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SAVOY, Ill. (WCIA) — Illinois holds a special place in the history of pinball, with its origins tracing back to Chicago in the 1930s. Today, the legacy thrives, branching out across the state and finding a vibrant home in Central Illinois.
At Triptych Brewing in Savoy, patrons enjoy more than just craft beers. Tucked away in a cozy back room, a lineup of pinball machines hums with activity, drawing in a passionate community of players.
Among them is Kat Davis, a pinball aficionado from Central Illinois who unexpectedly ventured into the competitive scene. Despite her lifelong love for the game, her foray into competition was a serendipitous discovery.
“I did a quick search on Facebook about pinball,” Davis recounted. “I found an event happening in Peoria, and although I felt a bit daunted by the unfamiliar faces, I decided to give it a shot.”
Her decision paid off, as she not only embraced the competitive spirit but also forged lasting friendships she hadn’t anticipated.
“I think we’re a bunch of funny, silly folks having a good time,” she said with a smile.
She’s one of the dozen women part of the Central Illinois chapter of “Belles and Chimes.” It’s an all-women organization promoting inclusive, competitive pinball.
“I love my pinball family. Everybody is super welcoming, helpful and nice,” Stephanie Wysocki, the group’s tournament director, said. “I love that my pinball skills have gotten so much better just from playing with other people.”
People of all ages and skill levels meet once a month, creating camaraderie all around a game spanning generations.
“My daughter is here playing. That’s one aspect of it that I love,” Brian Woodard said.
He got into pinball thanks to a college roommate at the U of I. Since graduating, he has stayed in the Champaign-Urbana community and serves as president of the Illini Pinball Association.
Bloomington-based “Punk Rock Pinball” is another popular pinball group in Central Illinois.
“We have folks who come as far as Chicago, St. Louis, the Quad Cities, Cincinnati, all over the place. They come, compete and play at our club there [in Bloomington] too,” Wysocki said.
No matter what league you’re part of, the mission is the same. These self-proclaimed “pinball nerds” strive to create a community where everyone feels welcomed and ready to score.
If you’re interested in learning more about local pinball leagues, follow the links below.