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Thursday, March 19
 

7:00pm CDT

The Secret Martial Art of Sherlock Holmes - Bartitsu
Limited Capacity seats available

The master of deduction, Sherlock Holmes, was also a master martial artist. Using the victorian jiu jitsu style of BARTITSU! Explore this martial art that was practiced in England in the years 1898-1902 in this exciting workshop or demonstration. Participants can learn the safe and exciting moves we stunt coordinators use in the movies. This hands on workshop for 30 people or demo for an entire theatre demystifies the illusion of violence and allows participants to get a behind the scenes look at their favorite fandom. We will provide the practice weaponry and your participants will walk away able to perform a small, choreographed fight sequence. You’ve seen it in Robert Downey Jr.’s “Sherlock Holmes” and you’ve read about it in Steampunk-genre novels – now it is time to grab your canes, coats & top hats and see what this lost martial art is all about.

Panelists
Sponsors

Thursday March 19, 2015 7:00pm - 8:30pm CDT
E - Spire Parlor, 6th Floor Palmer House Hilton

7:00pm CDT

Cirque Du Swing!

Cirque du Steam is coming to Chi-Fi 2015!

Featuring

Miss Claira Bell! - Burlesque and sideshow extra-ordinaire!

Ashley Addison - Pole and burlesque dancer

Holly Satori - Contortionist and stage performer

Lady Lennox - Burlesque and grinding!

Gregory Dobbs - Juggling, magic and more!

With your host

VOURTEQUE! - Ring-MASTER and sideshow PERformer!



Thursday March 19, 2015 7:00pm - Friday March 20, 2015 1:00am CDT
F - Water Tower Parlor, 6th Floor Palmer House Hilton
 
Friday, March 20
 

8:30am CDT

Giving Proof
How do you know your charitable donations actually improve the world? The panel will center on answering this question of how to know which charities are effective, why you should care and the social movement of people trying to use evidence and reason to do the most good with their lives.


Friday March 20, 2015 8:30am - 10:00am CDT
D - Clark 5, 7th Floor Palmer House Hilton

10:00am CDT

Geek My Kid: Building the Perfect Geek
Parents, that are also geek journalists, discuss how they introduce their kids to geek culture. Topics covered are books, comics, movies, TV, audiobooks, and more.


Friday March 20, 2015 10:00am - 11:30am CDT
B - Dearborn 1, 7th Floor Palmer House Hilton

10:00am CDT

Improvised Star Trek: The World of Improv and Star Trek... in conversation
Patrick Stewart of Star Trek The Next Generation has recently embraced improv. Why? What is it about improv that inspires actors, geeks, and geeky actors the world over? The cast of Chicago's own Improvised Star Trek stage show and podcast explores improv, Star Trek, and why the secret to all of it might just be surrounding yourself with people who truly love what they're doing.

Panelists
IM

Irene Marquette

Irene Marquette is an actor, director and writer. She is assistant manager of the iO Theater, teacher at the Annoyance theater, has directed plays, musicals and sketch shows and is currently directing a one man show for Second City's UP Theater. She performs with Super Human and does... Read More →
CR

Chris Rathjen

Christopher Rathjen is an actor, writer and filmmaker. During his time in Chicago he's been a member of some great groups at the iO Theater and around the city, including James Jackson, The Signatures, Ringo Starr, and The Talking Cure. He has brought Chicago comedy history to life... Read More →
avatar for Nick Wagner

Nick Wagner

Nick Wagner is an improviser, director, and writer. He performed with the Improvised Shakespeare Company and Laugh Out Loud Theater, and is a founder and co-owner of Very Clever Media, which has been responsible for several award-winning short films.


Friday March 20, 2015 10:00am - 11:30am CDT
C - LaSalle 1, 7th Floor Palmer House Hilton

10:00am CDT

Why Skeptics Need Philosophy
Don't know the difference between post hoc and ad hominem? Never heard of Hume, Wittgenstein or Russell? We'll fill you in on the philosophy of skepticism.


Friday March 20, 2015 10:00am - 11:30am CDT
D - Clark 5, 7th Floor Palmer House Hilton

10:00am CDT

Pirate Magic Show
Rathbone the Pirate performs trickery, illusion, and simulated mind reading for all ages.  Bonus: He'll tell you why Caribbean pirates didn't drink grog.

Panelists
Sponsors

Friday March 20, 2015 10:00am - 11:30am CDT
A - Monroe Room (Main Stage), 6th Floor Palmer House Hilton

10:00am CDT

Steampunk Cafe
Food and Beverage service costs extra.


Friday March 20, 2015 10:00am - 10:00pm CDT
G - Clark 10, 7th Floor Palmer House Hilton

10:00am CDT

Open Gaming
All ages open gaming

Friday March 20, 2015 10:00am - Saturday March 21, 2015 1:00am CDT
I - 7th Floor Lobby Palmer House Hilton

10:00am CDT

Open Gaming - 18+
Open Gaming for Adults Only (18+). Cards Against Humanity and more! Note: Check out games in Clark 7 (Open Gaming Room).

Friday March 20, 2015 10:00am - Saturday March 21, 2015 1:00am CDT

11:00am CDT

MST3K Viewing Room
Come watch MST3K with Chicago's MST3K fan club.

Panelists

Friday March 20, 2015 11:00am - Saturday March 21, 2015 12:00am CDT
H - Clark 3, 7th Floor Palmer House Hilton

11:30am CDT

Beginning Cosplay
How to get into the hobby.


Friday March 20, 2015 11:30am - 1:00pm CDT
B - Dearborn 1, 7th Floor Palmer House Hilton

11:30am CDT

Contagions
Join us as we discuss the science and fiction of the spread of infectious diseases. How do different contagions, like ebola and malaria, really spread? Is a zombie virus really possible and is that a zombie right behind you right now?!? Probably not but you should check with us to be sure.


Friday March 20, 2015 11:30am - 1:00pm CDT
D - Clark 5, 7th Floor Palmer House Hilton

11:30am CDT

What it takes to be a Klingon
Learn about the Klingon Assault Group and Klingon Armada International! Who we are, what we do, future plans, how to join up!


Friday March 20, 2015 11:30am - 1:00pm CDT
C - LaSalle 1, 7th Floor Palmer House Hilton

11:30am CDT

The House Theatre short presentation

Friday March 20, 2015 11:30am - 1:00pm CDT
A - Monroe Room (Main Stage), 6th Floor Palmer House Hilton

11:30am CDT

Lightsaber 101 (Adults Only)
Limited Capacity seats available

In this workshop, participants can learn the safe and exciting moves stunt coordinators use in the movies. This hands on workshop for 30 people or demo for an entire theatre demystifies the illusion of violence and allows participants to get a behind the scenes look at their favorite fandom. We will provide the “practice sabers” and the instruction as we guide new learners step by step through the basic principles of a lightsaber duel. By the end of the workshop they will be able to perform a short fight of their own and will walk away with the feeling that the Force truly is with them.

Panelists
Sponsors

Friday March 20, 2015 11:30am - 1:00pm CDT
E - Spire Parlor, 6th Floor Palmer House Hilton

12:00pm CDT

Artist Alley
Friday March 20, 2015 12:00pm - 8:00pm CDT
L - Grant Park & Hancock Parlors, 6th Floor Palmer House Hilton

12:00pm CDT

Vendor Hall Open
Friday March 20, 2015 12:00pm - 8:00pm CDT
K - Adams Room, 6th Floor Palmer House Hilton

12:00pm CDT

Writer's Den
Friday March 20, 2015 12:00pm - 8:00pm CDT
M - Millennium Parlor, 6th Floor Palmer House Hilton

12:30pm CDT

Guinan's Rest Stop at the End of the Universe
Walk-ins welcome anytime!

Guinan's Rest Stop at the End of the Universe

Featuring poetry, live music and story-telling

Friday March 20, 2015 12:30pm - 10:00pm CDT
F - Water Tower Parlor, 6th Floor Palmer House Hilton

1:00pm CDT

STAR WARS COSTUMING ON A BUDGET
If you have ever wanted to join the 501st Legion, but have always thought that you could never afford it, this is the panel for you! Members of the Midwest Garrison, the Illinois chapter of the 501st Legion, will lead a practical discussion about building a screen-accurate, Legion-approved Star Wars costume without breaking the bank! Finding realistic options for starter costumes, performing research, sourcing materials, and assessing options for construction will all be examined.

Artists

Friday March 20, 2015 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT
C - LaSalle 1, 7th Floor Palmer House Hilton

1:00pm CDT

Not Just Here For the Cookies: Being a good intersectional ally
Anyone can call themselves an ally but doing things that actually work against oppression is more difficult. Our panelists will help you learn how to support social justice causes without distracting from or silencing the voices of the people most affected by those issues.


Friday March 20, 2015 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT
D - Clark 5, 7th Floor Palmer House Hilton

1:00pm CDT

Ever After: The Once Upon A Time Podcast - Live!
Molly and her parents discuss the hit show Once Upon a Time. Join iTunes' youngest podcast host for geeky look at the hit ABC show.


Friday March 20, 2015 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT
B - Dearborn 1, 7th Floor Palmer House Hilton

1:00pm CDT

Jon St. John Q&A
Panelists

Friday March 20, 2015 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT
A - Monroe Room (Main Stage), 6th Floor Palmer House Hilton

1:00pm CDT

Lightsabers for All Ages by Chicago Jedi
Chicago Jedi will do a beginners' lightsaber stage show, as well as teaching basic Jedi lightsaber skills to any and all. This demonstration is geared toward kids and any other beginners.

Panelists
Sponsors

Friday March 20, 2015 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT
E - Spire Parlor, 6th Floor Palmer House Hilton

2:30pm CDT

Madoka Magica: Ask a Puella Magi
This is an interactive Q&A panel where you'll be able to ask questions of your favorite magical girls!!

Cast:
Dave: Hi, I'm Dave! I've been cosplaying for about a year and a half and I'm super excited to be on this panel! I'm playing Sayaka Miki.
Mia: I'm Mia, and I just started cosplaying! I've never been on a panel so I'm kinda nervous but also excited. I'll be Mami Tomoe.
Subin: Hey, I'm Subin. I've been cosplaying for a while, and even though I'm not SUPER into PMMM, I'm pretty pumped to be playing Kyouko Sakura for this panel.
Bebe: Hi, I'm Bebe!!! I'll be playing the role of Madoka Kaname for this Q&A panel and I'm so excited!!
Ming: Hey, I'm Ming, and I'll be playing Homura Akemi for this panel! I'm pretty excited!


Friday March 20, 2015 2:30pm - 4:00pm CDT
C - LaSalle 1, 7th Floor Palmer House Hilton

2:30pm CDT

Science of Orphan Black
How difficult is it to make a human clone? How different would two human clones really be? Is it really possible to patent a person? The panelists answer all your science questions about Orphan Black.


Friday March 20, 2015 2:30pm - 4:00pm CDT
D - Clark 5, 7th Floor Palmer House Hilton

2:30pm CDT

Nuff Said: The Marvel Universe Podcast - Live!
Rob, Edward and Alil from the Nuff Said Podcast discuss Agents of SHIELD and the Marvel Cinematic Universe in a lively discussion that includes a lot of audience participation. This is the panel for Marvel fans.


Friday March 20, 2015 2:30pm - 4:00pm CDT
B - Dearborn 1, 7th Floor Palmer House Hilton

2:30pm CDT

Gigi Edgley Q&A
Friday March 20, 2015 2:30pm - 4:00pm CDT
A - Monroe Room (Main Stage), 6th Floor Palmer House Hilton

2:30pm CDT

Screening of Dark Age
Friday March 20, 2015 2:30pm - 7:00pm CDT
E - Spire Parlor, 6th Floor Palmer House Hilton

4:00pm CDT

Devo Spice
Panelists

Friday March 20, 2015 4:00pm - 5:30pm CDT
A - Monroe Room (Main Stage), 6th Floor Palmer House Hilton

4:00pm CDT

Jay Schraub Performance
Artists

Friday March 20, 2015 4:00pm - 5:30pm CDT
C - LaSalle 1, 7th Floor Palmer House Hilton

4:00pm CDT

Mental Health Myths
"Just get over it!" "It's all in your head!" "What do you have to be depressed about?" "That's not even a real thing." "Doesn't everyone feel that way sometimes?" Mental illness affects an estimated one in four Americans, and yet this wide category of illnesses is frequently misunderstood by the media and by friends, family, coworkers, and partners of sufferers. We'll discuss some of the most common myths surrounding mental illness, how to help your loved ones understand, and how to be a helpful ally.


Friday March 20, 2015 4:00pm - 5:30pm CDT
D - Clark 5, 7th Floor Palmer House Hilton

4:00pm CDT

What's a KROZE?
Chi-Fi welcomes Kroze back for a second year as our Special Guest. But who, exactly, is Kroze? What does he do? Where does he live? How do we get rid of him? (Just kidding on that last question... we still haven't figured that one out.) Come and find out from the Kroze himself.


Friday March 20, 2015 4:00pm - 5:30pm CDT
B - Dearborn 1, 7th Floor Palmer House Hilton

5:30pm CDT

The great Luke Ski

Friday March 20, 2015 5:30pm - 7:00pm CDT
A - Monroe Room (Main Stage), 6th Floor Palmer House Hilton

5:30pm CDT

Human Augmentics
Using technology to transform and overcome our biology and produce the next human evolution.


Friday March 20, 2015 5:30pm - 7:00pm CDT
D - Clark 5, 7th Floor Palmer House Hilton

5:30pm CDT

The Wonders of EVA Foam
Learning how to use EVA foam for props & armor


Friday March 20, 2015 5:30pm - 7:00pm CDT
B - Dearborn 1, 7th Floor Palmer House Hilton

5:30pm CDT

Pirate 101
Rathbone the Pirate leads an interactive workshop on the Golden Age of Piracy.  We will cover a random subset of the following topics: fashion, lingo, weaponry, gaming, food, drink, music, flags, and the "Pirate's Code."

Panelists
RT

Rathbone the Pirate

Rathbone the Pirate is the owner of Ice Cream Team, an entertainment agency headquartered in Chicago that specializes in whimsical variety performers. Rathbone is a magician, musician, mystic, author, and scoundrel. He presents workshops on various pirate-related topics, reads pirate... Read More →

Sponsors

Friday March 20, 2015 5:30pm - 7:00pm CDT
C - LaSalle 1, 7th Floor Palmer House Hilton

7:00pm CDT

Opening Toast
Panelists
JD

James Dobbs

Chi-Fi 2015 Convention Chair
AE

Anne Elliot

Chi-Fi 2015 Convention Vice Chair


Friday March 20, 2015 7:00pm - 7:14pm CDT
A - Monroe Room (Main Stage), 6th Floor Palmer House Hilton

7:00pm CDT

Room Closed
Friday March 20, 2015 7:00pm - 8:30pm CDT
D - Clark 5, 7th Floor Palmer House Hilton

7:00pm CDT

Room Closed
Friday March 20, 2015 7:00pm - 8:30pm CDT
C - LaSalle 1, 7th Floor Palmer House Hilton

7:00pm CDT

Room Closed for Setup
Friday March 20, 2015 7:00pm - 8:30pm CDT
E - Spire Parlor, 6th Floor Palmer House Hilton

7:00pm CDT

Room Closed for Setup
Friday March 20, 2015 7:00pm - 9:00pm CDT
B - Dearborn 1, 7th Floor Palmer House Hilton

7:14pm CDT

7:15pm CDT

Paul and Storm Concert
Paul and Storm concert

Artists
PS

Paul Sabourin

Paul and Storm


Friday March 20, 2015 7:15pm - 8:30pm CDT
A - Monroe Room (Main Stage), 6th Floor Palmer House Hilton

8:00pm CDT

Steampunk Swim
Friday March 20, 2015 8:00pm - 9:00pm CDT
N - Pool, 7th Floor Palmer House Hilton

8:30pm CDT

Crashland Concert!
Friday March 20, 2015 8:30pm - 10:00pm CDT
A - Monroe Room (Main Stage), 6th Floor Palmer House Hilton

8:30pm CDT

History of the Klingon Empire
A presentation on the mytho-historical origins of the Klingon people and a brief chronology up to the 'modern' day.


Friday March 20, 2015 8:30pm - 10:00pm CDT
C - LaSalle 1, 7th Floor Palmer House Hilton

8:30pm CDT

Skepticism 101 with the Skepchicks
What's a skeptic? Why should you be skeptical? Join the Skepchicks as they explore some incredible claims, scams, fads and pseudoscience.


Friday March 20, 2015 8:30pm - 10:00pm CDT
D - Clark 5, 7th Floor Palmer House Hilton

8:30pm CDT

Mac Sith
Panelists
Sponsors

Friday March 20, 2015 8:30pm - 10:00pm CDT
E - Spire Parlor, 6th Floor Palmer House Hilton

9:00pm CDT

Harry Potter Party presented by Columbia University
All Ages Party!

Friday March 20, 2015 9:00pm - Saturday March 21, 2015 12:00am CDT
B - Dearborn 1, 7th Floor Palmer House Hilton

10:00pm CDT

Kieran Strange Concert! YES! IT'S BACK ON!
Kieran is feeling better and will be performing at 10 PM! Alpha Riff is stuck in New Orleans and sadly unable to make the convention.

Panelists

Friday March 20, 2015 10:00pm - 11:30pm CDT
A - Monroe Room (Main Stage), 6th Floor Palmer House Hilton

10:00pm CDT

After Dark: Demystifying Kink
As subcultures go, Kink can be intimidating and mysterious. Come join us for a straightforward introduction and a safe place to ask those embarrassing questions. We'll talk about consent and risk awareness in kink cultures and ponder how some issues in kink intersect with skepticism (ZOMG, MAGIC! Err, no, just endorphins).


Friday March 20, 2015 10:00pm - 11:30pm CDT
D - Clark 5, 7th Floor Palmer House Hilton

10:00pm CDT

AFTER DARK: Drink and Draw
21+ Only.

Friday March 20, 2015 10:00pm - 11:30pm CDT
C - LaSalle 1, 7th Floor Palmer House Hilton

10:00pm CDT

After Dark: Naughty Little Cabaret @ Guinan's Rest Stop
Guinan's Rest Stop at the End of the Universe presents...

NAUGHTY LITTLE CABARET!


Friday March 20, 2015 10:00pm - 11:59pm CDT
F - Water Tower Parlor, 6th Floor Palmer House Hilton

11:30pm CDT

Being Female in Fandom
Multiple women from fandom speak about their individual experiences in geek culture. This will be a very candid discusion.


Friday March 20, 2015 11:30pm - Saturday March 21, 2015 12:30am CDT
A - Monroe Room (Main Stage), 6th Floor Palmer House Hilton
 
Saturday, March 21
 

12:30am CDT

After Dark: How many licks?
Start the countdown to oral sex expertise! From using your hands for a better blowjob to becoming a cunning linguist, our Sex Specialist is here to help you give great head to any body! We'll cover the realities of safer sex, which toys you'll want in your bedside table, and how to use your lover's pleasure anatomy to their best advantage.

Panelists

Saturday March 21, 2015 12:30am - 2:00am CDT
A - Monroe Room (Main Stage), 6th Floor Palmer House Hilton

8:30am CDT

Anyone Can Do Science
Anyone Can Do Science: Science doesn't just occur in the "ivory tower." Citizen science, hacker/maker spaces, and pro-amateur collaborations make science far more accessible than it has been in the last couple of centuries. Find out how you can do science and see what scientific discoveries have been made outside the traditional laboratory.


Saturday March 21, 2015 8:30am - 10:00am CDT
D - Clark 5, 7th Floor Palmer House Hilton

10:00am CDT

10:00am CDT

Nature is Trying to Kill You
Because, well, it is. Just because something is natural doesn't mean it's good for us as humans.


Saturday March 21, 2015 10:00am - 11:30am CDT
D - Clark 5, 7th Floor Palmer House Hilton

10:00am CDT

Doug Rice - Creator of Animaniacs - Q&A
Artists

Saturday March 21, 2015 10:00am - 11:30am CDT
A - Monroe Room (Main Stage), 6th Floor Palmer House Hilton

10:00am CDT

Kids Program: Nerf Zombie Apocolypse
It’s happened! Teeming hordes of the undead pour from every corner. Humanity has been pushed back again and again but today! Today we fight back! Grab your friends and and your favorite nerf gun and get ready for WAR!!! Fight the undead, fight as the undead in the battle that mixes heart pounding music, stage fog,  theatrical storytelling and the ultimate in nerf warfare experience! Please note all guns must fire "nerd elite darts". All ammo is provided

Panelists
Sponsors

Saturday March 21, 2015 10:00am - 11:30am CDT
E - Spire Parlor, 6th Floor Palmer House Hilton

10:00am CDT

Artist Alley
Saturday March 21, 2015 10:00am - 8:00pm CDT
L - Grant Park & Hancock Parlors, 6th Floor Palmer House Hilton

10:00am CDT

Vendor Hall Open
Saturday March 21, 2015 10:00am - 8:00pm CDT
K - Adams Room, 6th Floor Palmer House Hilton

10:00am CDT

Writer's Den
Saturday March 21, 2015 10:00am - 8:00pm CDT
M - Millennium Parlor, 6th Floor Palmer House Hilton

10:00am CDT

Steampunk Cafe
Food and Beverage service costs extra.


Saturday March 21, 2015 10:00am - 10:00pm CDT
G - Clark 10, 7th Floor Palmer House Hilton

10:00am CDT

Open Gaming
All ages open gaming

Saturday March 21, 2015 10:00am - Sunday March 22, 2015 1:00am CDT
I - 7th Floor Lobby Palmer House Hilton

10:00am CDT

Open Gaming - 18+
Open Gaming for Adults Only (18+). Cards Against Humanity and more! Note: Check out games in Clark 7 (Open Gaming Room).

Saturday March 21, 2015 10:00am - Sunday March 22, 2015 1:00am CDT

10:30am CDT

Q&A with "Movie Bob", Bob Chipman
This will be a Q & A with "Movie Bob"Bob Chipman. Bob will be appearing by Skype!

E-mail quesitons to: info@chi-fi.org or send them by message to our Facebook!

Bob Chipman is a film critic, video game commentator and filmmaker from Boston Massachusetts. He is the creator and star of The Game OverThinker, and formerly of The Big Picture and Escape to The Movies.


Panelists
BC

Bob Chipman

Bob Chipman is a film critic, video game commentator and filmmaker from Boston Massachusetts. He is the creator and star of The Game OverThinker, and formerly of The Big Picture and Escape to The Movies.


Saturday March 21, 2015 10:30am - 11:00am CDT
C - LaSalle 1, 7th Floor Palmer House Hilton

11:00am CDT

Guinan's Rest Stop at the End of the Universe
Walk-ins welcome anytime!

Guinan's Rest Stop at the End of the Universe


Featuring poetry, live music and story-telling.

Saturday March 21, 2015 11:00am - 3:00pm CDT
F - Water Tower Parlor, 6th Floor Palmer House Hilton

11:00am CDT

MST3K Viewing Room
Come watch MST3K with Chicago's MST3K fan club.

Panelists

Saturday March 21, 2015 11:00am - Sunday March 22, 2015 12:00am CDT
H - Clark 3, 7th Floor Palmer House Hilton

11:30am CDT

Ask a Scientist
Ever wonder how black holes work? Want to know why we get brainfeeze? Do you really know why the sky is blue? We have you covered from asteroids to zoology as our panel of science experts answer your burning questions.


Saturday March 21, 2015 11:30am - 1:00pm CDT
D - Clark 5, 7th Floor Palmer House Hilton

11:30am CDT

11:30am CDT

The Battle for the Future of Video Games
Games are growing up, but not without a fight. Industry insiders and fans talk about the past, present and future of games and game culture and why, at the intersection of tech and pop culture, games might just matter more than you think.


Saturday March 21, 2015 11:30am - 1:00pm CDT
A - Monroe Room (Main Stage), 6th Floor Palmer House Hilton

11:30am CDT

Wig Styling
Crash course in wig care, quality, and styling.


Saturday March 21, 2015 11:30am - 1:00pm CDT
B - Dearborn 1, 7th Floor Palmer House Hilton

11:30am CDT

The Fighting Style of Captain Kirk
Limited Capacity seats available

This hands on workshop for 30 people or demo for an entire theatre demystifies the illusion of violence and allows participants to get a behind the scenes look at their favorite fandom. We will provide the technique and the instruction as we guide new learners step by step through the moves of the infamous Captain and his sometimes awesome but most time ridiculous bag of tricks!

Panelists
Sponsors

Saturday March 21, 2015 11:30am - 1:00pm CDT
C - LaSalle 1, 7th Floor Palmer House Hilton

11:30am CDT

Screening of Dark Age
Saturday March 21, 2015 11:30am - 4:00pm CDT
E - Spire Parlor, 6th Floor Palmer House Hilton

1:00pm CDT

Church Of The Helix Choir
Church of the Helix Choir makes songs about the events of Twitch Plays Pokémon in various styles. Their music incorporates choral vocal arrangements, orchestra, comedy, electronic music, and lyrics based on the TPP lore. Their songs could be described as both "epic" and parodical in nature.

Church Of The Helix Choir has released 26 songs to date covering the entire lore of Twitch Plays Pokémon.


Saturday March 21, 2015 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT
C - LaSalle 1, 7th Floor Palmer House Hilton

1:00pm CDT

Star Trek: The Skeptical Paradox
Boldly go where no SkepTrekker has gone before as we discuss the unusual, yet amiable marriage between secular humanism, religion and spirituality within the Trekverse.


Saturday March 21, 2015 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT
D - Clark 5, 7th Floor Palmer House Hilton

1:00pm CDT

Meet Lord Zed, Q&A with Robert Axelrod
Panelists

Saturday March 21, 2015 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT
A - Monroe Room (Main Stage), 6th Floor Palmer House Hilton

1:00pm CDT

Game Like a Pirate
Rathbone the Pirate leads a workshop on various games played by pirates and other sailors of pre-20th-century eras.  Games will be taught and played.  Bonus: enhance your gaming smack-talk with some pirate insults

Panelists
RT

Rathbone the Pirate

Rathbone the Pirate is the owner of Ice Cream Team, an entertainment agency headquartered in Chicago that specializes in whimsical variety performers. Rathbone is a magician, musician, mystic, author, and scoundrel. He presents workshops on various pirate-related topics, reads pirate... Read More →

Sponsors

Saturday March 21, 2015 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT
B - Dearborn 1, 7th Floor Palmer House Hilton

2:30pm CDT

ANATOMY OF A STORMTROOPER
Experts from the 501st Legion's First Imperial Stormtrooper Detachment present a panel about the origin, acquisition, construction, and presentation of the galaxy's most iconic white armor. Get an up-close, hands-on look at how armor parts come together and find out how you can get started making your own screen-accurate stormtooper uniform!

Artists

Saturday March 21, 2015 2:30pm - 4:00pm CDT
C - LaSalle 1, 7th Floor Palmer House Hilton

2:30pm CDT

Food Fright!
A discussion about pseudoscience in the world of nutrition -- including false claims about "organic" food, GMO hysteria and misinformation about food allergies -- and resources for evidence-based advice and information about nutrition.


Saturday March 21, 2015 2:30pm - 4:00pm CDT
D - Clark 5, 7th Floor Palmer House Hilton

2:30pm CDT

Kill la Kill
Welcome to Ask the Life-Fiber sisters (and Mako)! This is an interactive Q&A panel for the anime Kill la Kill!

Cast:
Subin: Hi, I'm Subin, and I'll be playing the role of Ryuko Matoi for this panel. 
Bebe: HI!! My name is Bebe, and I'll be playing Mako Mankanshoku for this panel!
Ming: Hey! I'm Ming, and I'll be playing the imposing Satsuki Kiryuin for this panel! I'm excited!

Panelists

Saturday March 21, 2015 2:30pm - 4:00pm CDT
B - Dearborn 1, 7th Floor Palmer House Hilton

2:30pm CDT

Steampunk on a budget

Saturday March 21, 2015 2:30pm - 4:00pm CDT
G - Clark 10, 7th Floor Palmer House Hilton

2:30pm CDT

4:00pm CDT

Room Closed for Setup
Saturday March 21, 2015 4:00pm - 5:30pm CDT
E - Spire Parlor, 6th Floor Palmer House Hilton

4:00pm CDT

How to Survive as an Outspoken Woman Online
It's hard to voice your opinion on the internet as a woman knowing you'll be facing a torrent of harassment merely for daring to be both outspoken and a lady. Our panelists will tell their stories of fighting for social justice issues online and give advice to aspiring activists.


Saturday March 21, 2015 4:00pm - 5:30pm CDT
D - Clark 5, 7th Floor Palmer House Hilton

4:00pm CDT

Men of Cosplay presented by We Are Cosplay
4 panelists spanning various disciplines of cosplay culture (designers, cosplayers, photographers, etc.); moderated by We Are Cosplay admin

Sponsors

Saturday March 21, 2015 4:00pm - 5:30pm CDT
C - LaSalle 1, 7th Floor Palmer House Hilton

4:00pm CDT

The Joys and Challenges of Writing
Artists

Saturday March 21, 2015 4:00pm - 5:30pm CDT
B - Dearborn 1, 7th Floor Palmer House Hilton

4:30pm CDT

Random Gibberish Concert
Saturday March 21, 2015 4:30pm - 6:00pm CDT
A - Monroe Room (Main Stage), 6th Floor Palmer House Hilton

5:30pm CDT

The Runaway Five Concert
Saturday March 21, 2015 5:30pm - 7:00pm CDT
A - Monroe Room (Main Stage), 6th Floor Palmer House Hilton

5:30pm CDT

The Science of Stargate
Black holes, wormholes, naquadah, and symbiotes. It's fantastic science fiction, but how do the stories of Stargate fit in with real science? Find out!


Saturday March 21, 2015 5:30pm - 7:00pm CDT
D - Clark 5, 7th Floor Palmer House Hilton

5:30pm CDT

Weapons of the Klingon Empire
A display and discussion about the weapons and creating them for the warriors of the Empire.


Saturday March 21, 2015 5:30pm - 7:00pm CDT
B - Dearborn 1, 7th Floor Palmer House Hilton

5:30pm CDT

Women of Cosplay presented by We Are Cosplay
4 panelists spanning various disciplines of cosplay culture (designers, cosplayers, photographers, etc.); moderated by We Are Cosplay admin

Sponsors

Saturday March 21, 2015 5:30pm - 7:00pm CDT
C - LaSalle 1, 7th Floor Palmer House Hilton

5:30pm CDT

Mac Sith
Saturday March 21, 2015 5:30pm - 7:00pm CDT
E - Spire Parlor, 6th Floor Palmer House Hilton

7:00pm CDT

Amanda Rose Decker: A Geek Girl's Musical Journey

Saturday March 21, 2015 7:00pm - 8:30pm CDT
G - Clark 10, 7th Floor Palmer House Hilton

7:00pm CDT

How to Be a Real-life Jedi
Members of Chicago Jedi will discuss what it means and what its' like to be part of the real-life Jedi Realist movement in the mundane world. Audience questions are welcome.

Panelists
Sponsors

Saturday March 21, 2015 7:00pm - 8:30pm CDT
E - Spire Parlor, 6th Floor Palmer House Hilton

7:00pm CDT

Improvised Star Trek: The World of Improv and Star Trek... in conversation
Patrick Stewart of Star Trek The Next Generation has recently embraced improv. Why? What is it about improv that inspires actors, geeks, and geeky actors the world over? The cast of Chicago's own Improvised Star Trek stage show and podcast explores improv, Star Trek, and why the secret to all of it might just be surrounding yourself with people who truly love what they're doing.

Panelists
avatar for Sean Kelley

Sean Kelley

Sean Kelley is an improvisational comedic performer and coach who has performed with improv teams around Chicago including Coup de Grace, Mike Helicopter, the Improvised Movie, and various others. As a lifelong Trek and sci-fi fan, Sean is honored to be a part of the Improvised Star... Read More →
avatar for Matt Young

Matt Young

Matt Young is an actor, improviser, producer, director, and writer based in Chicago. He’s most well known as Usidore the Wizard from the podcast, Hello from the Magic Tavern. He also leads the inept crew of the U.S.S. Sisyphus as Captain Baxter in the Improvised Star Trek podcast... Read More →


Saturday March 21, 2015 7:00pm - 8:30pm CDT
C - LaSalle 1, 7th Floor Palmer House Hilton

7:00pm CDT

Science of the Apocalypse: From Armageddon to Zombies
This is the way the world ends! Or is it? We'll explore some of our favorite ways the "end of the world as we know it" might happen and the science behind these fantastic scenarios.


Saturday March 21, 2015 7:00pm - 8:30pm CDT
D - Clark 5, 7th Floor Palmer House Hilton

7:00pm CDT

Name Not Final Radio Show - Live!
Name not final is an online radio show hosted weekly featuring Kroze, Patrick and Bo. Topics include video games, tech, and geek culture. They will be recording live!


Saturday March 21, 2015 7:00pm - 8:30pm CDT
B - Dearborn 1, 7th Floor Palmer House Hilton

7:00pm CDT

Chi-Fi Cosplay Contest

Saturday March 21, 2015 7:00pm - 8:30pm CDT
A - Monroe Room (Main Stage), 6th Floor Palmer House Hilton

7:30pm CDT

Cosplay Swim
Saturday March 21, 2015 7:30pm - 9:00pm CDT
N - Pool, 7th Floor Palmer House Hilton

8:30pm CDT

Room Closed for Setup
Saturday March 21, 2015 8:30pm - 9:00pm CDT
B - Dearborn 1, 7th Floor Palmer House Hilton

8:30pm CDT

Time Crash Concert
Saturday March 21, 2015 8:30pm - 10:00pm CDT
A - Monroe Room (Main Stage), 6th Floor Palmer House Hilton

8:30pm CDT

You Got Art in my Science! with Mad Art Lab
From satellite images of algae blooms that look like impressionist paintings to song lyrics that accidentally describe neurological processes, science and art are constantly blurring boundary lines without even meaning to. We explore fascinating examples of this phenomenon and discuss the ways they happen.


Saturday March 21, 2015 8:30pm - 10:00pm CDT
D - Clark 5, 7th Floor Palmer House Hilton

8:30pm CDT

Shippage - Live!
Saturday March 21, 2015 8:30pm - 10:00pm CDT
C - LaSalle 1, 7th Floor Palmer House Hilton

8:30pm CDT

The Best of Robert Axelrod
Panelists

Saturday March 21, 2015 8:30pm - 10:00pm CDT
E - Spire Parlor, 6th Floor Palmer House Hilton

9:00pm CDT

Harry Potter Party presented by Columbia University
All Ages Party!

Saturday March 21, 2015 9:00pm - Sunday March 22, 2015 12:00am CDT
B - Dearborn 1, 7th Floor Palmer House Hilton

10:00pm CDT

Gothsicles Concert
Saturday March 21, 2015 10:00pm - 11:30pm CDT
A - Monroe Room (Main Stage), 6th Floor Palmer House Hilton

10:00pm CDT

After Dark: The Science of Sexual Fluidity
Are we all "Born This Way?" The assertion that sexual orientation isn't a choice was crucial to building support for the LGBT rights movement, but many people misunderstand a key aspect of sexuality, gender identity, and sexual attraction factors such as kinks: they can be fluid, and don't necessarily reveal themselves early in life. Whether you're a "late bloomer," you've benn told you're "just experimenting," or you've adopted a partner's kinks with more enthusiasm than expected, this panel will challenge assumptions that identities must be claimed early and held for life.


Saturday March 21, 2015 10:00pm - 11:30pm CDT
D - Clark 5, 7th Floor Palmer House Hilton

10:00pm CDT

AFTER DARK: Drink and Draw
21+ Only


Saturday March 21, 2015 10:00pm - 11:30pm CDT
C - LaSalle 1, 7th Floor Palmer House Hilton

11:30pm CDT

Crashland Concert
Crashland is a universal experience in a multi-media show. The music is rock based with influences from all genres, psychedelic to country, blues to tribal, show tunes and anything in between. Images are shown that range from the history of aliens and space exploration, to beautiful panoramic stills of the Southwest, to hi-tech contemporaries and fun alien antics. Attracting tourists and locals alike, young and old, the subject of the universe, space and aliens is always fun and interesting. This is an audio as well as a visual production that will take you on a journey thru space and time destined for the Land of Enchantment. Crashland is comprised of professional, talented musicians who have banded together to create a production unlike any other. Always energetic and constantly evolving, memorable and inspiring "Crashland" is an experience of the ages.

Saturday March 21, 2015 11:30pm - Sunday March 22, 2015 1:00am CDT
A - Monroe Room (Main Stage), 6th Floor Palmer House Hilton
 
Sunday, March 22
 

1:00am CDT

8:30am CDT

Evaluating Parenting Information
Parenting-related information abounds, but much of it is untrustworthy, and we don't always have time to sort through it all. What's the bare minimum you can do to at least make reasonably sound judgments? What topics are more important than others to look into more thoroughly? We'll share tips, strategies, and resources.


Sunday March 22, 2015 8:30am - 10:00am CDT
D - Clark 5, 7th Floor Palmer House Hilton

10:00am CDT

Communicating Skepticism
Ever had a conversation with a friend or family member, and they start going on about how a psychic Bigfoot is responsible for the 9/11 conspiracy? We feel your pain. How do you talk to people about skeptical topics while trying to avoid the label of being a "know-it-all" or "one of those curmudgeony skeptics"? Come to this panel to learn some of the basic do's and don'ts of advocating for skepticism and spreading critical thought.


Sunday March 22, 2015 10:00am - 11:30am CDT
D - Clark 5, 7th Floor Palmer House Hilton

10:00am CDT

Cosplay Sewing 101
A primer on how to make commercial patterns work for the cosplay you want to create. Come learn to edit and adjust store-bought patterns, as well as quick tips on accuracy and finishing garments.


Sunday March 22, 2015 10:00am - 11:30am CDT
B - Dearborn 1, 7th Floor Palmer House Hilton

10:00am CDT

Podcasting and Journalism: How we got started
Professional podcasters and bloggers discuss the process of breaking into the business and answer questions about the world of podcasting and geek journalism.


Sunday March 22, 2015 10:00am - 11:30am CDT
C - LaSalle 1, 7th Floor Palmer House Hilton

10:00am CDT

This Week in Geek - Live!
Rob, Chris, Alil and Edward break down the latest geek news and go way off topic in what has proven to be the most popular show from Live at the Blue Box. Audience participation is a encouraged!


Sunday March 22, 2015 10:00am - 11:30am CDT
A - Monroe Room (Main Stage), 6th Floor Palmer House Hilton

10:00am CDT

Artist Alley
Sunday March 22, 2015 10:00am - 2:00pm CDT
L - Grant Park & Hancock Parlors, 6th Floor Palmer House Hilton

10:00am CDT

Vendor Hall Open
Sunday March 22, 2015 10:00am - 2:00pm CDT
K - Adams Room, 6th Floor Palmer House Hilton

10:00am CDT

Writer's Den
Sunday March 22, 2015 10:00am - 2:00pm CDT
M - Millennium Parlor, 6th Floor Palmer House Hilton

10:00am CDT

Steampunk Cafe
Food & beverage service costs extra.

Sunday March 22, 2015 10:00am - 2:30pm CDT
G - Clark 10, 7th Floor Palmer House Hilton

10:00am CDT

Open Gaming
All ages open gaming

Sunday March 22, 2015 10:00am - 3:00pm CDT
I - 7th Floor Lobby Palmer House Hilton

10:00am CDT

Open Gaming - 18+
Open Gaming for Adults Only (18+). Cards Against Humanity and more! Note: Check out games in Clark 7 (Open Gaming Room).

Sunday March 22, 2015 10:00am - 3:00pm CDT

11:30am CDT

Geektastic Cage Match!
Podcasters battle it out over geek culture touchstones. Star Wars vs. Star Trek, Marvel vs. DC, Flash Gordon vs. Beastmaster, and many more!


Sunday March 22, 2015 11:30am - 1:00pm CDT
B - Dearborn 1, 7th Floor Palmer House Hilton

11:30am CDT

New Media and the Changing Face of Fandom
Moderators
JD

James Dobbs

Chi-Fi 2015 Convention Chair

Panelists
Artists
PS

Paul Sabourin

Paul and Storm


Sunday March 22, 2015 11:30am - 1:00pm CDT
A - Monroe Room (Main Stage), 6th Floor Palmer House Hilton

11:30am CDT

Science vs the Humanities
Some people think that science and the humanities are destined to be in conflict. From postmodernist nonsense to looking at science as "the only way to know anything about the world," there are many times when the two fields of study appear to be at odds. But does it have to be that way, and how can they get along? Come to this panel to hear a variety of perspectives on this question.


Sunday March 22, 2015 11:30am - 1:00pm CDT
D - Clark 5, 7th Floor Palmer House Hilton

11:30am CDT

Ask the Authors
Ask our panel of published authors about the writing process, publishing and more!


Sunday March 22, 2015 11:30am - 1:00pm CDT
C - LaSalle 1, 7th Floor Palmer House Hilton

1:00pm CDT

Closing Ceremonies
Panelists
JD

James Dobbs

Chi-Fi 2015 Convention Chair
AE

Anne Elliot

Chi-Fi 2015 Convention Vice Chair


Sunday March 22, 2015 1:00pm - 1:30pm CDT
A - Monroe Room (Main Stage), 6th Floor Palmer House Hilton

1:00pm CDT

501st Legion: Costuming in the Star Wars Galaxy
Members of the 501st Legion, the world's largest Star Wars costuming group, lead a forum discussion on Star Wars costuming and their organization! Find out who we are and what we do, getting knowledge of what it takes to recreate film-accurate uniforms from some of the world's most respected costumers, and learning about the exciting lives they lead and charitable missions that they undertake! Join us... Together, we can rule the costuming galaxy!

Artists

Sunday March 22, 2015 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT
B - Dearborn 1, 7th Floor Palmer House Hilton

1:00pm CDT

Extraordinary Claims Require Extraordinary Evidence
In a world of smart watches and robots on comets, many people still ignore or reject even the most well-established scientific conclusions from the safety of vaccines to the age of the earth. Join this panel as we discuss this troubling culture of science denialism, how people come to this mindset and what we can do about it.


Sunday March 22, 2015 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT
D - Clark 5, 7th Floor Palmer House Hilton

1:00pm CDT

World Building

Sunday March 22, 2015 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT
C - LaSalle 1, 7th Floor Palmer House Hilton

2:00pm CDT

 
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