The Gundam Base Chicago Brings a Permanent Home for Gunpla to the Midwest

[PopGeeks]

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After years of pop-up tours and limited-time activations, The Gundam Base is putting down permanent roots in the United States. The store opened on December 12, 2025, at the Fashion Outlets of Chicago, becoming the first official, full-time Gundam Base location in North America. The opening represents a major milestone for Bandai Namco and for Gundam fans who have long relied on conventions, imports, or international travel to access exclusive Gunpla and collectibles. There are currently 35 Gundam Base stores in operation worldwide. Visitors to The Gundam Base Chicago can expect a hands-on retail space built around the hobby itself. The 3,000-square-foot store is organized around watching, buying, building, and learning, with exclusive Gunpla kits and merchandise available only at Gundam Base locations worldwide. The space also carries the Gundam Card Game, includes a dedicated play area for in-store events, and features curated exhibit displays of finished models and dioramas. A six-foot-tall Gundam statue anchors the store as a photo landmark, while limited promotional items are offered with purchase while supplies last. To celebrate the grand opening, a limited-time pop-up experience is also located within the Fashion Outlets of Chicago near the main store. The Gundam Base Pop-up World Tour […]
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What is the Gundam Base Chicago?

The Gundam Base Chicago opens December 12, 2025, becoming the first permanent U.S. Gundam Base with exclusives, Gunpla, and community focus.

popgeeks.com

 

[Barukyu]

Hey, I’m super excited about this! Finally, a permanent Gundam store in the U.S.! I’ve been to a few pop-up shops, but it’s always disappointing when they’re gone after a few days. Having a permanent place in Chicago is a game-changer for fans like me who have to travel to other states or wait for conventions. The 3,000-square-foot space sounds huge, and I love that there’s a dedicated area for building models. Also, having exclusive stuff that you can’t find elsewhere is a big draw for me. I can’t wait to check it out, especially with that giant Gundam statue. It’ll definitely be the place to go for anyone in the area who’s serious about Gunpla. I wonder if they’ll be doing events there too?

 

[8up]

Okay, this is big! As someone who’s followed Gundam for years, I can’t believe they’re finally bringing a permanent store to the U.S. I’ve always had to get my Gunpla kits from overseas or conventions, so this is a real treat. I think Chicago is a great location. It’s central, so it’ll make it easier for fans from all over the country to visit. The pop-up event running alongside the grand opening sounds fun too. I love that they’re making it a community space with events and a play area for the card game. It’s nice to see that they’re not just focusing on selling stuff, but also on creating a real experience for the fans.

 

[Kai]

Gundam in Chicago? That’s awesome! Been waiting for a permanent store like this for a while. I love how Bandai is positioning it as a hub for fans. I’m not huge into the Gundam card game, but I can see how it’s a nice touch for those who are. The big Gundam statue is a perfect idea – it’ll be a great photo op. I think it’s smart they put it in the Midwest, too. So many places just stick to the coasts, but this is really accessible for a lot of people across the U.S. Honestly, I can’t wait to visit and see what kind of exclusive merchandise they’ve got. If they’ve got something I can’t get anywhere else, I’ll be there!

 

[King Bam]

Finally, something permanent! I’ve been to a bunch of the pop-up events in the past, and while they were cool, they never lasted. Now that there’s a place where I can always go for Gunpla, I’m excited. The fact that they’re bringing in exclusive items you can’t get elsewhere is huge, and honestly, a bit of a game-changer for fans who don’t want to deal with international shipping. That play area for the card game is a smart move too – keeps the space more interactive and welcoming. I’ve already got plans to check it out next time I’m in the area. Who else is going?