Gundam Base Chicago: First Permanent U.S. Gundam Store Opens December 2025

The world-famous Gundam franchise — beloved for its epic mecha stories and the art of building model robots, known as Gunpla — is stepping up in a big way. On December 12, 2025, The Gundam Base Chicago officially opens its doors as the first permanent Gundam Base store in the United States.

For long-time fans, casual hobbyists, or curious newcomers — this means you’ll soon have a real, physical destination to explore the full breadth of Gundam culture in North America.

What to Expect at Gundam Base Chicago

 A Full Immersive Experience: Watch, Buy, Build, Learn

Spanning roughly 3,000 square feet, the store is designed not just as a shop — but as a hub for fans and creators. Inside you’ll find:

• Exclusive Gunpla kits and merchandise not available elsewhere.

• A dedicated play area for the Gundam Card Game, letting fans battle, trade, or collect.

• Exhibit displays featuring iconic mobile suits, dioramas, and display-worthy model builds.

• A massive six-foot-tall Gundam statue — perfect for photos and a must-see for fans.

• Occasional limited-edition promos and items during launch and special events.

It’s a place where fans can browse, build, hang out — and immerse themselves in the Gundam universe.

 Launch Season Highlights & Pop-up Tour

To celebrate the grand opening, the store will be complemented by The Gundam Base Pop-Up World Tour. This special pop-up experience — located steps away from the main store inside the same mall — includes:

• Exclusive items and limited kits.

• Interactive workshops like “Build your own Gunpla”, ideal for beginners and experienced builders alike.

• Extra displays and community-driven activities to celebrate Gundam.

This makes the opening not just a shopping event, but a full-fledged celebration for the Gundam community.

What This Means for Gundam Fans & Collectors

•  Access to rare exclusives — Many kits and merchandise sold at Gundam Base locations are limited or hard to find elsewhere. The Chicago store will bring that directly to U.S. fans.

•  Community hub — Whether you’re a long-time Gunpla builder or a newcomer, you’ll find a place to learn, build, and meet fellow Gundam fans.

•  Experience beyond shopping — With large statues, display dioramas, play-areas, workshops — it’s more than a store. It’s an event space, a showcase, a gathering spot.

•  Milestone for Gundam’s global footprint — As the first permanent Gundam Base in America, its success could pave the way for more locations worldwide.

Why Now Is a Great Time for Gundam

The timing couldn’t be better. Gundam remains one of the biggest anime and mecha franchises globally — from its rich history to the timeless appeal of Gunpla.

For many fans, having a dedicated store outside Japan — especially in America — was a long-held dream. Now that dream becomes reality.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve ever wanted to explore Gundam beyond the screen — build your own mobile suit, hold rare kits in your hands, or connect with other fans — The Gundam Base Chicago promises to be a dream come true. Whether you’re a seasoned model-builder or just curious, this store offers something for everyone: creativity, community, and a slice of Gundam history.

Get ready, because December 12, 2025 — the Gundam world lands in Chicago.