Before even opening the first Universal Horror Unleashed in Las Vegas, Universal announced the year-round, immersive horror experience will also come to Chicago.
- Universal Horror Unleashed Chicago
- Where is Universal Horror Unleashed Chicago?
- Why Chicago Chosen for Universal Horror Unleashed
- Official Statement on Universal Horror Unleashed Chicago
- Chicago Opening Date
- Construction to Begin in 2026
- The First Universal Horror Unleashed Opening Soon
Universal Horror Unleashed Chicago
Where is Universal Horror Unleashed Chicago?
The second Universal Horror Unleashed will also be indoors, with concept art showing a similar warehouse-like building as the Las Vegas location. The venue is on Chicago Avenue at the former Tribune Distribution Center, situated between the River North and West Town districts.
Why Chicago Chosen for Universal Horror Unleashed
Chicago was chosen for its large population and reputation as one of the country’s leading destinations for tourism and entertainment. This marks Universal’s first branded experience in the Midwest. According to World Business Chicago, the project is expected to generate more than $1 billion in economic impact for the city.
Official Statement on Universal Horror Unleashed Chicago
Universal Horror Unleashed delivers on our promise to create highly immersive and terrifying horror experiences that connect with fans year-round.
We’re excited to bring this bold concept to life in Chicago, a city known for its vibrant culture. We’re grateful for the city’s support as we convert this dormant site into a unique attraction that showcases our storytelling expertise and ability to deliver mind blowing experiences that shatter guest expectations.”
Page Thompson, President, New Ventures, Universal Destinations & Experiences
Chicago Opening Date
The venue is slated to open in 2027, and will include haunted houses, themed bars, food and beverage offerings, and a retail space with exclusive merchandise. Like the location set to open in Las Vegas, Universal Horror Unleashed Chicago will operate year-round and create more than 400 permanent jobs in a variety of disciplines.
We’re thrilled to welcome Universal Horror Unleashed to the City of Chicago. This is exactly the kind of creative, high-impact investment we’re working to attract—one that brings new life to a vacant site, creates hundreds of jobs, and cements Chicago as a must-visit destination for entertainment tourism.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson
Construction to Begin in 2026
To support the decision to open a new Horror Unleashed location in Illinois, Universal will receive state incentives through the Economic Development for a Growing Economy (EDGE) program. Construction is expected to begin in early 2026, following finalization of the venue’s design and permitting.
The First Universal Horror Unleashed Opening Soon
The first Universal Horror Unleashed in Las Vegas was announced in January 2023 and will open on August 14, 2025. It will have four haunted houses — Universal Monsters, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Scarecrow: The Reaping, and Blumhouse’s The Exorcist: Believer. Each will be surrounded by themed areas with special food and beverages, merchandise, and entertainment. Tickets are available for purchase at UniversalHorrorUnleashed.com.
Universal did not announce any of the haunted houses or themed areas for the Chicago experience.
The announcement comes at a busy time for Universal Destinations & Experiences. They recently opened Universal Epic Universe in Orlando. Universal Kids Resort will open in 2026 in Frisco, Texas. Universal is also working on their first European theme park and resort in the U.K., set to open in 2031.
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