ERChamp 2026 Theme Released!

February 7, 2026 Brian Gondek 0

As you’re probably aware by now, I’m a member of the design team for the Escape Room World Championship, and every year, thousands of solvers from dozens of countries compete to be the best at solving a series of themed puzzles. What you may not know is that the 2026 theme was just released!

From the Ashes

January 24, 2026 Brian Gondek 0

I stumbled across a double-faceted delight recently. I’m always excited to see new escape rooms open, and to my surprise and delight, a new business called “City Limits Escape” in Volo, IL showed up on the map. After combing through social media a bit, it seems that there’s a twist to this surprise- City Limits is bringing back the games from City 13 Escape!

Atlanta, GA: Ultimate Escape Game

December 26, 2025 Brian Gondek 0

The difficulty of an escape room is a tough concept to nail. I had the pleasure this week to visit Ultimate Escape Game Atlanta and encounter an enthusiast’s dream- very difficult, but completely fair, rooms! It was truly a great experience for puzzle lovers.

ER Champ 2025 Results Are In!

November 3, 2025 Brian Gondek 0

ER Champ 2025 Finals are completed! The Finals, broadcast live from Sofia, Bulgaria, brought viewers a thrilling competition with only seconds separating first, second, and third place. I wont spoil who was who, so if you’re curious, check out the stream or the results page. Congrats to the winners!

Memento #9: 20th Century Puzzle Books

February 3, 2025 Brian Gondek 0

As part of a new year’s resolution, I challenged myself and others to spread the love of puzzles with a new generation, and this week, I found a reminder of why this challenge resonates with me so much. These logic problem magazines were a godsend on long car rides in my childhood, and I always love teasing out the solutions from elaborate puzzles like these.

Midwest Circuit Complete!

October 1, 2024 Brian Gondek 0

Going into last Friday, I expected to be on a road trip from Charlotte to Chicago. Hurricane Helene blew up those plans, so with no plan in mind, we set out westward on the morning of Friday, September 27. Despite having no plan, the trip was amazing, and we packed the days full.

Memento #7: Assorted Stickers

September 10, 2024 Brian Gondek 0

I’ve mentioned a few times before how stickers are one of my favorite escape room souvenirs. Simple, easy, and suitable to multiple purposes, stickers make a great way to remember a solved room.