Massive Universal Announcement Causes Shockwaves Throughout Fanbase
Universal Is Moving to the Midwest in 2027
Universal Chicago is an expansion no one saw coming. But it’s real and it’s coming in less than 2 years.
Universal Chicago: Coming 2027
A cold wind already howls through the streets of Chicago—but something far more chilling is about to rise from the city’s industrial past.
In a surprise announcement that’s already sparking buzz from horror lovers nationwide, Universal Studios has confirmed plans to open a year-round horror-themed attraction in the heart of downtown Chicago. The project, shrouded in creepy anticipation, will take over an abandoned commercial site and bring a new level of fear-fueled entertainment to the Midwest.
But what’s really lurking behind Universal’s sudden move into Chicago?
A New Kind of Fear Comes to Town
Set to debut in 2027, the upcoming attraction will be called Universal Horror Unleashed: Chicago, marking only the second such venue following the original in Las Vegas, which opens in 2025. The Chicago location will repurpose the former Tribune Distribution Center at 700 W. Chicago Avenue, just across from Bally’s Casino, turning the vacant space into a nightmare-fueled playground of immersive horror.
JUST ANNOUNCED: We’re expanding our universe to the Midwest with a brand-new location of Universal Horror Unleashed in Chicago, Illinois — our first destination in the region. Get ready, Chicago! More details coming soon. – @UniStudios on X
JUST ANNOUNCED: We’re expanding our universe to the Midwest with a brand-new location of Universal Horror Unleashed in Chicago, Illinois — our first destination in the region. Get ready, Chicago! More details coming soon. pic.twitter.com/ovJK1FG7Hl
— Universal Studios Hollywood (@UniStudios) June 26, 2025
Expect more than just jump scares: this is a fully immersive experience, featuring themed haunted mazes, eerie walk-through environments, chilling food and drink offerings, specialty merchandise, and possibly live performances.
Universal’s Midwest Debut
This marks Universal’s first permanent entertainment experience in the Midwest. And Chicago isn’t just a random pick. With its massive tourism base, central location, and cultural significance, the city is a natural choice for expanding the brand beyond its coastal theme park roots.
Page Thompson, President of New Ventures at Universal Destinations & Experiences, said the experience will deliver “highly immersive and terrifying horror entertainment that connects with fans all year long.”
The choice to go urban and permanent reflects a broader strategy—one where theme park-style storytelling is no longer confined to sprawling campuses in Florida or California.
Horror As the New Frontier
Universal has long been the go-to name for monsters and mayhem, with decades of iconic horror films under its belt. Now, that creative legacy is being used to power new experiences in markets that were previously untouched.
Chicago will be the next location for Universal Horror Unleashed, a year-round haunt attraction from the team behind Halloween Horror Nights. The first Horror Unleashed location opens Aug. 14 in Las Vegas.
Chicago will be the next location for Universal Horror Unleashed, a year-round haunt attraction from the team behind Halloween Horror Nights.
The first Horror Unleashed location opens Aug. 14 in Las Vegas.
Details: https://t.co/X0hXHx6sWd pic.twitter.com/SWlhSEztTu
— Attractions Magazine (@Attractions) June 26, 2025
Universal Horror Unleashed: Chicago will bring curated frights that evolve over time—possibly tied to seasons, events, and pop culture trends. The food, drink, and retail offerings are expected to be just as immersive as the walkthrough attractions, delivering a multi-sensory horror experience that redefines traditional entertainment venues.
Why This Matters
This is more than just an attraction—it’s a test of a growing entertainment model. With this move, Universal is planting its flag in big cities and taking its beloved IP to the people, rather than asking the people to fly across the country.
Chicago joins a growing list of ambitious projects from Universal Destinations & Experiences, including:
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Universal Horror Unleashed Las Vegas (opening August 2025)
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Universal Kids Resort in Texas (2026)
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Universal Epic Universe in Florida (now open)
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A massive resort in the U.K. (expected 2031)
This isn’t the Universal of yesterday—it’s a studio doubling down on immersive, location-based storytelling designed to reach more audiences in new ways.
Final Scream: Universal Chicago Sets Eyes on Horror
When the doors open in 2027, Chicago will become the latest battleground in Universal’s bold horror expansion. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, a horror movie buff, or just curious about this new kind of entertainment, one thing’s certain:
In the Windy City, the screams are just getting started.
