The Weekly Grind - February 23rd, 2026 Newsletter
- Critical Grind Gaming
- Feb 23
- 4 min read
UPDATES
LAST WEEK'S HIGHLIGHTS:
We had a lot of fun this past week.
Thank you to everyone who came out to play on your day off last Monday.
I had the honor of presenting at the Above & Beyond Networkers breakfast on Wednesday where I taught a room of 30-or so entrepreneurs and business professionals about Role-Playing Games and running them through a brief encounter.
We had a fun time on Wednesday with our After Hours 2-Player Date Night.
Friday was the Lorcana: Winterspell Release Tournament, and our Magic the Gathering: 2-Headed Giant Tournament, and Pathfinder Society.
Saturday we had local author, Christal Marie Gonzalez here with her new book, "The Vow of the Guardian". Also, a lot of open gaming on Saturday!
Sunday was our 1st day of the new Lorcana League: Season 11!
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
It's been highly anticipated but we're slowly bringing back your favorite smoothie flavors. We've even got some new ones on the horizon! For those who don't know, we're no longer using Dr. Smoothie for smoothies and refreshers. Once we run our of our current product, that's it. That does mean that some of the flavors will be going away, but we'll be getting some new ones from our new supplier, Smartfruit. Right now, we have Strawberry and Mango available. We're working on more in the future and we'll keep you all posted as they become available.
We have some different hours coming up next week. Most of them will be the same, but Tuesday, March 2nd, the cafe will be opening at 3pm. A few of us will be out of town for a convention and our home-team is going to be a little short-staffed for the week. Please have extra patience and grace with them. Thank you.
This Week's Event Highlights
This is a quick look at this week's events. And of course any day is Game Day at Critical Grind. Just stop in anytime and find your next favorite game.
Follow our newsletter and socials to never miss an event!
Every link you need to follow us is right here:
SPECIAL EVENTS OF NOTE THIS WEEK:
FABULOUS BINGO - MONDAY - 7PM
SENIOR GAMING - TUESDAY - 10AM
MINI-PAINTING - TUESDAY - 3PM
RPG NIGHT - TUESDAY & THURSDAY - 6PM
MTG: TMNT PRERELEASE - FRIDAY - 6PM
TABLE HOGS - SATURDAY - 5PM
POP-UP CREATOR: THE RAVEN'S HOUSE - SUNDAY - 11AM
This Week's Events Flyers/Details
This Month's Calendar & Specials
FEBRUARY SPECIALS --
Underworld Berry: Berry Milk (your choice of berry), topped with Cold Brew
Matcha Love: Strawberry & Raspberry Matcha
Lav-Berry Italian Soda: Lavender & Strawberry Italian Soda w/Blue Curacao Cold Foam
Dubai Chocolate Toast: Nutella, Pistachio, Crunchy Wafers, & Dark Chocolate Drizzle
Cupid's Fire Toast: Avocado, Raspberries, Strawberry Balsamic Glaze, & Red Pepper Flakes
Special Events
Next Thursday is Game of Tones Music Bingo! Prizes will be provided by Joliet Pride Network. This event is free to participate, with cafe purchases. 7pm - 9pm. Make sure your phone is charged and join us for a fun event of music bingo, with a twist.
RPG Event Updates!
--> KIDS RPG NIGHT
How it normally works: I email the parents directly, hopefully on the Monday before Kid's RPG Night with the link for sign-ups and session descriptions. So if you are a Kid's RPG Night parent, please fill out this form. (if you haven't already)
Please remember Kid's RPG Night takes place the 2nd and 4th Fridays, GMs permitting.
--> Paizo Society Games
Pathfinder Society is played at the cafe every 1st and 3rd Friday.
Starfinder Society is played here every 2nd and 4th Sunday.
Find both those games on Warhorn or in our Discord
--> Discord Looking For Party
Join our Discord and find your next gaming group.
We play RPGs every Tuesday and Thursday, but people will plan meet-ups outside those times as well. Join our Discord and see what games are being played.
Tip: When you join, go to Rules to get verified. Then, VERY IMPORTANTLY: go to Roles-and-Info to select your interests. This is what will unlock the channels.
TCG Event Updates!
Magic League on Mondays and Lorcana League on Sundays (Kicks back off on the 22nd) (Join the Discord for the League Goals)!
To sign up for a TCG Event, just click the photo.
Monthly Mini Painting Contest
Whether you're participating in our contests or just looking for a space to hang out and paint, stop by any Tuesday or Thursday for our Mini-Painting drop-in between 3pm & 8pm. $5 for all you can paint, access to our brushes, and paints, and a free figure to practice on. Or pick up additional figures for only $5 each.
We tried to do 2 different contests this month but these are the only submissions we received before the deadline. So, check our socials to cast your vote for the winner of the Mania contest, and help us wish a CONGRATULATIONS to Adam, our winner of the Erosius Mini Contest!
Signing Off
Thanks so much for taking the time to read this week's Weekly Grind. If there's anything specific you want to hear about at the cafe, let me know!
"America was indebted to immigration for her settlement and prosperity. That part of America which had encouraged them most had advanced most rapidly in population, agriculture, and the arts." - President James Madison
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