Pokémon North America International Championships Are Coming to Chicago in 2027
CHICAGO — Chicago is getting ready to welcome one of the biggest competitive gaming and fan events in the Pokémon world. The 2027 Pokémon North America International Championships will take place at McCormick Place Convention Center, bringing thousands of players, fans, families, and spectators to the city.
The announcement came after the 2026 championships wrapped up in New Orleans, where competitors battled across Pokémon Champions, the Pokémon Trading Card Game, Pokémon GO, and Pokémon UNITE. After three years in New Orleans, the event will move to Chicago for its next chapter.
A Major Win for Chicago’s Event Scene
Bringing the Pokémon North America International Championships to McCormick Place is a major win for Chicago’s convention and tourism calendar.
McCormick Place is already one of the largest and most recognized convention centers in the country, making it a natural fit for a global fan and competition event. Its location near the South Loop, Museum Campus, Chinatown, Bronzeville, and the lakefront gives visitors easy access to hotels, restaurants, transit, and downtown attractions.
For Chicago, this is more than just a gaming event. It is another example of the city attracting large-scale entertainment, esports, and fan-driven experiences that bring major foot traffic into nearby neighborhoods.
What Fans Can Expect
The Pokémon North America International Championships typically draw competitive players across multiple Pokémon formats.
Fans can expect competition tied to:
Pokémon Champions
Pokémon Trading Card Game
Pokémon GO
Pokémon UNITE
The event also brings a strong spectator component, with livestreams, fan engagement, merchandise, community energy, and major announcements tied to the broader Pokémon competitive season.
While exact dates for the 2027 Chicago event have not yet been announced, McCormick Place gives the championship room to grow and creates a central gathering point for trainers traveling from across North America and beyond.
PokémonXP and World Championships Details Add to the Momentum
Photo from : USA TODAY NETWORK
Alongside the Chicago announcement, Pokémon also revealed new details for PokémonXP and the 2026 Pokémon World Championships in San Francisco.
Fans got an early look at major partner activations expected at PokémonXP, including brands such as LEGO, Crocs, Funko, Build-A-Bear, Jazwares, and more. New details were also revealed for the 2026 Pokémon World Championships Welcome Kit, promo cards, and special collectible items tied to the San Francisco event.
For fans, these announcements build excitement for what the Chicago event could bring in 2027.
Why McCormick Place and the South Loop Matter
The choice of McCormick Place puts the event in one of Chicago’s most connected event corridors.
Visitors will be close to:
South Loop hotels
Museum Campus
Grant Park
Chinatown
Lakefront Trail
CTA and Metra access
Downtown Chicago restaurants and attractions
For families traveling to the event, the location offers more than a convention hall. It gives visitors a full Chicago weekend experience, from museums and lakefront walks to restaurants and downtown sightseeing.
The Takeaway
Chicago landing the 2027 Pokémon North America International Championships is a big moment for the city’s gaming, convention, and tourism scene.
With McCormick Place as the host venue, the event is expected to bring competitive players, families, fans, and visitors into one of Chicago’s most active event districts. For the South Loop, it is another reminder that the neighborhood continues to sit at the center of major citywide activity.
Looking to Buy Near McCormick Place and the South Loop?
Browse available condos and homes near South Loop, Museum Campus, McCormick Place, Chinatown, and the lakefront, or connect with the Cory Tanzer Group at Option Premier for expert guidance on Chicago neighborhoods close to major events, transit, entertainment, and long-term lifestyle value.
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