Andersonville's Puzzle Throwdown Debuts Competitive Element to Annual Exchange This Sunday

By Socialhood News · Il/Chicago/Andersonville · February 8, 2026

Puzzle enthusiasts in Andersonville have a new reason to get excited this weekend as the Chamber of Commerce adds a competitive twist to its annual puzzle swap. The Great Andersonville Puzzle Exchange, now in its sixth year, returns to the Swedish American Museum this Sunday, February 8, from 10am to 2pm, with an added competitive element: The Great Andersonville Puzzle Throwdown at nearby RAYGUN.

The traditional puzzle exchange invites community members to bring gently used puzzles to swap for new-to-them challenges. "Bring a puzzle, take a puzzle!" is the motto of the event, with drop-off beginning at 9am. Early birds can drop off puzzles at the Chamber's headquarters or during Saturday's Coffee & Cocoa Crawl. For the first time, puzzle masters can test their skills against neighbors in timed 15-minute rounds at the Throwdown competition happening from 11am to 2pm at RAYGUN. Competitors will race to complete identical puzzles revealed only when the timer starts.

The dual events are part of the neighborhood's annual Swedish-inspired Fika Fest celebration and follow the popular Coffee & Cocoa Crawl held Saturday. Residents are encouraged to participate in both the exchange and competition, with a $5 suggested donation for the exchange. Puzzle enthusiasts can register online for the Throwdown or simply show up Sunday to participate in Andersonville's growing winter tradition.

Sources:
1. https://patch.com/illinois/chicago/calendar/event/20260208/0e5dd0df-50bf-4649-a0bf-48c020057697/the-great-andersonville-puzzle-exchange-throwdown
2. https://allevents.in/chicago/the-great-andersonville-puzzle-throwdown/100001981018191739
3. https://app.glueup.com/event/the-great-andersonville-puzzle-exchange-129946/