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

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 runs from December 12, 2025, through January 11, 2026.

Bandai Namco on The Gundam Base Chicago

To better understand what The Gundam Base is meant to be, and why Chicago was chosen for this first U.S. location, we spoke with Shaunda Brooks-Green, Marketing Manager at Bandai Namco, who answered on behalf of the company.

For those unfamiliar, can you explain what The Gundam Base is?

Bandai Namco: G-BASE is the central location for all GUNDAM products including GUNPLA, GUNDAM CARD GAME, collectible figures, and more. There is something for every GUNDAM fan, new or old.

Gundam Base stores have been on a global pop up tour this year including the US, France, Australia and the UK.

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What influenced the decision to launch a permanent Gundam Base in Chicago?

Bandai Namco: Why not Chicago? It’s in the Midwest, making it accessible for fans to come from all over the country. Not to mention, it’s the most beautiful city in the world.

The store contains a lot of rare and exclusive items. Is there a planned rotation for new items to keep visitors coming back?

Bandai Namco: Yes, we plan to keep up with the demand for restocks and new products as much as we can.

Will you be selling items only otherwise available through the Premium Bandai Namco webstore?

Bandai Namco: Possibly.

What are you most proud of with Gundam Base Chicago and what do you hope people take away from their visit?

Bandai Namco: It’s the first in North America and has already gotten an incredible response. We want fans to enjoy the product offerings, and also the overall shopping experience. Our retail staff is knowledgeable, friendly, and love connecting with other fans. It’s definitely worth the trip!

What the Chicago Location Represents

The Gundam Base Chicago opening matters primarily because it is permanent. Until now, U.S. fans have experienced Gundam Base through short-term pop-ups or convention appearances. A fixed location changes that relationship. Instead of planning around limited windows or traveling to events, fans can expect consistent access to exclusives, displays, and knowledgeable staff year-round.

The Midwest placement is also significant. Rather than centering the first U.S. store on the coasts, Bandai Namco positioned it as a national destination. That choice aligns with the brand’s emphasis on accessibility and reinforces Chicago’s role as a central hub for pop culture tourism, including C2E2, the Chicago Comic and Entertainment Expo, and Fan Expo Chicago (formerly Wizard World Chicago Comic Con).

The inclusion of a launch-period World Tour pop-up further suggests that The Gundam Base Chicago will function as both a flagship location and a testing ground for future North American expansion.

How Do I Find Out More?

The Gundam Base Chicago is located at 5220 Fashion Outlets Way Unit #1050, Rosemont, IL 60018. The store opened its doors on Friday, December 12, 2025. Hours of operation are Monday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. CT, and Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. CT, with holiday hours available online.  For all GUNDAM news, follow the Gundam Facebook, Instagram and Twitter/X accounts, or visit the Bandai Namco website.

Key Takeaways

• The Gundam Base Chicago opens December 12, 2025, at Fashion Outlets of Chicago.
• It is the first permanent Gundam Base location in North America.
• The store focuses on Gunpla, collectibles, card games, and community engagement.
• Chicago was chosen for its central location and accessibility.
• Bandai Namco plans rotating inventory and potential Premium Bandai exclusives.
• The opening is supported by a limited-time Gundam Base World Tour pop-up.