In a move that has us polishing our Doc Martin boots and doing a goth happy dance, Universal Destinations & Experiences has officially announced plans to unleash its first-ever year-round horror destination in the Midwest. It’s called Universal Horror Unleashed: Chicago, and it’s set to rise from the bones of the old Tribune Distribution Center at 700 W. Chicago Ave; somewhat ironically, only footsteps from the new Bally’s Casino, which is generally populated by zombies. Groundbreaking kicks off in early 2026, with doors creaking open in 2027.

So, what is Universal planning? Consider it a haunted house on performance-enhancing drugs. We’re talking about over 110,000 square feet of immersive horror experiences, ghoulish bars, monster merch, and interactive stage shows. According to Universal’s promises (which we’ll hold them to, with pitchforks if necessary), this isn’t just a walkthrough attraction; it’s an ever-evolving horror campus that pulls from both classic monsters and modern nightmares.

Why did Universal choose Chicago you ask (besides our weather being a horror in itself)? Good question. Chicago isn’t exactly known for year-round scream parks, unless you count the CTA Red Line after midnight.

Wisely, Universal is thinking ahead. The city’s population density, thriving tourism industry, and wildly underused industrial zones make it the perfect place to park a permanent house of horrors. The state of Illinois has even tossed in $7 million in tax incentives. The end game? An expected $1 billion in economic impact and 400+ permanent jobs, many of which will undoubtedly go to scare actors, makeup artists, and backstage minions living their best lives.

Here is what we know so far, about what will be included in Universal Horror Unleashed: Chicago:

• IP-based haunted experiences; Universal’s got a horror back catalog to die for
• Themed food and bars, because what’s a scream fest without a cocktail called “The Bloodletting”?
• Live shows and immersive entertainment (yes, your chance to get dragged onstage and fake-sacrificed)
• Retail therapy, in case you’ve always wanted to own Frankenstein’s underpants (or at least a really cool hoodie)

Also: the attractions will rotate throughout the year, so unlike that one person from your cousin’s wedding who keeps texting you, it won’t get stale.

Universal is launching its first Horror Unleashed in Las Vegas this August. Check out their hype video to get a taste of what we can look forward to.

Vegas will feature four major attractions based on horror franchises like The Exorcist: Believer and Texas Chainsaw Massacre, plus food, booze, and AR gimmickry. Expect Chicago’s version to riff off that model, with local flavor (haunted history? H.H. Holmes? A demonic version of the Field Museum? We can dream).

You know Goth Chick News will be first in line, Doc Martins and all, to preview every fog-filled corridor and creature feature. Until then, we’ll keep watch and update you on every deliciously dreadful detail as it emerges.

Chicago horror just leveled up.