Block Club Chicago reporters documented a range of events across the city this week, highlighting both community life and ongoing social issues.
On Monday, February 2, students gathered outside River Park to protest federal immigration enforcement actions. The demonstration was part of a larger response to recent immigration raids. According to Block Club Chicago, “Students protest during a walkout outside of River Park on Monday, Feb. 2, 2026.” These protests were mirrored downtown on January 30, where hundreds braved snow and cold in the Loop as part of a nationwide shutdown following federal immigration raids in Minneapolis. Block Club Chicago reported: “Hundreds protest in the Loop in the snow and frigid cold as part of a nationwide shutdown in response to federal immigration raids in Minneapolis on Jan. 30, 2026.”
Elsewhere in the city’s neighborhoods, Sir Ian McKellen spoke with students at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater at Navy Pier about his experiences filming X-Men and performing Shakespeare. “Sir Ian McKellen describes how he filmed a scene from X-Men on Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026, at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater at Navy Pier,” according to Block Club Chicago.
Local businesses and cultural institutions also featured prominently this week. Bartender Kim Mays was photographed preparing drinks at Red Pepper’s Lounge on East 75th Street while patrons danced at Duke’s Cocktail Lounge nearby—venues that are part of the South Side’s Black-owned lounge culture shaped by historical migration patterns.
Food coverage included Adrian Zamudio making a spicy vodka chicken parmesan stuffed crust pizza at Angelo’s Stuffed Crust in Archer Heights and cooks preparing pizzas at JB Alberto’s Pizza in Rogers Park.
Musician Buddy Guy performed at his venue Buddy Guy’s Legends after winning his ninth Grammy award. “Buddy Guy performs at Buddy Guy’s Legends, 700 S. Wabash Ave., in the South Loop on Jan. 8, 2026,” Block Club Chicago reported.
Other stories captured included Sarah Conway of the Chicago Reader reflecting on changes as the publication shifts from an alt-weekly to a monthly magazine; families affected by reverse mortgage scams continuing their fight for their homes; and efforts to preserve historic buildings such as Reformation Lutheran Church in Roseland.
At DePaul University’s Lincoln Park campus, students delivered a petition urging sanctuary campus policies after immigration agents were reportedly seen nearby.
In Avondale, Belmont Tavern reopened after being dormant for over two decades. Meanwhile, Collaboraction Theatre Company launched its new Humboldt Park location with local artists gathering for opening events.
Finally, Chatham artist Isiah “ThoughtPoet” Veney posed with fellow artists after their billboard campaign was removed without notice—a development that drew concern from those involved.
