ABOUT CHICAGO LOOT DROP
Chicago Loot Drop is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that seeks to develop an inclusive gamer community, share our love of games, and spread joy within the city of Chicago. Since 2010, we’ve hosted events, raised funds, and donated toys and games to a variety of causes to bring gamers of all ages together to do good in our communities.
Through our longtime partnerships with Comer Children’s Hospital and Maryville Children’s Healthcare Center, we’ve donated thousands of toys and games to kids over the years. We are actively looking to grow our partnerships throughout Chicago communities.
Through volunteering and social events, we aspire to create an inclusive, welcoming environment for gamers of all kinds to connect and game together online and IRL. Whether you’re into tabletop or video games, or you just love to play games, you’re one of us!
Chicago Loot Drop annual kickball tournament with Chicagoland game dev studios.
Our Mission
We exist to develop an inclusive gamer community in Chicago and to spread joy by sharing our love of games. We do this by hosting events that raise funds to benefit Chicago communities.
Comer Children’s Hospital
The University of Chicago’s Comer Children’s Hospital has quickly established itself as one of the country’s foremost hospitals specializing in children’s care since it opened in 2005. Comer is a major referral center for treatment of complex diseases, caring for thousands of children from Chicago, the Midwest, and beyond each year.
Comer Children’s Hospital has exactly $0 allocated from their budget toward toys and games for the children and their families, many of whom have long-term stays. The hospital relies on donations like ours to provide their patients with toys and games to keep them entertained and in high spirits while being treated. Please check out their Amazon Wish List if you would like to contribute directly.
OUR
GOALS
Build
Chicago Loot Drop does not exist solely as a fundraising organization. We operate as an entirely volunteer-driven community of gamers, and Loot Drop is one of the ways we work to build Chicago’s broader gaming community.
Uplift + Support
Through our events, we benefit the communities around us that could use our support. We are committed to uplifting minority voices in gaming, supporting BIPOC and LGBTQ+ gamers and gaming organizations, and leveraging both IRL and virtual events to get gamers to explore the neighborhoods of Chicago and meet other like-minded gamers.
Partner
While Comer Children’s Hospital and Maryville Children’s Healthcare Center are our primary beneficiaries, we are always looking to expand our partnerships for both events and fundraising. If you know of an organization that could play well with Chicago Loot Drop, please contact us.
Meet the Team
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Patrick Hitzler (he/him)
CHAIR
Preferred Platforms:
PlayStation, PC, Nintendo SwitchAlways Wants Recs for:
The games closest to your heart! I love hearing stories about the games, characters and memories with friends that helped shape you into the person you are today. It’s the core of what makes gaming so special. -
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Kimi Arquines (she/her)
SECRETARY & COMMUNITY MANAGER
Favorite Game of All Time:
Kingdom HeartsWhat drives your passion for Chicago Loot Drop?
As a former school social worker, I’ve been looking for a meaningful way to give back to my community — especially to kids, a population I’ve always been deeply committed to. What better way to do that than by combining it with something I’ve loved since childhood: video games?Random Fun Fact:
I compose music for film, video games, podcasts, and stage plays! Shoutout to all the JRPG and Broadway musical composers who’ve inspired my work!
Join an Inclusive Gaming Community
There are many ways to join the Chicago Loot Drop community that suit your lifestyle, interests, and availability. Chat with new friends online, show up to an event, help organize a gathering, or maybe even join the board!
The best first step is to check out your options on our Get Involved page.