FAN EXPO Chicago 2025 took place on August 15-17 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, IL. Saturday was the biggest day whether you’re talking about the number of attendees, the amount and quality of cosplays, the events, or just about any other metric.
From the start, the convention was absolutely PACKED. So much so that a lot of people I know tried to stay out of the main vendor area because it was nearly impossible to get through. That day, I was working as a handler for our very own Reptile most of the day since he and another friend were both in the cosplay competition. This meant most of the day that was not occupied with prejudging and preparing for the competition, we did our best to stay in the lobby due to crowding issues.
I heard that many had a difficult time just getting to the convention in the morning, with the exits from the highway being extremely backed up. There was also the issue of security. Unfortunately, it’s a necessity in this day and age, but there seemed to be a distinct lack of communication among the security staff. Attendees would be told one thing, only to be told something entirely different by another person later on, and inconsistent enforcement of access points. The biggest issue was getting into the building. In years past, you could go through security either through the main entrance or via the bridges. This year, everyone was routed through the main entrance. If you came over the bridge, you were rerouted down what was essentially an access stairwell at the end of the building.
Our past FAN EXPO CHICAGO cosplay coverage can be found here: 2022, 2023, 2024
Or Wizard World 2017-2021 Here
This was my first time as a dedicated cosplay handler. It was also my first time experiencing a higher-profile cosplay competition, and I learned a lot. Prejudging really does go by in a flash – you only have a scant few minutes to summarize a project that likely took months to complete – which is why having a build book is so important. These allow you to go into greater detail about how you created your cosplay, including things that can’t necessarily be seen just looking at your cosplay.
Overall, the competition was very well-run. There was very good communication about where we needed to be and at what time, as well as instructions for when they were on stage. However, there was no green room, so before we lined up for the competition we waited in the hallway outside the theater. This caused a little confusion as to who was there for the competition and who was waiting in line for a panel. Additionally, there was no water available, which the convention has had in years past. We were told there was a water fountain down the other hallway, but no one was ever able to find it. Fortunately, my group had a couple water bottles with us so we were able to stay hydrated.
The rest of our cosplay coverage for FAN EXPO CHICAGO 2025
Friday Pt. 1, Pt. 2, Pt. 3
Saturday Pt.1, Pt. 2 (Pending)
Sunday Pt. 1, Pt. 2 (Pending)
The competition itself was a lot of fun. While we waited backstage, many contestants chit chatted amongst themselves, talking about our favorite fandoms and trading construction techniques. Once you stepped into the stage, you hit your best poses and worked the crowd. The competitors were very supportive of one another, cheering on the winners as each one was announced. Everyone’s cosplay were exceedingly well-done across the board, so it was well understood that the judges had a difficult job.
Even if you weren’t in the cosplay competition, there were so many cosplays to be seen. Here are the photos I managed to take on Saturday.
ABOUT FAN EXPO
FAN EXPO Chicago is the ultimate go-to event for sci-fi, horror, anime, and gaming event in Chicago that attracts hundreds of thousands of people to the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center.
FAN EXPO Chicago offers exciting family-friendly attractions, events, and world-renowned Celebrities! The show, which started as Chicago Comic Con in 1972 and became Wizard World Chicago in 1998, has featured celebrities and creators like Stan Lee, Michael J. Fox, John Travolta, Carrie Fisher, Christopher Lloyd, Lea Thompson, WWE® Superstar John Cena®, David Boreanaz and many more headliners.
Everyone is a fan of something, and FAN EXPO Chicago is a place to celebrate all things pop culture. Get an autograph or a photo with your favorite guest then get the inside scoop about your favorite movies and TV shows at our celebrity panels! Watch professional comic artists battle it out in our popular Sketch Duels, learn from our “How To” workshops, and take photos with your favorite costumed characters! It’s also a great place to buy a unique gift (or treat yourself!) with a huge show floor for shopping madness.
FAN EXPO HQ is the largest comic con producer in the world. Collectively, it hosts over one million fans annually at FAN EXPO Canada, MEGACON Orlando, FAN EXPO Denver, CALGARY EXPO, FAN EXPO Chicago, FAN EXPO Dallas, FAN EXPO Boston, FAN EXPO Philadelphia, EDMONTON EXPO, FAN EXPO San Francisco, Toronto Comicon, FAN EXPO Cleveland, FAN EXPO New Orleans, FAN EXPO Portland, FAN EXPO Vancouver, and Dallas FAN FESTIVAL. The latest schedule of events is available here, along with up-to-date ticket information. Discover. Celebrate. Belong.
To see what cosplay conventions are coming up
be sure to check out our Cosplay Convention List!
