6 Best Places for Go Karting in Chicago

Welcome to my breakdown of the 6 Best Places for go-karting in Chicago.

Having details on the tracks, top speeds, and more, you can decide which go-karts in Chicago are best for you. There’s fun for beginners, professionals, and even young children. 

Plus, if you’re looking for a venue for your next gathering, all of the below places offer party and corporate bookings. 

I’ll also share which places offer other games and attractions, as well as dining and restrictions. 

With amazing venues such as Jack’s Big City Ranch and K1 speed, you may even want to try more than one place. 

Keep reading to plan your next adventure. 

6 Best Places for Go Karting in Chicago

• K1 Speed
• Sugar Grove Family Fun Center
• Accelerate Indoor Speedway & Events
• Jack’s Big City Ranch
• Scene75 Entertainment Center
• Kart Circuit Autobahn

1. K1 Speed

Quick Overview

• State: Illinois
• City: Buffalo Grove/Chicago
• Type: Indoor
• Track: Two different tracks
• Karts: Full electric
• Kart’s Top Speed: 45 miles per hour, Junior karts reach 20 miles per hour
• Requirements: No age restrictions, but there are height restrictions
• Onsite Food & Beverages:  Yes
• Entertainment: Yes
• Party & Group Booking: Yes
• Merch Shop: Yes, online
• Price Range: $23.95 to $54.95

Overview

K1 Speed go-karting is great for solo trips and group bookings alike. Work functions can be arranged to keep everyone engaged.

Racetrack Overview

The tracks are a quarter of a mile. Each track has a 12-lap course, lasting until the first person completes the 12 laps. 

The track features corners and areas where experienced drivers can enjoy drifting. Indoor tracks are available, so driving is still possible even in inclement weather. 

Food and Beverages

Independent small snack bars with fresh food and drinks. Enjoy pulled pork sliders, mouthwatering pizza, and various beverages and desserts. 

There are also quick snacks like hot chips for the kids.

Entertainment 

From pool tables and arcade games, plenty of variety keeps everyone engaged when taking a break from the track.

Parties and Group Bookings

K1 Speed is more than just arriving and driving. Various packages are available, including special occasions and appreciation events. The track can also be reserved for private parties. 

The Paddock Lounge restaurant is available with full catering upon request.

Pricing

1 Race – $23.95

2 Races – $42.95

3 Races – $54.95

+ $7 annual membership. You must pay this to race

Age & Height Restrictions.

There are only single-seat go-karts here. The track requires a minimum height of 48 inches for children, and adults or teens must be 58 inches tall to ride the faster go-karts.

Merchandise Shop

K1 Speed offers a merchandise shop with clothing, hats,  beanies, keyrings, and more for children and adults. The prices are very affordable, and they have something to suit everyone.

Hours 

Monday to Thursday is 12.00 pm to 10.00 pm

Friday 12.00 pm to 12.00 am

Saturday 10.00 am to 12.00 am

Sunday 10.00 am to 10.00 pm

Up-to-date Pricing and Session Times

Get the most current information on the website: K1 Speed

Contact

Phone: 1-866-340-8592 

Address: 301 Hastings Drive, Buffalo Grove, IL 60089 

Sugar Grove Family Fun Center

Quick Overview

• State: Illinois
• City: Chicago
• Type: Indoor
• Track: 2 tracks available for adults and kids
• Karts: Gas-powered
• Kart’s Top Speed:  50 miles per hour top speed
• Requirements: Age and height restriction
• Onsite Food & Beverages: Yes
• Entertainment: Yes
• Party & Group Booking: Yes
• Merch Shop:  No
• Price Range: $8 to $27

Overview

Sugar Grove has so much to offer, from go-karting to arcade games and mini-golf. The high-speed go-karts boast a whopping 50 MPH on both tracks, designed for children and adults. 

Plenty of food is available on site when you’re ready for a break as well as entertainment for the whole family.

Safety is one of Sugar Gove Fun Center’s top priorities. Everyone can enjoy a ride on the two tracks, one for children and one for adults. Gas-powered karts smaller than adult ones are perfect for children on the easy track.

Racetrack Overview

The Kid’s Track

The Sugar Grove track is a ¼-mile concrete track with a smooth surface. It is perfect for children between 6 and 9 to ride the rookie go-karts on this track.

The Adult Wrangler Track

A paved adult track is also perfect for drifting. You can ride on the track with up to eight adults. 

Upon completion of the race, each driver will receive their results. They host a race night every Wednesday from May to August at 6.30 pm.

Food and Beverages

There’s plenty of food for sale, from burritos to tacos, nachos, and salads. They’re equipped with a large selection of snacks and entrees to keep the kids happy. Cans of pop and bottled water are available.

Entertainment

In addition to golf, there are plenty of water activities available. Teams can even compete in water balloon wars.  Fun for the whole family is offered in the private event room and on the bumper boats.  

Parties and Group Booking

Packages are available in a variety of options. Guests can combine go-kart racing, playing mini golf, riding bumper boats, playing arcade games, and a driving range. 

For parties of up to eight people, the price is only $126.00.  Time slots between 11 AM and 7 PM are available for the private event room.

Pricing

Several packages range from basic, which is $8.0,0 up to $27.00. Birthday packs are $15 per person for eight people. Extra charges for additional guests.

Age and Height Restrictions

The height restriction for children is 54 inches and aged 9 or over. Luckily for the little ones, there are dual-karts where children can ride with their parents.

Merchandise Shop

There is no merch shop here. There is a full range of gift cards available to purchase. These come in a birthday card.

Hours

Monday to Sunday 9.00 am to 11.00 pm 

Pricing and Sessions

Up-to-date information is on their website: Sugar Grove Family Fun Center

Contact

Phone: 630-466-3866

Address: 9 S. 825 State Route 47 Sugar Grove, IL 60554

Accelerate Indoor Speedway & Events

Quick Overview

• State: Illinois
• City: Chicago
• Type: Indoor
• Track: 2 tracks
• Karts: Electric
• Karts Top Speed:50 miles per hour
• Requirements: Yes
• Onsite Food & Beverages: Yes
• Entertainment: Yes
• Party & Group Booking: Yes
• Merch Shop: No
• Price Range: $41 to $74

Overview

There’s a very welcoming atmosphere here for newbies and regulars alike.  The go-karts reach speeds of 50 mph and everyone will be kept happy with onsite food and drinks. 

Plenty of fun is offered for groups and parties. Even if the weather is wet, take advantage of the indoor tracks to have fun and stay dry.

Race Track Overview

Accelerate has two indoor tracks, each completely covered, ensuring perfect racing conditions throughout the year. 

Karting tracks at Accelerate are specifically engineered for great speed and safety, with a “reflexive” barrier system.

It’s possible to reach speeds of up to 50 MPH with Italian-made professional karts! Junior karts are designed for ages 8 to 12. They can reach speeds of 25 mph. Races can last anywhere from seven to 12 minutes.

There are seven minutes of Junior races every Monday and Thursday and 14 laps in pro-kart races every Friday and Saturday.  

Food & Beverages

A wonderful dining experience is ensured by Victory Lap’s use of fresh ingredients. The menu features classic sandwiches, salads, and burgers. 

Try one of the quick appetizers, such as the sliders or crab cakes. 

Entertainment

Other entertainment options are available such as ax throwing or having a go at virtual reality. 

There are ax-throwing coaches available for those who are starting. There are two VR games to try, Overwatch and Fortnite. 

Party or Group Bookings

Party and group bookings are available. An events manager on site can assist you with planning your perfect event. Prices vary depending on your needs.

Age & Height Restrictions

Children must be 48 inches tall to drive junior karts and be 8 years old. The age restriction for pro karts is 13 years old, and the height restriction is 56 inches. Children who do not meet these standards cannot ride the karts because they are only single seats.

Merchandise Shop

The accessories section of the website offers plenty of merchandise for purchase. Suitable for children and adults.

Hours

Monday to Thursday 11.00 am to 10.00 pm

Friday 11.00 AM to midnight

Saturday 10.00 AM to midnight 

Sunday 10.00 AM 10.00 pm

Sessions and Pricing

Several races are available. Pricing varies depending on the type of race you’re participating in. Find out more on their website: Accelerate Speed

Contact 

Phone: +1 708-457-7772

Address: 8580 Springlake Drive IL

Jack’s Big City Ranch

Quick Overview

• State: Illinois
• City: Chicago
• Type: Outdoor
• Track: 1 big track
• Karts: Electric
• Karts Top Speed: N/A
• Requirements: Weight and height restrictions
• Onsite Food & Beverages: Yes
• Entertainment: Yes
• Party & Group Booking: Yes
• Merch Shop: No
• Price Range: Prices vary based on time and date. Starting price is $21

Overview

Some of the best family and group fun can be found near Chicago at the Big City Ranch.

Get your adrenaline pumping on the mechanical bulls, throw some axes, try your hand at go kart racing in Chicago, and test your mini-golf skills. 

When you’re ready to rest, chill out at the full bar. You won’t want to miss this 100% outdoor summer event.

Race Track Overview

Continuing until Saturday, August 27th. With a cowboy-themed outdoor setup, Big City Ranch provides unprecedented entertainment. 

There is only one outdoor go-kart track covering two acres. The track is suitable for beginners and professionals.

Food & Beverages

With multiple full-service bars, you can enjoy cocktails and drinks. You must be over 21 years of age.

Entertainment

Features mini golf with a spectacular layout, trick shots, fun challenges, and LED lighting. There are different levels of difficulty on the mechanical bull for those who enjoy a challenge.

Party or Group Bookings

There is an events manager at Jack’s Big City Ranch to help you determine how many people to invite and what activities to plan. Groups of all sizes are welcome.

Age & Height Restrictions

A minimum height of 58″ and weight of 300 lbs are required for adult racers. 

For Junior racers, height should at least be 48″ and be capable of following instructions. Junior karts run on the track until 7 pm nightly, and there are only single-seat go-karts available at all times. 

It’s a single-driver race experience only, not shared. Lap riding is not allowed.

Merchandise Shop

There is no merch shop to purchase from. However, occasionally, a pop-up shop with vendors sells customizable shirts with logos.

Hours 

Monday to Thursday: 

5.00 PM to 10.00 PM

Friday:

4:00 PM – 11:00 PM

Saturday:

1:00 PM and 11:00 PM

Sessions and Pricing

Prices vary by date and time and are often higher at the door on the event date. You can find out more on their website: Big City Ranch

Contact

Phone: (312) 850 – 8188

Address: 1261 W Le Moyne St, Chicago, IL 60642

Scene 75 Entertainment Center

Quick Overview

• State: Illinois
• City: Chicago
• Type: Indoor
• Track: 1 big track
• Karts: Electric
• Karts Top Speed: 20mph
• Requirements:  height and weight restrictions
• Onsite Food & Beverages:  Yes
• Entertainment: Yes
• Party & Group Booking: Yes
• Merch Shop: Gift card and game voucher
• Price Range: $ 10 per ride. Passengers free

Overview

Looking for go-karts in the Chicago area? Scene75 Dayton is back and better than ever! 2020 saw the addition of another 40,000 square feet of entertainment for over 160,000 square feet of thrilling indoor entertainment.

A large indoor entertainment center that’s the ideal place to have fun with your family or friends. Scene75 won the award for best entertainment center for families.

Racetrack Overview

A large indoor electric track suitable for beginners and professionals. Using the latest technologies, offering zero-emissions go-karts is environmentally friendly and remarkably quiet. 

The top speed reaches 20 mph. Each race can have up to 10 participants, which can quickly heat the competition.

Food & Beverages

There is delicious food and drink available! Scene75 Chicagoland serves a variety of cuisines to satisfy your appetite. Backyard Eatery offers burgers, pizza, and chicken. After, pick up some fudge, ice cream, and other sweets from 75 Flavors.

For adult beverages, there is plenty to choose from with the full bar.

Entertainment

Entertainment doesn’t get better than drop towers, laser tag, mini golf, rollercoaster, and inflatables. The games are suitable for people of all ages.

Parties and Group Bookings

You need to have 15 people for a group booking. Group bookings offer fun and entertainment with plenty of activities to choose from. You can book game cards or just a room, whichever you prefer.

Age & Height Restrictions 

A go-kart must be operated by someone at least 10 years old and 54 inches tall. To ride, you must weigh less than 350 pounds. 

In addition to single-seat go-karts, double-seaters are available for those who can’t drive and have a height over 36″. Shoes with closed toes are required for all participants.

Merchandise Shop

Scene75 Game Cards can be delivered directly to your loved ones via e-game cards! When you purchase a game card, the store will email it straight to the recipient’s inbox. 

You can also purchase physical gift cards.

Hours

Monday 11.00 AM – 9.00 PM

Tuesday Closed

Wednesday: 3.00 PM-9.00 PM

Thursday: 3.00 PM -9.00 PM

Friday: 11.00 AM-11.00 PM

Saturday: 10.00 AM-11.00 PM

Sunday: 11.00 AM-9.00 PM

Session Times and Pricing

$10 per ride, but passengers can ride for free.

Up-to-date pricing and session times can be found on the website, as these can vary: Scene 75

Contact 

Phone: (815) 327-0300

Address: 460 S Weber Rd, Romeoville, IL 60446

Karts Circuit Autobahn

Quick Overview

• State: Illinois
• City:  Chicago
• Type: Outdoor
• Track: Suitable for beginners and professionals
• Karts: Gas powered
• Karts Top Speed: Up to 55mph 
• Requirements: Height and age restrictions
• Onsite Food & Beverages: Yes, catering is also available
• Entertainment: Not at the facility but plenty closeby
• Party & Group Booking: Yes
• Merch Shop: Yes, online
• Price Range: From $30 for one ride

Overview

Autobahn Country Club is home to outdoor go-kart racing Kart Circuit Autobahn. It’s located approximately an hour west of Chicago and is the premier motorsports complex in the Midwest. 

Although karting has always been a favorite sport of ACC members, it has gained popularity enough to warrant its track for young adults 14 and older, adults, corporate events, and competition karting leagues. 

Racetrack Overview

The track features a safe but very fast riding experience. Gas-powered high-speed go-karts can reach a top speed of 55MPH. 

Enjoy riding on a half-mile track perfect for professionals and learners. There are 14 feet of elevation changes with a downhill sweeper and two hairpin turns. Safety helmets are included. 

Food & Beverages 

Catering is available upon request.

Entertainment

There is no extra entertainment available at the super karts Chicago facility. 

Still close by is the mall at 3340 Mall Loop Dr, Joliet, IL, or the haunted trail entertainment center at 1423 N Broadway St, Joliet, IL. Both are in close range of Karts Circuit Autobahn.

Parties and Group Bookings

Group bookings are available but must be booked well in advance. Catering is available for your booking, and karting instructions for learners.

Age & Height Restrictions

There is a minimum age requirement of 14 years old for drivers for this go-kart racing in Chicago.

KCA Underage Waiver must be completed by a parent or guardian and notarized if that parent or guardian isn’t able to attend the ride with their child

Merchandise Shop 

The merchandise shop offers polos for men and women, stickers, shoes, and other race gear. There is also a selection of t-shirts at the onsite race shops, such as Havoc, Fall Line, and  Stradale.  

Hours

Wednesday to Sunday 5 pm to 10.00 PM

Pricing and Session Times

Session times can vary, so check the website before heading out. Prices can start from $32.00 to $996.00.  

More information can be found on their website: Kart Circuit AutoBahn

Contact 

Phone: (833) 527-8222

Address: 1801 Centerpoint Way, Joliet, IL 60436

Conclusion

That wraps up our breakdown of the best places for go-karting in the Chicago area. 

If you’re looking to head out of the city and enjoy high-speed karting, choose Kart Circuit Autobahn.

Prefer Chicago super karts close by? Opt for K1 Speed or Accelerate. Scene75 has tons of activities for groups of kids and might be your best bet for an unforgettable birthday party. 

Ensure you double-check the restrictions, and if you require lap driving, it’s best to check first, as some don’t allow children to ride on laps. 

Nevertheless, many of these places offer plenty of entertainment, like mini-golf, axe throwing, and arcade games.

If you visit one of the locations, be sure to let us and others know about your experience in the comments.

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