Chicago Escape Rooms: 60-Minute Game Adventures in River North

Summary

River North escape games, five wild themes, team up & solve clues

You’ll jump right into your chosen escape room adventure in Chicago’s River North—solving puzzles as a team with help from your local game guide if you need it. Expect immersive themes like Prison Break or Mission: Mars, plenty of laughs (and maybe some frantic moments), plus easy access to great food nearby once you’ve cracked the code together.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the muffled laughter echoing down the hallway — you could tell some group was already deep into their game. We checked in at The Escape Game Chicago, right in River North, and our guide (I think her name was Jamie?) handed us a little mission card. She grinned and said, “Don’t overthink it,” which honestly made me more nervous. There’s this low buzz of anticipation in the air — people fiddling with locks, someone muttering about a clue, that kind of thing. You get swept up before you even start.

I picked “Prison Break” because my cousin swore it was the hardest one. Spoiler: she wasn’t kidding. The room felt weirdly real — cold metal bars, a scratchy blanket on the bunk (I touched it out of habit), and this faint smell of old paper from all the notes we had to decode. At one point I got stuck on a puzzle and blurted out something dumb; Jamie chimed in over the speaker with just enough of a hint to keep us moving. She never sounded bored or robotic — more like she’d done this a hundred times but still found it funny when we struggled with the obvious stuff.

The hour went by faster than I expected. There’s this wild moment when everyone’s shouting ideas and you’re racing against the clock — I don’t know if we’ve ever laughed so much while being so stressed out. Afterward, we hung around for photos (my hair was a mess) and swapped stories with another group who’d just finished “Mission: Mars.” They said theirs had flashing lights and space sounds — maybe next time? Walking back toward Michigan Ave, we ended up at Pizzeria Duo for deep dish because honestly, solving clues makes you hungry.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Escape room adventure in Chicago

• Arrive at Escape Game Chicago
• Meet your dedicated game guide
• Choose one of five escape games
• Work together to find clues
• Solve puzzles to complete mission
• Escape within 60 minutes

Top questions

How long does each Chicago escape room game last?

Each game is designed for 60 minutes of play time.

Are The Escape Game Chicago rooms suitable for kids?

Games are recommended for ages 13 and up; younger players can join but may find puzzles difficult.

Is The Escape Game Chicago wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the location is wheelchair accessible and service animals are allowed.

Can I leave the escape room if I feel uncomfortable?

Yes, every door has an exit button so you can leave at any time if needed.

Do I need to book all spots to play privately?

No, but unless you book all spots in your game, others may join your team.

Where is The Escape Game located in Chicago?

It’s in River North, just off Michigan Avenue near many restaurants and entertainment options.

What themes are available at The Escape Game Chicago?

You can choose from Prison Break, Special Ops: Mysterious Market, The Heist, Mission: Mars, or Legend of the Yeti.

Is public transportation available nearby?

Yes, there are public transportation options close to the location.

What’s included

Your experience includes admission for one adventure at The Escape Game Chicago—choose from five themed rooms—and guidance from a dedicated game host before and during your 60-minute mission. You’ll also have time after your game to debrief and take photos with your group before heading out to explore River North’s restaurants nearby.