{"id":68694,"date":"2018-03-08T10:51:06","date_gmt":"2018-03-08T16:51:06","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/news.medill.northwestern.edu\/chicago\/?p=68694"},"modified":"2018-03-08T14:21:29","modified_gmt":"2018-03-08T20:21:29","slug":"a-family-affair-four-brothers-launch-chicagos-newest-gaming-lounge","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/news.medill.northwestern.edu\/chicago\/a-family-affair-four-brothers-launch-chicagos-newest-gaming-lounge\/","title":{"rendered":"A family affair: Four brothers launch Chicago&#8217;s newest gaming lounge"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><strong>By Jourdan Kerl<\/strong><br \/>\n<em>Medill Reports<\/em><\/p>\n<p class=\"dropcap\">Carlos, Ricardo, Francisco and Ozzie Flores raced home after school as children to compete against one another in their favorite video games.<\/p>\n<p>Now adults, their love for gaming transformed into bigger dreams for the brothers from Puerto Rico.<\/p>\n<p>Four brothers. Three veterans. One vision: To establish a premier destination where any video gamer in Chicago, young or old, could enjoy social interaction with others.<\/p>\n<p>This dream manifested into the family-owned Raid Gaming Lounge that opened in late 2017 at 3044 N. Central Ave. on Chicago&#8217;s Northwest Side.\u00a0 Their initial inspiration came from their mother.<\/p>\n<p><!--more--><\/p>\n<p>&#8220;My mom started with gaming. She&#8217;s the main one who introduced us to gaming and all different types of games,&#8221; said Francisco, 27. &#8220;[We] fell in love with it ever since we were small, like a lot of Chicago gamers.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>This love passed from a mother to her sons forged a dynamic team of business owners, who all want to make a difference in their community.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;We see how much gaming impacts our lives and know how [it] impacts other gamers&#8217; lives in Chicago,&#8221; Francisco said. &#8220;Gaming is not all about wasting time, like most people say. To us, we think it&#8217;s a good influence.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Carlos, 32, had his first interaction with mixed arcades and LAN gaming centers on a visit to Japan in 2005. Reflecting on his experience in the country, he would explore other lounges in the United States. After years of brainstorming, he formulated a plan with his brothers to develop their own lounge in Chicago.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;This is the place that I would have loved to have when I was growing up [and] would love to go to, if it was available to me,&#8221; Carlos said.<\/p>\n<p>Launching a\u00a0gaming lounge in a city that is relatively new to esports culture came with challenges.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;The concept of video gaming is big, but the places where you only play video games are very young. Like any other industry, you need to have social interaction between people,&#8221; Carlos said. &#8220;One of the biggest questions we get is, &#8216;why would I go to your place and play when I can just play at home?'&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>His answer? &#8220;It&#8217;s a social environment.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>To create this type of climate at the lounge, the brothers, who are currently the only employees, host weekly tournaments and events, such as Super Saturday for fighting games. Party game nights are held every Friday and RAID Tuesdays are in partnership with the neighboring Wingstop. The facility can also be rented to host birthdays and events.<\/p>\n<p>In spite of the challenges, Francisco, Carlos and their brothers&#8217; long-term mission has been much more than just playing games.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;All four of us see the same image and the same direction when it comes to gaming. We want everyone to help run the [Raid Gaming Lounge] community,&#8221; Francisco said.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;You can come here, play together, bring friends and interact.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>The <a href=\"http:\/\/www.raidgaminglounge.com\">Raid Gaming Lounge<\/a> is open daily from noon to midnight.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wpmf-gallerys wpmf-gallerys-life\"><div id=\"gallery-1\" class=\"gallery gallery_life wpmf_gallery_default gallery_default none gallery-columns-3 gallery-size-full gallery-link-none wpmf-has-border-radius-0 wpmf-gutterwidth-5 no_ratio\"><figure class=\"wpmf-gallery-item\" data-index=\"0\"><div class=\"wpmf-gallery-icon\"><div class=\"square_thumbnail\"><div class=\"img_centered\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1100\" height=\"561\" src=\"https:\/\/news.medill.northwestern.edu\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/03\/r04.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" data-type=\"wpmfgalleryimg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/news.medill.northwestern.edu\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/03\/r04.jpg 1100w, https:\/\/news.medill.northwestern.edu\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/03\/r04-300x153.jpg 300w, https:\/\/news.medill.northwestern.edu\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/03\/r04-768x392.jpg 768w, https:\/\/news.medill.northwestern.edu\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/03\/r04-1024x522.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1100px) 100vw, 1100px\" \/><\/div><\/div><\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text gallery-caption\">The lounge is typically packed with gamers on event nights, such as Super Saturdays, where players compete in Tekken or the newly released Dragon Ball FighterZ. (Photo courtesy of Raid Gaming Lounge)<\/figcaption><\/figure><figure class=\"wpmf-gallery-item\" data-index=\"1\"><div class=\"wpmf-gallery-icon\"><div class=\"square_thumbnail\"><div class=\"img_centered\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1100\" height=\"690\" src=\"https:\/\/news.medill.northwestern.edu\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/03\/r10.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" data-type=\"wpmfgalleryimg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/news.medill.northwestern.edu\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/03\/r10.jpg 1100w, https:\/\/news.medill.northwestern.edu\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/03\/r10-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/news.medill.northwestern.edu\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/03\/r10-768x482.jpg 768w, https:\/\/news.medill.northwestern.edu\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/03\/r10-1024x642.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1100px) 100vw, 1100px\" \/><\/div><\/div><\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text gallery-caption\">Players can also bring their own consoles to play against friends. (Jourdan Kerl\/MEDILL)<\/figcaption><\/figure><figure class=\"wpmf-gallery-item\" data-index=\"2\"><div class=\"wpmf-gallery-icon\"><div class=\"square_thumbnail\"><div class=\"img_centered\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1100\" height=\"686\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.amazonaws.com\/medill.wordpress.offload\/WP%20Media%20Folder%20-%20medill-reports-chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/03\/r07.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" data-type=\"wpmfgalleryimg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.amazonaws.com\/medill.wordpress.offload\/WP%20Media%20Folder%20-%20medill-reports-chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/03\/r07.jpg 1100w, https:\/\/s3.amazonaws.com\/medill.wordpress.offload\/WP%20Media%20Folder%20-%20medill-reports-chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/03\/r07-300x187.jpg 300w, https:\/\/s3.amazonaws.com\/medill.wordpress.offload\/WP%20Media%20Folder%20-%20medill-reports-chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/03\/r07-768x479.jpg 768w, https:\/\/s3.amazonaws.com\/medill.wordpress.offload\/WP%20Media%20Folder%20-%20medill-reports-chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/03\/r07-1024x639.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1100px) 100vw, 1100px\" \/><\/div><\/div><\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text gallery-caption\">International esports titles, such as Overwatch, are available for play in the Lounge for a small fee based on time played. (Jourdan Kerl\/MEDILL)<\/figcaption><\/figure><figure class=\"wpmf-gallery-item\" data-index=\"3\"><div class=\"wpmf-gallery-icon\"><div class=\"square_thumbnail\"><div class=\"img_centered\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1100\" height=\"585\" src=\"https:\/\/news.medill.northwestern.edu\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/03\/r02.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" data-type=\"wpmfgalleryimg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/news.medill.northwestern.edu\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/03\/r02.jpg 1100w, https:\/\/news.medill.northwestern.edu\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/03\/r02-300x160.jpg 300w, https:\/\/news.medill.northwestern.edu\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/03\/r02-768x408.jpg 768w, https:\/\/news.medill.northwestern.edu\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/03\/r02-1024x545.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1100px) 100vw, 1100px\" \/><\/div><\/div><\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text gallery-caption\">Chicago FGC podcast host Aaron Sterling competed at the lounge during a fighting game event. (Photo courtesy of Raid Gaming Lounge)<\/figcaption><\/figure><figure class=\"wpmf-gallery-item\" data-index=\"4\"><div class=\"wpmf-gallery-icon\"><div class=\"square_thumbnail\"><div class=\"img_centered\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1045\" height=\"1195\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.amazonaws.com\/medill.wordpress.offload\/WP%20Media%20Folder%20-%20medill-reports-chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/03\/r03.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" data-type=\"wpmfgalleryimg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.amazonaws.com\/medill.wordpress.offload\/WP%20Media%20Folder%20-%20medill-reports-chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/03\/r03.jpg 1045w, https:\/\/s3.amazonaws.com\/medill.wordpress.offload\/WP%20Media%20Folder%20-%20medill-reports-chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/03\/r03-262x300.jpg 262w, https:\/\/s3.amazonaws.com\/medill.wordpress.offload\/WP%20Media%20Folder%20-%20medill-reports-chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/03\/r03-768x878.jpg 768w, https:\/\/s3.amazonaws.com\/medill.wordpress.offload\/WP%20Media%20Folder%20-%20medill-reports-chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/03\/r03-895x1024.jpg 895w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1045px) 100vw, 1045px\" \/><\/div><\/div><\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text gallery-caption\">The lounge hosts family parties and tournaments. (Photo courtesy of Raid Gaming Lounge) <\/figcaption><\/figure><figure class=\"wpmf-gallery-item\" data-index=\"5\"><div class=\"wpmf-gallery-icon\"><div class=\"square_thumbnail\"><div class=\"img_centered\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"829\" height=\"540\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.amazonaws.com\/medill.wordpress.offload\/WP%20Media%20Folder%20-%20medill-reports-chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/03\/r05.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" data-type=\"wpmfgalleryimg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.amazonaws.com\/medill.wordpress.offload\/WP%20Media%20Folder%20-%20medill-reports-chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/03\/r05.jpg 829w, https:\/\/s3.amazonaws.com\/medill.wordpress.offload\/WP%20Media%20Folder%20-%20medill-reports-chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/03\/r05-300x195.jpg 300w, https:\/\/s3.amazonaws.com\/medill.wordpress.offload\/WP%20Media%20Folder%20-%20medill-reports-chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/03\/r05-768x500.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 829px) 100vw, 829px\" \/><\/div><\/div><\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text gallery-caption\">Titles, such as Guitar Hero and classic Dance Dance Revolution allow players to get right into the action. Snacks available for purchase allow players to stay refreshed for hours of gameplay. (Photo courtesy of Raid Gaming Lounge)<\/figcaption><\/figure><figure class=\"wpmf-gallery-item\" data-index=\"6\"><div class=\"wpmf-gallery-icon\"><div class=\"square_thumbnail\"><div class=\"img_centered\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1100\" height=\"733\" src=\"https:\/\/news.medill.northwestern.edu\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/03\/r06.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" data-type=\"wpmfgalleryimg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/news.medill.northwestern.edu\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/03\/r06.jpg 1100w, https:\/\/news.medill.northwestern.edu\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/03\/r06-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/news.medill.northwestern.edu\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/03\/r06-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/news.medill.northwestern.edu\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/03\/r06-1024x682.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1100px) 100vw, 1100px\" \/><\/div><\/div><\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text gallery-caption\">Handmade gaming jewelry is for sale at Raid Gaming Lounge. (Jourdan Kerl\/MEDILL)<\/figcaption><\/figure><figure class=\"wpmf-gallery-item\" data-index=\"7\"><div class=\"wpmf-gallery-icon\"><div class=\"square_thumbnail\"><div class=\"img_centered\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1100\" height=\"733\" src=\"https:\/\/news.medill.northwestern.edu\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/03\/r08.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" data-type=\"wpmfgalleryimg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/news.medill.northwestern.edu\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/03\/r08.jpg 1100w, https:\/\/news.medill.northwestern.edu\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/03\/r08-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/news.medill.northwestern.edu\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/03\/r08-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/news.medill.northwestern.edu\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/03\/r08-1024x682.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1100px) 100vw, 1100px\" \/><\/div><\/div><\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text gallery-caption\">If someone enjoys a particular game at the Lounge, the player can purchase it, if it is in stock. The desk has tons of titles like the ones featured here. (Jourdan Kerl\/MEDILL)<\/figcaption><\/figure><figure class=\"wpmf-gallery-item\" data-index=\"8\"><div class=\"wpmf-gallery-icon\"><div class=\"square_thumbnail\"><div class=\"img_centered\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1100\" height=\"618\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.amazonaws.com\/medill.wordpress.offload\/WP%20Media%20Folder%20-%20medill-reports-chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/03\/r09.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" data-type=\"wpmfgalleryimg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.amazonaws.com\/medill.wordpress.offload\/WP%20Media%20Folder%20-%20medill-reports-chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/03\/r09.jpg 1100w, https:\/\/s3.amazonaws.com\/medill.wordpress.offload\/WP%20Media%20Folder%20-%20medill-reports-chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/03\/r09-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/s3.amazonaws.com\/medill.wordpress.offload\/WP%20Media%20Folder%20-%20medill-reports-chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/03\/r09-768x431.jpg 768w, https:\/\/s3.amazonaws.com\/medill.wordpress.offload\/WP%20Media%20Folder%20-%20medill-reports-chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/03\/r09-1024x575.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1100px) 100vw, 1100px\" \/><\/div><\/div><\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text gallery-caption\">Watch the Chicago Fighting Game Podcast live with hosts Ryan Porter and Aaron Sterling. They bring on guests from around the Midwest to discuss esports every Sunday at the Lounge. (Jourdan Kerl\/MEDILL)<\/figcaption><\/figure><figure class=\"wpmf-gallery-item\" data-index=\"9\"><div class=\"wpmf-gallery-icon\"><div class=\"square_thumbnail\"><div class=\"img_centered\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1100\" height=\"770\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.amazonaws.com\/medill.wordpress.offload\/WP%20Media%20Folder%20-%20medill-reports-chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/03\/r11.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" data-type=\"wpmfgalleryimg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.amazonaws.com\/medill.wordpress.offload\/WP%20Media%20Folder%20-%20medill-reports-chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/03\/r11.jpg 1100w, https:\/\/s3.amazonaws.com\/medill.wordpress.offload\/WP%20Media%20Folder%20-%20medill-reports-chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/03\/r11-300x210.jpg 300w, https:\/\/s3.amazonaws.com\/medill.wordpress.offload\/WP%20Media%20Folder%20-%20medill-reports-chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/03\/r11-768x538.jpg 768w, https:\/\/s3.amazonaws.com\/medill.wordpress.offload\/WP%20Media%20Folder%20-%20medill-reports-chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/03\/r11-1024x717.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1100px) 100vw, 1100px\" \/><\/div><\/div><\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text gallery-caption\">Comics, such as Black Panther and Age of Ultron, are on display at the Lounge for patrons to enjoy or purchase. (Jourdan Kerl\/MEDILL)<\/figcaption><\/figure><figure class=\"wpmf-gallery-item\" data-index=\"10\"><div class=\"wpmf-gallery-icon\"><div class=\"square_thumbnail\"><div class=\"img_centered\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1100\" height=\"639\" src=\"https:\/\/news.medill.northwestern.edu\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/03\/r12.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" data-type=\"wpmfgalleryimg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/news.medill.northwestern.edu\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/03\/r12.jpg 1100w, https:\/\/news.medill.northwestern.edu\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/03\/r12-300x174.jpg 300w, https:\/\/news.medill.northwestern.edu\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/03\/r12-768x446.jpg 768w, https:\/\/news.medill.northwestern.edu\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/03\/r12-1024x595.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1100px) 100vw, 1100px\" \/><\/div><\/div><\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text gallery-caption\">Visitors can play their favorite games such as Super Smash Bros. on Wii U or play on other consoles such as PS4, Xbox and PC. (Jourdan Kerl\/MEDILL)<\/figcaption><\/figure><figure class=\"wpmf-gallery-item\" data-index=\"11\"><div class=\"wpmf-gallery-icon\"><div class=\"square_thumbnail\"><div class=\"img_centered\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1100\" height=\"703\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.amazonaws.com\/medill.wordpress.offload\/WP%20Media%20Folder%20-%20medill-reports-chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/03\/r01.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" data-type=\"wpmfgalleryimg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.amazonaws.com\/medill.wordpress.offload\/WP%20Media%20Folder%20-%20medill-reports-chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/03\/r01.jpg 1100w, https:\/\/s3.amazonaws.com\/medill.wordpress.offload\/WP%20Media%20Folder%20-%20medill-reports-chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/03\/r01-300x192.jpg 300w, https:\/\/s3.amazonaws.com\/medill.wordpress.offload\/WP%20Media%20Folder%20-%20medill-reports-chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/03\/r01-768x491.jpg 768w, https:\/\/s3.amazonaws.com\/medill.wordpress.offload\/WP%20Media%20Folder%20-%20medill-reports-chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/03\/r01-1024x654.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1100px) 100vw, 1100px\" \/><\/div><\/div><\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text gallery-caption\">A look at the lounge from outside after hours. (Photo courtesy of Raid Gaming Lounge)<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"featurecaption\">Photo at top: Brothers Ozzie and Francisco Flores show a young customer tactics for a video game. (Courtesy of Raid Gaming Lounge)<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>By Jourdan Kerl Medill Reports Carlos, Ricardo, Francisco and Ozzie Flores raced home after school as children to compete against one another in their favorite video games. Now adults, their love for gaming transformed into bigger dreams for the brothers from Puerto Rico. Four brothers. Three veterans. One vision: To establish a premier destination where [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":442,"featured_media":68696,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[27,28,31,3987],"tags":[192],"class_list":["post-68694","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-business","category-general-interest","category-sports","category-winter-2018","tag-promo"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.6 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>A family affair: Four brothers launch Chicago&#039;s newest gaming lounge - Medill Reports Chicago<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/news.medill.northwestern.edu\/chicago\/a-family-affair-four-brothers-launch-chicagos-newest-gaming-lounge\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"A family affair: Four brothers launch Chicago&#039;s newest gaming lounge - Medill Reports Chicago\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"By Jourdan Kerl Medill Reports Carlos, Ricardo, Francisco and Ozzie Flores raced home after school as children to compete against one another in their favorite video games. Now adults, their love for gaming transformed into bigger dreams for the brothers from Puerto Rico. Four brothers. Three veterans. 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