CHICAGO – Sure, Memorial Day Weekend in Chicago has become so entwined with International Mr. Leather Weekend & Shibaricon that I have taken to calling it “Leather & Rope Weekend” instead, but even with everyone flocking to the Second City for Leather & Rope Weekend does that mean there are not other things to do?
Let me answer that question with a, “Are You Kidding Me?”. Chicago is full of all kinds of Kink events Wednesday the 21st through Sunday the 25th that are not part of the official IML or Shibaricon schedule. What I would like to do with this article is share with you these lesser known goings on that you can attend while in Chicago. So, sit back and let me take you on a ride through what is destined to be a very event filled few days for anyone in Chicago over Leather & Rope Weekend.
(The following descriptions are taken directly from the event pages for each event.)
Wednesday May 21
- Best of Chicago Welcome Party: Mr. Chicago Leather 2014 and BLUF member Miguel will host the best of Chicago welcome party and will want your support as we welcome all the IML contestants and other guests to town. 10pm. at Touchechicago.com, 6412 N. Clark Street. You can RSVP this event on Fetlife at this LINK.
Thursday May 22
- May Kinky Diners in Chicagoland: Come hang out with old friends, new friends, those in town for the weekend conventions, and anyone who wants to enjoy some good Americana food and drinks in the heart of this great, new entertainment area in Rosemont while in the company of Chicagoland Kinksters. Join us to rekindle Kinky Diners in Chicagoland by kicking off Memorial Day weekend a little early. Kings is focused on rekindling the fun and escape of bowling by creating a memorable entertainment experience, emphasizing good food, cold beer, creative cocktails and great music! Each Kings location features upscale, retro-inspired décor and executive-chef designed menus brought to life by our “best-in-industry” service.” See the website for directions, menu, and bowling prices. Parking garage tip… Park in the MB Park Entertainment district, near 2H-2J The elevators/stairs go directly into the restaurant area, and Kings is directly on your right. Thursday night promotions: Vets bowl free after 7pm; Ladies bowl free after 9pm. $5 Martinis and $4 glasses of champagne. This is a VANILLA venue. Appropriate dress and behaviors around employees and other patrons required. Although the area is very use to the different conventions that come into town, we still need to be respectful of others. We will be in the general bar area, just right of the entrance and host stand. If you want to bowl after, please reserve a lane shortly after you arrive so that one will be available. Ask for the “ ‘K’ Dining Group” at the hostess stand. I know it might be a busy weekend for some of you but I’m looking forward for all who can attend. You can RSVP this event on Fetlife at the following LINK.
- Signalfire May Ignition: Are you interested in sexuality, gender, kink or nontraditional relationships? How about art or education? Come mingle and hang with sex-positive educators, performers and people just like you at Ignition. What’s Ignition? An entire restaurant full of people looking to have fun with each other in a safe, collaborative environment. Depending on the week, you’ll also find special guests: artists, groups, local sex-positive businesses and vendors, performers, and more (suggestions and applications welcome!) It’s really important to us that Ignition is a safe and fun place for everyone who attends. Before attending a Signalfire Chicago event, we recommend that you take the time to review our Social Guidelines and Anti-Harassment Policy HERE. We’ve negotiated a number of food and drink specials for you guys! Here are some of our faves: $2 Coors Lite drafts, $4 Strongbow bottles, $4 Fat Tire drafts, $3 tall frozen strawberry lemonades (non-alcoholic), $8 quesadillas. Please support our fantastic venue. Signalfire May Ignition takes place at Melloy Yellow on 1508 E. 53rd St. You can RSVP on Fetlife at this LINK.
- Bondage-A-Go-Go: Come step into our lair and get tied to our fence of submission, where you will feel sensations through whipping, paddling, electrical stimulation, humiliation, sensory deprivation, and wax play. Your Mistresses will be dishing out various degrees of intensity, which will keep you guessing on what they will do to you next. If your feeling brave ask to have a taste of The Oar of Pain, survive and be able to sign your name on the paddle! Dress in your favorite fetish fashions: Latex / Leather / Lace / Lycra / Zentai / Furry / Cosplay / Crossdress (Dress code is not enforced) Cash Tips are encouraged for play with the Mistress. Frenchie will be serving up the booze, while DJ Mike Spatula plays all of your favorite industrial beats and rock jams. This Event is 21+ w/ ID @ the door. NO COVER – 11 PM to 4 AM – 2’ND FLOOR. Cash and Credit are accepted at the bar. Join us at Exit 1315 West North Ave, Chicago, Illinois 60642-1513. You can RSVP this event on either Fetlife or Facebook.
Friday May 23
- Old Skool Play Party: Get back to our roots with a good ,ole’fashioned BDSM play party at The Studio. No fancy themes, no games, no show and tell (unless you choose too!) Just some good ,normal 🙂 BDSM fun. Come play and socialize with other community members in the Midwest’s premiere private space, The Studio. Fully equipped for multiple players. Open to all genders and affiliations. Toy bags are encouraged as smaller equipment will not available. Main rule of the event: Be respectful of other attendees and the space. Light snacks and soda/water will be available. Parking is easy in the CTA lot next to and behind the building, but please remember you are in Chicago so don’t leave things in car. RSVP must be sent to chicagomistress@gmail.com ONLY. No calls, no texts, no carrier pigeons or I told a friend. Party information will be sent bulk on the Wednesday before -meaning 2 days! Price is only $10 a person. You can view the event page on Fetlife at this LINK.
- Forsaken: This is the 9th year Jackhammer has hosted Forsaken and were going hard and heavy kinkmen, kink, rickysinzxxxlive, true family unit, present the hottest dance and play party during Memorial Day weekend. We have the hottest dancers and adult film star’s on the bars and stages, the hottest line up of dj’s and producer’s banging the box, and chicago’s hottest play party in the hole. Grab your gear, grab a friend, come on in and grab some dirty fun. $10 cover from 11pm – 4am at Jackhammer 6408 n clark chicago il. You can RSVP this event on Fetlife at the following LINK.
Saturday May 24
- IML Breakfast 2014: Beginning in 1998 some from the Leather/Kink Community met for breakfast before heading downtown to shop, and it has become an IML tradition! A great way to meet new people, see old friends, and maybe find a play partner for the evening’s activities! All are welcome to join us for good food, friends and laughter! Join your leather friends between 9 AM and noon May 24th for a FABULOUS breakfast buffet (under $20/person)!! This is a new location for our annual breakfast. The Fireside Restaurant is opening 2 hours early just for us! 5739 N Ravenswood Chicago, IL 60660 773-561-7433. You can RSVP for this event on Fetlife at this LINK.
- IML Cigar Smoker: Blue Havana’s 7th annual cigar event and this year Co-sponsored by BLUF Chicago, join us in two smoking lounges for snacks, drinks, and discounts on select cigars, humidors, accessories and more. Wear what you want to the party (leather uniforms, motorcycle biker, other fetish wear, T-shirt and jeans) just make sure it is G rated. The Alley Store is also having a big sale on select leather jackets, accessories and clothing all weekend! 2pm – 6pm at Blue Havana, 856 W. Belmont Ave. You can RSVP this event on Fetlife at the following LINK.
- Queer & Kinky Social: The Queer & Kinky Social is part open house, part meet & greet. As an open house it’s an opportunity to see Galleria Domain 2 in a no pressure, no play setting. Come check out our scene rooms and equipment and find out all you want to know about GD2. For mixing and mingling, we provide an exceptional, comfortable environment for socializing, whether you are completely new and curious, already adventurous, or have years of experience. You’ll also have an opportunity to ask questions about membership or sign up for a membership. Saturday, May 24, 2014 6:30 p.m. – 7:45 p.m. Galleria Domain Two (GD2) Chicago, Illinois. www.galleriadomain.org. RSVP preferred but not required. 18+ w/ID.
- Saturday Night Safe House Party: Safe House Exhibitions 2200 W. 19th Street Chicago. Our place is in the Pilsen neighborhood of Chicago. It’s like a bar but porn is playing on the big screen TV, and wild TGirls and Domme women are circulating about. You never know who will come through the door….another wild TGirl? A swinger couple? Somebody in leather? As the evening goes by people gravitate more towards the playrooms in back. One is semi private and one totally private. You can watch what goes on in the semi private playspace because people who play there want to be watched, or you can play yourself. Or you can just enjoy that atmosphere and have a drink. Colleen Stewart can show you around and help you find what you are looking for. You can play in the back playrooms yourself. Also, we are giving away 2 free drinks for everyone who comes to our next party. See www.tgirlhotspot.com/party for more info & pricing. You can RSVP on Fetlife at his LINK.
Sunday May 25
- Intro to GD2: Are you a new GD2 member? Not a member but considering joining? Interested in learning more about GD2, what goes on in the space, and how membership works? If so, this event is for you! Hosted by Jerith and/or Wilson, this introduction includes a tour of the space, a short presentation about what GD2 has to offer, and a discussion about what to expect during typical play parties. We will also review some of GD2’s most important policies and answer any questions you have about expectations, logistics, or activities. Join us to find out everything you’d like to know about GD2! Sunday, May 25 6:30 p.m. – 7:45 p.m. Galleria Domain Two (GD2) Chicago, Illinois. RSVP preferred but not required. Open to All 18+ w/ID. FREE. RSVP HERE for address. You can also view the event page on Fetlife.
- Kinky Karaoke: We’ll be meeting at Sidekicks, at 4424 W. Montrose, Chicago, IL, 60641 (773)545-6212. Conversation starts at 6pm, the kitchen opens at 7pm, and karaoke begins at 8pm. So come on out and have some fun. Please RSVP to randyripoff@gmail.com so I’ll have an idea of how many people are showing up. Please remember to bring ID, they do check at the door. Bring Cash! They don’t take plastic! Guys, please no sleeveless shirts or baseball caps worn backwards. We’re usually by the front window. However, if you are having any problems locating us, please ask at the bar for Randy. You can view the Fetlife event page at this LINK.
- Woof Camp 2014: Woof Camp 2014, the seventh annual pup and Handler party held at International Mr. Leather in Chicago, IL, will be held on Sunday, May 25, 2014 from 7pm-10pm at the Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile in the Marriott Ballroom located on the fourth floor down the hall from the elevators. Look for the Woof Camp and sponsored by SquarePeg Toys banners outside the room or look at the hotel map at www.WoofCamp.com under the “Time and Place” section. Representing the pup and Handler community, this FREE and NO TICKETS REQUIRED event promises to be a fun, playful party at IML and the general public is welcome to attend. This year’s theme is “Return of the Villains!” and features several surprises along with the Group Photo at 9pm. Those participating pups and Handlers attending from 7pm-10pm will receive (1) free Woof Camp 2014 commemorative pin (while supplies last). Please see Brue at the podium to get your pin. Pups/dogs/wolves are encouraged to bring along their own water bowls, chew/squeaky toys, or Handlers/Trainers for a howling good time! We are proud to have SquarePeg Toys, the original silicone puppy tail maker, once again be the sole sponsor for this free event. For more info feel free to visit the event page on Felife at this LINK.
