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Hack Club Haven

Chicago

Game jam for teens 13-18Nov 14 · Chicago

Want to organize your own Hack Club Haven?
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find an event near you

What is a game jam?

It’s a social coding event where you make a video game with friends + free food!

follow workshops or create at your own pace

Learn & Build

  • Attendees hanging out together
  • A group of teens working at a shared table

meet new people and form lifelong relationships

Make Friends

  • A spread of snacks and merch
  • Attendees holding up their prizes

can’t say no to free snacks :)

Free Food & Prizes

Don’t game jams sound awesome?

This November, YOU can join the world's largest teen game jam. Yes, you! It doesn’t matter if you have years of experience, or just learned what they are today.

You’ll join thousands of teens making games from all around the world. Don't consider yourself a game dev? No problem - we have tons of workshops for you to make your game!

This is your chance to learn something new, meet new friends, andgo on an incredible adventure together!

Here is how you can join a game jam this November!

(Don't worry, we'll guide you through each step)

What happens in Chicago?

Saturday

  1. 8:00 am Doors open & check in This is the time to grab something to eat at the venue!
  2. 11:00 am Opening ceremony What a game jam is and how the weekend works.
  3. 11:30 am Beginner workshop Ship your first playable scene in Godot.
  4. 12:30 pm Lunch TBD!
  5. 1:30 pm Continue working on games! Keep up the gam dev grind, show off your work to your fellow haveners.
  6. 5:00 pm Dinner TBD
  7. 6:15 pm Show off games Project showcase! It's time to show everyone what you've worked on all day
  8. 7:30 pm Submissions due Upload your build to itch.io.
  9. 7:45 pm Play everyone's games Wander the room and try every table.
  10. 8:00 pm Prizes & closing Awards, group photo, and goodbyes.

Hack Club has helped teens organize hundreds of events woldwide!Check out some of our past events ~

Sponsors

FAQ

  • Am I eligible?

    If you’re age 13-18, you’re eligible! No prior experience required.

  • But I’ve never coded before!

    Perfect! Game jams are designed for beginners. You’ll have workshops, mentors, and teammates to help you every step of the way.

  • Do we get volunteer hours?

    Many schools accept organizing hours as community service. If your school requires documentation, we can provide it!

  • Can I join an organizing team?

    Of course! Many cities have organizing teams. Reach out to organizers in your area or apply to join an existing team.

  • Is this free?

    Yes! Hack Club is a nonprofit helping teens build technical projects at no cost.

  • What if my parents are concerned?

    We’re here to help! You can see our parent guide here, or they can reach out to us at [email protected] for questions.

  • I still have questions!

    Join #haven-chicago on Slack or reach out to us at [email protected]!

Sign up!