LEAGUE OF ENCHANTMENT CHICAGO
Our Chicago team works with area hospitals, partner charities, outreach events, and organizations to make a difference in the lives of kids and kids-at-heart through the power of cosplay. Whether it is a smile, hug, photo, or a simple conversation with a child, we are here to make a difference.
Serving the greater Chicagoland area, we pride ourselves on working to put smiles on the faces of people everywhere we go by bringing favorite superheroes, princesses, and popular characters to life.
Our appearances are always free, but donations are appreciated and help us to provide the care packages we provide when visiting local hospitals.
Request us for your next community event or apply to join our super team!
Contact Us
(708) 289-1040
E-Mail Us
LEADERSHIP TEAM
Grant paplauskas
Regional Director
Grant has been cosplaying Thor since the fall of 2019, portraying the mighty Avenger to bring smiles to children of all ages. Motivated by his memories of meeting his favorite superhero as a child, Grant now works to provide those experiences wherever and whenever possible.
Stationed in the Chicagoland area, Grant is working to establish and build a branch of the League in Chicago and is eager to strengthen our mission with his involvement.
Jen Watson
Membership CAPTAIN
Jen has been telling stories for as long as she can remember, and dressing up as her favorite characters for only slightly less time than that. In 2018 she began cosplaying for charity events as Captain Marvel, and since then, her mission has been to bring her heroes out of their stories and into reality, where she can pass on the inspiration and empowerment that they've given her. She joined the League in 2021 as one of the first members of the Chicago branch, and is very excited to be a part of this exciting new chapter of the organization.
Chris Rieck
Events CAPTAIN
When he isn’t using his creative skills in the kitchen, working on his degree, or cheering on Liverpool, Chris leads the Chicago team’s event group seeking out new opportunities to provide ways for League members to engage the public. Drawn to Captain America, this natural leader has taken the charge to be a driving force behind the development of the Chicago team. An avid costumer, Chris takes on not only the role Captain America but also Batman and others to interact with kids and kids at heart.
JIM KUTCHINSKI
iNTERIM media CAPTAIN
Jim started out in 2016 by going to his first Comicon in Chicago. Not knowing how to cosplay he met some great people that not only cosplayed but used this to help bring smiles to kids of all ages. Now suiting up as Loki, Captain America, Peter Pan and others, Jim has embodies the role of hero for others and brings imagination to life. When not suiting up and on a mission, Jim spends time with his son, dog and friends.
Andrea gantz
TEAM secretary
Andrea has always loved cosplay, long before she knew it had a name. As a child she could usually be found dressed up as one of her heroes, pretending to save the day. A handful of years ago, she started cosplaying at community events and quickly discovered the joy and magic of bringing smiles to kids and kids at heart through cosplay. When not in costume, or at her day-job as an editor for a publishing and media company, her nose is usually stuck in a book, dreaming about adventure, castles and faraway places.
Scott eckelberry
events officer
Scott has always loved Halloween growing up because it allowed him to dress up as a character and escape into a world of fantasy. After winning a Halloween contest back in 1994, Scott started attending various Comic Conventions in the Chicagoland area while dressing up as Waldo, Beetlejuice and a generic Jedi. Scott began meeting more and more friends who enjoyed the same thing as he did. He got involved in a bunch of cosplay groups and charity organizations which eventually lead to joining the Rebel Legion in 2017. He then became a member of the 501st about a year later and never looked back.
Scott joined LOE in 2021 and has enjoyed everything about its mission and community involvement. He is currently working with the events team in Chicago to establish more opportunities for our members to bring smiles to kids faces and adults alike.
Vicki lantz
MEMBERSHIP officer
When she isn't protecting others as part of her day job or running half-marathons, Vicki loves incorporating anything nerdy into her everyday life, including baking items related to her favorite fandoms. After loving fantasy stories and movies for many years, she finally joined the world of cosplay in 2014 as Black Widow. Since then, she has expanded her cosplay repertoire to include the likes of Peggy Carter, Supergirl, Tinkerbell and many more, bringing joy to people of all ages as a part of causeplay charity groups. One of her favorite parts of volunteering is having the opportunity to brighten someone's day by giving them a chance to interact with their favorite character.
EVENT LEADS
Geannina Gutiérrez
EVENT LEAD COORDINATOR
Full-time artist, half-time cosplayer, and tea drinker for life. Geannina has been cosplaying since the late 2000s. And has been going strong since then. She joined LOE to meet new people and bring joy to all either as a princess or a superhero, Everyone deserves some joy in their life. Geannina is also an illustrator who enjoys drawing fantasy and fan art of their favorite superheroes.
SAMANTHA REYNOLDS
ZANE WILLIAMS