Chicago has a long and storied history with baseball, being the home of the Cubs and White Sox. So it’s no surprise that the city is also a hotspot for baseball card collectors and dealers. Whether you’re looking to build your own collection or find that elusive rookie card, Chicago offers plenty of great options for buying baseball cards.
One of the largest and most well known card shops in the area is Chicago Sportscards, which has two locations in the city. Their flagship store is located in the Loop at 120 S. LaSalle Street. Spanning over 8,000 square feet, this massive store contains an enormous inventory of new and vintage baseball cards for sale. They have individual packs, boxes, and complete sets from every era readily available. Chicago Sportscards is also a hub for collectors, regularly hosting card shows, autograph signings, and other events. Their deep connections within the industry give them access to some very rare finds as well. For serious collectors, this is a must-visit destination.
On the north side of the city, Chicago Sportscards has a second location at 3524 N. Lincoln Avenue in Lakeview. At 3,000 square feet, it’s smaller than the downtown shop but still stocks a huge selection of new and vintage cards. Both locations are open daily and have knowledgeable staff who can help you find that special card to add to your PC (personal collection). They also buy collections and trade cards, so it’s a full-service operation for collectors. Whether you’re a casual fan or a hardcore memorabilia hunter, Chicago Sportscards should be your first stop.
Another great local shop is Chicago Card Exchange, located at 816 W. Belmont Avenue in Lakeview. In business since the 1980s, CCE has built a stellar reputation among collectors. While smaller than Chicago Sportscards, they maintain an extensive inventory through constant buying and trading. CCE focuses on moving cards quickly at competitive prices. So if you’re looking for deals on new and vintage baseball products, check them out. They also buy individual cards and full collections. CCE runs promotions throughout the year like “Dollar Box Days” where you can find huge values.
A bit outside the city but well worth the trip is Bob’s Baseball Cards in Schaumburg. Located at 1155 E. Golf Road, this massive 20,000 square foot “LCS” (local card shop) is a national destination. With over a million total trading cards and memorabilia items in stock, they claim to have the largest inventory in the Midwest. Bob’s stocks every major release and maintains a huge vintage selection spanning the entire history of the hobby. They also have an extensive supply of unopened wax boxes and cases going back decades. Plus, the huge store allows for frequent card shows and special guest signings. It’s easy to get lost browsing for hours. While a bit of a drive from downtown, serious collectors won’t want to miss checking out Bob’s Baseball Cards.
Another option to find baseball cards in Chicago is to search online marketplaces like eBay. With its large collector base, the Chicago area always has plenty of local listings on eBay for new and vintage baseball cards being sold directly. You can find individual rookie cards, complete sets, autographed memorabilia, and more. When buying on eBay, stick to highly rated sellers with many positive reviews to avoid scams. Make sure to check for authenticity guarantees as well, which are common on high-end vintage items. With some research, eBay opens up the Chicago area cards market and brings it right to your screen.
Chicago also hosts several large card shows annually that are open to the public. These events are held at various venues around the city and surrounding ‘burbs, and typically take place on weekends to accommodate collectors’ schedules. Shows like the National Sports Collectors Convention and Chicago Sports Collectors Expo draw hundreds of vendors selling everything baseball related under the sun. It’s the best place to find rare finds and meet fellow enthusiasts from all over. Admission usually ranges from $5-10, and most vendors offer discounts for bulk purchases. Be sure to check event calendars online for upcoming baseball card shows in the area.
Whether you’re looking for current Cubs and White Sox stars or vintage gems from yesteryear, Chicago offers no shortage of great options for buying baseball cards. With large retail shops, online marketplaces, and collector shows, you’re sure to build your collection with the Windy City’s deep roots in the national pastime. Just be careful, as it’s easy to max out more than one credit card browsing the city’s stock of baseball’s finest on cardboard.
