Chicago City Wire

Tonight, Mayor Brandon Johnson, the Mayor’s Office of Community Safety (MOCS), and Chicago Public Library (CPL) are launching the Late Night Video Game Series. The initiative aims to provide safe spaces for youth and families in areas most affected by violence. The first event will be held at CPL’s Kelly Branch in Englewood from 9 p.m. to midnight, with more events planned for select weekends through fall and winter.

"This summer was one of Chicago’s safest in decades thanks to community and youth-centered events like Late Night Basketball and Take Back the Block,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “The Late Night Video Games Series builds upon this work by engaging our young people in safe spaces, with community, at a critical time. My administration continues to invest in our young people through employment, recreational, and educational programming as part of our work to build a safer city for every Chicagoan.”

Alderwoman Jeanette Taylor expressed support for the program: "I’m thrilled that the 20th Ward will be the host of September’s Late Night Video Game event—a powerful opportunity to provide our youth with a safe, positive space to connect with each other and simply be kids. Investing in initiatives like this is how we build stronger communities and prevent violence before it starts."

Late Night Video Game Night is part of Mayor Johnson and MOCS’ People’s Plan for Community Safety. The program brings gaming into neighborhood venues during evening hours considered high-risk for violence. Organizers say it demonstrates a commitment to offering activities during times when incidents tend to increase while building partnerships among residents, leaders, and public safety officials.

Garien Gatewood, Deputy Mayor of Community Safety, said: “Late Night Video Game Night is an initiative designed with community and shows what happens when we work with residents and respond with solutions that meet people where they are. By keeping doors open and lights on later in the night, we’re creating more opportunities for connection, fun, and safety during hours when it matters most.”

Each event will feature free food, access to gaming consoles and accessories, giveaways for participants, as well as on-site community safety resources. A pilot event took place in Garfield Park last month with over 75 attendees.

Partner organizations lead each session alongside local police districts. Tonight's launch involves Teamwork Englewood—a nonprofit focused on uniting local groups—and the 7th Police District.

Tametrius Files from Teamwork Englewood stated: “With our T.I.M.E. community safety initiative, we prove that safety isn’t just about preventing harm, it's about giving our young people time to dream, connect, and just enjoy being kids. Having fun is community safety.”

The CPL supports the series by providing locations across neighborhoods along with staff assistance.

Library Commissioner Chris Brown commented: “Libraries have always been trusted spaces where young people can gather, learn, and connect. By opening our doors later into the night, we are extending that promise of safety and belonging into hours when it matters most. Late Night Video Game Night reflects our commitment to meeting youth where they are with opportunities for creativity, connection, and joy.”

Gaming equipment comes from I Play Games!, which also helps organize tournaments at these events.

Kevin Fair of I Play Games! added: “Late Night Video Game is a fun event for gamers of all ages and tastes! In addition to all of the video and board games, we are adding a Street Fighter 2 Invitational tournament! Eight professional gamers from all over the city will be competing for the honor of being the City's best Street Fighter 2 player live on twitch.TV/ipg_esports.”

This new series follows previous efforts such as Late Night Basketball—another after-hours program intended to create welcoming environments during periods associated with higher rates of violence. More than 750 residents attended at least one basketball event over summer months; surveys indicated participants felt safer because of these programs.

Residents from Englewood or elsewhere are invited tonight at Kelly Branch Library; minors must attend with an adult. Additional dates will be announced soon.