Name: GALACTIC FORCE BATTLE FOR CHI-TOWN 2026 (11th Annual)
Start: 2026-05-04T19:00:00-05:00
End: 2026-05-04T21:00:00-05:00
Location: Field Museum Chicago

GALACTIC FORCE BATTLE FOR CHI-TOWN 2026 (11th Annual)

Calling Out to EVERYONE! Everyone, and all of us Geeks, Nerds, or Star Wars Fans with a passion for Star Wars, and a light-up-saber (no matter what kind) heed the call for the Galactic Force Battle for Chi-Town!!! CHICAGO'S 11th ANNUAL LIGHT SABER LIGHT UP FREEZE-MOB
This Year, CHICAGO JEDI celebrates 20 years since it's founding in 2006! In keeping with the positive and uplifting spirit of May The 4th Be With You, Star Wars Day, Chicago Jedi along with the local costuming / cosplayer community are again hosting, for the 11th year, the GALACTIC FORCE BATTLE FOR CHI-TOWN! Chicago's 11th Annual Light Saber Light Up Freeze Mob!
Thar be Jedi here!
Join us in celebrating the day of May The 4th Be With the Chicago fans of Star Wars. Wear your favorite costume and come have fun battling with your saber or simply use the Force!
So, bring your light-up-saber (no matter what kind) As we present the, Galactic Force Battle for Chi-Town-Chicago's 11th Annual Light Saber Light Up Freeze Mob
Event is BYOL (Bring your own light-up-saber) and costumes are strongly encouraged! But not required. No light-up or LED-saber? No problem! Just use The Force! You can also use light up "force power" gloves!
*~* Locations *~*
We're planning on using the Museum Campus in front of and between the Field Museum and the Shedd Aquarium. We will adjust locations there depending on available light and best background for dramatic scenes, from the front of the Field Museum, the front of the Shedd Aquarium, the tunnel under Lake Shore Drive, and along the the walks boardering the harbor providing a wonderful Chicago skyline background.

There will be 3 staged "battles" throughout the area, and maybe even some basic choreography instruction by members of Chicago Jedi. The "battles" will be posed staging for photography, no active sparring or choreography for the "battles".
THE LOCATION: Chicago Museum Campus

In front of and between the...
Field Museum 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive 60605
And the...
Shedd Aquarium 1200 S. Lake Shore Drive 60605
For those taking public transportation, the, Museum Campus Bus #146 can be caught anywhere along State Street from Lake Street to Roosevelt Road, making connecting from the rapid transit lines easy. Get off as if you are going to the Shedd Aquarium. Last bus returning, heading North up State Street, will be starting from the Adler Planetarium and will be 11:35pm but we should be done well before then.

*~* The Battles *~*
At each of the locations, a frozen battle will take place! Light vs dark, good vs evil, every other color vs. red!
Participants will be split into 2 groups: Good Guys and Bad Guys.
At the signal, the Bad Guys ignite their sabers menacingly. Then the Good Guys will ignite theirs heroically. At the cry of "Go!" the opposing sides will take a battle pose then freeze. DO NOT ACTUALLY HIT EACH OTHER WITH THE SABERS. Please obey all rules listed below.
Once photographers have had enough time we will call out "CHANGE" and you can adjust to strike another pose or, and we will repeat.
This will be repeated at each of the locations listed above.
*~* The Rules *~*
PLEASE READ ALL RULES REGARDING THIS EVENT!
-No guns, blaster rifles, blasters. Not of any kind. (Madalorians, bring your Darksabers or your Beskar only please)
-All are welcome. Kids (with parental accompaniment), families, adults, costumed or non-costumed.
-Make sure your behavior reflects a family friendly atmosphere.
-You must be sober. If you show up intoxicated, you will be asked to leave and if necessary we will call the police.
-No real weapons. You will be asked to leave and if necessary we will call the police.
-If you can, bring a light up saber. Any kind will do, as long as it lights up! From plastic toys to stunt quality sabers, all are welcome! This will be done at dusk and in the dark, so lights (and fresh batteries) are important. If you don't have a light up saber just use the Force dramatically to help your side.
-By participating in this event, you acknowledge that Chicago Jedi are in no way responsible for your actions and can not be held responsible for the legality of, accident, incident, injury, minor or catastrophic.
Participate at your own risk.
-By participating in this event you acknowledge that photos and video may be taken of you and used by the photographers and Chicago Jedi.
-THERE WILL BE NO SPARRING CONTACT OF ANY KIND! No sparring, no fighting, no hitting, or aggressive behavior of any kind. IF YOU BREAK THIS RULE, WE WILL ASSUME THAT YOU MEAN THE EVENT OR PARTICIPANTS HARM AND CALL THE AUTHORITIES.
-IF or when posing near any landmark or property, public or private, do not hit or damage that landmark or property, you will be solely responsible for any damages.
*~* Some tips *~*
-The first BATTLE STARTS PROMPTLY AT 7:30, and then we are on the move. Be early or if you're late it may take a little time to locate the people posing around with lightsabers.
- Practice some poses beforehand so you don't have to come up with them on the fly. Try to have 4 to 5 ready to go before you ride into battle!
- Practice your battle face in the mirror! We want to see some emotion! You'll want to see emotion. ( I know, "There's no Emotion, There's Peace" ~ From The Jedi Code) Bonus points if you post a selfie of your battle face here. Have Fun!
- Not everyone survives a fight! Dramatic deaths are always entertaining! Plan to die at the hand of your foe at least once.
- Choose your side! If you are not in costume, you can still take part in support of your favored side.
- Dress for the weather, Chicago weather changes constantly, so keep that in mind while planning your costume or attire for the evening.
Want to see what on Earth we are talking about? Check out this videos of a similar events!