes running & that we will not suffer from significant tech difficulties.
• 11:30am - 11:45am: Setup & Chill.
• 11:45am - 12:10pm: Show #1.
• 12:10pm - 12:35pm: Show #2.
• 12:35pm - 1:00pm: Show #3.
• 1:00pm - 1:15pm: Break #1.
• 1:15pm - 1:40pm: Show #4.
• 1:40pm - 2:05pm: Show #5.
• 2:05pm - 2:30pm: Show #6.
• 2:30pm - 2:45pm: Break #2.
• 2:45pm - 3:10pm: Show #7.
• 3:10pm - 3:35pm: Show #8.
• 3:35pm - 4:00pm: Show #9.
• 4:00pm ~ 4:15pm: Show #10.
• 4:15pm ~ 4:30pm: Wrap-Up (Closing).

Post Meet-Up:
There will be a 4:30pm meetup at Time Out Market Chicago (916 W Fulton Market, Chicago IL 60607) for those interested in hanging out afterwards! Look at our Meetup Page to find it!

Hope we see you there!