Go Back to the Middle Ages in Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament in Chicago

The Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament castle in Chicago is located in Schaumburg, off of I-90 only a few minutes from O'Hare airport. It's very easy to get to and very easy to find because of the large and beautiful castle that houses the tournament.

The middle ages fare has been around since 1973 and actually started on the island of Majorca. The basic premise is the same: six knights battle to be the best. In the meantime, there is drama and love and betrayal and it feels like you are watch a live action version of First Knight starting Richard Gere.

The Schaumburg castle seem imposing as you approach it, but you will notice it is very beautiful, if not out of place in the suburbs. Inside, there is a different atmosphere. In a stadium-like arena, you are placed in one of six sections, which represent of the six knights you must cheer for. There is the Black and White knight, the Red Knight, the Yellow Knight, the Blue Knight, the Green Knight. As you look around, you will forget that you are in the suburbs and that right outside is a major highway. They did a nice job in transporting you to the Middle Ages and because you sit in stadium-style seating, all the seats have a good look at the arena.

If you thought that it would be a dirty place to eat a dinner, then rest those thoughts because it's just as clean as a restaurant. Sure you can eat with your hands, but you do have the choice of using silverware. But why not keep with the atmosphere and use your hands?

The King and the Princess sit above everyone else and the Lord Chancellor presides over the announcements. Weapons clash, men argue, and tricks are done with precision and expertise. There is a lot of skill being displayed and I was impressed. From the jousting, the sword fights and the hand-to-hand fighting, I found these actors to also be sportsmen. One of the best parts of the night was the jousting because seeing it in real life shows you the strategy and the skill in taking down your opponent.