Chicago Puzzle Club - Solo and Pairs Speed Puzzle Competitions & Puzzle Swap - August 8, 2026

Chicago Puzzle Club is a Chicago-based group with the mission to build and grow the puzzle community in and around Chicago. We host various puzzle events throughout the year, including casual and speed puzzle competitions.

In August 2026, we are hosting a Solo and Pairs speed puzzle competition in Chicago using new, unreleased puzzles from a local Chicago artist!

The Solo speed puzzle competition division will compete to finish a 500-piece puzzle within a 2-hour time limit (10:30am - 12:30pm). The Pairs speed puzzle competition division will have teams of 2 people compete to finish a 500-piece puzzle within a 2-hour time limit (1:30pm - 3:30pm). Prizes will be awarded to the top 3 winners in each division. Both divisions will use an unreleased puzzle from a local Chicago artist, and the artist will be present to sign the competition puzzle if you're interested in getting your puzzle box signed!

We will also have a table for an optional puzzle swap where you can take a puzzle in exchange for each puzzle that you drop off.

Solo 500-Piece Speed Puzzle Competition Information:

• One ticket will cover entry for one (1) individual and includes the competition puzzle, puzzle bag, and free snacks and beverages.
• Puzzle competition starts promptly at 10:30am and will end at 12:30pm, so please arrive early to make the competition start time. For individuals who do not finish the puzzle within the allotted time, remaining pieces will be tallied for the ranking.
  
  

Pairs 500-Piece Speed Puzzle Competition Information:

• One ticket will cover a team of two (2) people and includes the competition puzzle, puzzle bag, and free snacks and beverages.
• Puzzle competition starts promptly at 1:30pm and will end at 3:30pm, so please arrive early to make the competition start time. For teams that don’t finish the puzzle within the allotted time, remaining pieces will be tallied for the ranking

Schedule of events (all times in CDT):

• Puzzle Swap / Spectator Ticket
  • 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM: You may attend any time during the event. The Chicago artist will be present to sign competition puzzles.

• Solo (500-piece) Competition
  • 10:00 AM - 10:30 AM: Check-in
  • 10:15 AM - 10:30 AM: Introductions and rules
  • 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM: Competition (2-hour time limit)
  • 12:30 PM: Reset for next competition

• Pairs (500-piece) Competition
  • 1:15 PM - 1:45 PM: Check-in
  • 1:30 PM - 1:45 PM: Introductions and rules
  • 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM: Competition (1.5-hour time limit)

Additional Important Information:

• Individuals and teams can take home their puzzle used in the competition.
• The puzzle swap will run from 10:00am - 4:00pm.
• There is a free parking lot and limited street parking.
• There will be a chance to win free door prizes.
  
• The Solo competition is open to competitors 16 years of age and older. The Pairs competition is open to all ages, but the pairs partner must be an adult if the other pairs partner is under the age of 16.
• No alcohol is allowed, but feel free to bring your own non-alcoholic beverages or snacks. Free snacks and beverages will be provided.
• Competition will be held at Clarendon Fieldhouse, 4501 N. Clarendon Avenue, Chicago, IL 60640. This venue is wheelchair-accessible.

No refunds after Saturday, May 2, 2026.

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram (@chicagopuzzleclub) or check out our website (www.chicagopuzzleclub.com) to get updates on future puzzle events. Happy Puzzling!