PLAINFIELD HOT SPOT A GAMERS' PARADISE

'ULTIMATE GAMER CLUB' OFFERS PATRONS VIDEO GAME TOURNAMENTS, FOOD AND SPIRITS

PLAINFIELD -- Gamers looking for new competition can find some in downtown Plainfield -- as well as beer and pizza to go with it.

Ranked, "The Ultimate Gamer Club," opened in February at 15014 DesPlaines St.

By combining a bar and grill with Xbox tournaments, Rockstar Karaoke and Nintendo Wii bowling and golf leagues, owner Steve Wilson believes he has created a relatively distinctive establishment.

"We are unique in our concept, with the competitive nature and with our set-ups," he said. "These are the next-generation video games."

Visitors can grab a drink at the bar and watch one of seven flat-screen televisions, take advantage of the free wireless Internet, or settle into a leather chair in front of one of seven game stations, each equipped with wall-mounted high-definition LCD televisions.

Ranked has 35 games to choose from, and four or five copies of each.

"It's something fun to do while you're at the bar," Wilson said, adding that he hears Nintendo may release a Wii dart game. "If so, we definitely have to get it."

Although he runs a business focused on gaming, it's been a while since Wilson, 27, played with any regularity. But he's getting pretty good at "Guitar Hero 3."

Anyone can eat or drink in the bar, gamer or not. The menu includes appetizers, soup, salads, asiago cheese melts, pizza, sandwiches and wraps.

Membership, which is up to 250 as of last week, is "insanely cheap," Wilson said. For $20 players can join Ranked, entitling them to unlimited games and free entry in tournaments and competitions for a year. Otherwise it's $5 for a day of unlimited play.

You must be 18 to become a member. Patrons younger than 18 must be accompanied by an adult. And those younger than 21 can't be in the bar past 8 p.m., Wilson said.

There is still time to enter upcoming tournaments and leagues. Past prizes for winning have included iPod Shuffles, Nintendo Wii game systems, mp3 players, gift certificates -- even a trip for two to Las Vegas.

A retractable dividing wall can separate the bar from the gaming area for private parties.

Ranked is open from 3 p.m. to 1 a.m. Sundays through Thursdays, and 3 p.m. to 2 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays. The game room may be booked from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily for leagues and private parties.

For more information about Ranked, call (815) 577-6591 or visit www.rankedamerica.com.