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June 1 - Tony Gerard Lecture & Classic Force workshop

5/6/2026

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June 1, 2026
6:30 PM - Magic, Inc.
Free for Members - $20 for Guests
 (payable at the door)

ANTONY GERARD is truly one of magic's renaissance men. Owner and operator of The Timid Rabbit Magic & Costume Shop in Kalamazoo, MI for many decades, Tony is also the creator of tons of effects, author of numerous books, and an international lecturer. 

Tony will present his lecture "Magic Behind Bars," focusing on close-up magic performed at bars and restaurants. 

In an exclusive for Assembly 3, Tony will dedicate time to teaching his technique on the Classic Force - a force so powerful, he was able to force the same card on legendary bar magician JC Wagner 47 times in a row! Attendees will be practicing the force during a breakout portion of the evening.

No need to RSVP - just be there!

Tony's lecture notes and other products will be available for sale.
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Adrian Vega Lecture - May 4th 2026

4/21/2026

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Monday, May 4 - 6:30 PM
@ Magic, Inc., 1838 W. Lawrence Ave.
Free for Assembly 3 Members - $20 for Guests


Adrián Vega is an international magician from Spain. His magic has taken him to perform on some of the world’s top stages, appearing in cities such as Las Vegas, Chicago, London, Beijing, Philadelphia, Buenos Aires, Washington, Berlin, Miami, New York, Paris… and, of course, regularly at the prestigious Magic Castle in Hollywood (Los Angeles).

He has won numerous awards, including the First National Prize of Magic in Spain and the Ascanio Award for Magician of the Year in 2018.

He has also received international honors such as the “Award of Merit” at the Ron MacMillan convention in London (2013), as well as awards at FISM Europe and the IBM Award in the United States, along with the Audience Award and the FFFF Award—earning three consecutive standing ovations at this prestigious convention.

Ranked among the top five magicians in the world at the World Championship in Canada 2022, Adrián Vega has also been named “Favorite Son” of Castilla-La Mancha—marking the first time in history that this distinction has been awarded to an illusionist.

Adrian has lectured at the Society of American Magicians virtual Assembly v1.4 en Español.
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April 2026 Meeting: Contest!!!

3/25/2026

 
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Get ready for an evening of incredible magic! The 2026 S.A.M. Assembly 3 Magic Contest is Monday, April 6, at 6:30 PM at Magic Inc. (1838 W. Lawrence Ave, Chicago).
This exciting competition will feature talented compeers showcasing their best close-up or stand-up magic. 
The winner will be decided by audience popular vote, so come enjoy the magic and have your say in crowning the champion!
Contest acts should be at least 5 minutes, no more than 10 minutes. 
Sign up at the door!
S.A.M. 3 Magic Contest
​Close up & Stand Up 2026 Magic Contest Rules

  1. The contest is open to all S.A.M. members in good standing whose dues are current for both national and local assembly levels.
  2. The contest is open for stand up or close up magic. Each magician will be judged on their own merit and performance regardless of the type of magic. There will be no separate categories for these.
  3. No Fire, Livestock or Stooges (prearranged assistants). 
  4. A close up table with chairs will be provided if desired.
  5. Each act will be at least five minutes and no more than 10 minutes. A time keeper will call out times once the five minute mark has been reached. Going over or under the time will deduct points as follows:
    1. After the scorecards have been tallied, the score will have one point deducted from the total for each minute or fraction under or over the five to ten minute contest limit per every three persons voting.


After all competing performances have been on stage, ballots will be collected and tallied to determine this year's SAM 3 magic contest winner.  Prizes in the form of a certificate will be awarded for first, second and third place as determined by the ballots submitted by the judging audience members. Ballots will be calculated with each judge ranking their personal favorites in order of best to last. A ballot will receive 3 points for first on the ballot, 2 points for second and 1 point for third. The performer with the highest score will be deemed the 2026 SAM 3 Magic Contest Winner and receive the traveling trophy along with their certificate (and bragging rights for the whole year). 
When judging, keep the following in mind
  • APPEARANCE - Consider the performers dress, presence and handling of helpers. 
  • PRESENTATION - Is the act well structured with relevant patter and transitions?
  • ORIGINALITY - How creative is the performer's use of effects, methods and props? 
  • TECHNICAL SKILL - Does the performer exhibit mastery of the sleights and techniques they used?
  • AUDIENCE REACTION - Was their performance an enjoyable experience for the audience?
Above all, this is not a popularity contest. Please judge each performance for the merit it deserves. Not all of us are regular performers and contests like this allow us to get up in front of audiences that some of us don’t have the opportunity to perform for often. The contest is a great place to develop confidence and learn about ourselves and what we have the potential to achieve with our magic skills. 

Good Luck to everyone who braves the footlights and steps up to show us all what you are made of.
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As always, you can contact us at [email protected] with any questions.

March Meeting: Four Corners Night

2/28/2026

 
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Monday, March 2
6:30 PM
Magic Inc, 1838 W. Lawrence Ave, Chicago, IL 60640

Join us for an evening to learn some magic!
Sorry for the short notice of our topic this month. Our scheduled lecturer had to back out this month, but promised to join us at a later date.
  • This month we will have four of our members who have volunteered to demonstrate and teach us a trick or technique.
  • 4 Corners is a popular magic meeting for many clubs and this month we have four great tables of magic to share with you. 
  • Be prepared to learn a new twist a classic T&R, sponge balls, a little mentalism and how make a “pack small play big” tool you’ll want to add to your bag of tricks. 
This will be a night to learn from experienced performers. You can ask questions and get some hands on tips face to face. 

Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with your magic friends and to learn some great magic.
This months meeting will be a another participation heavy session. 

February Meeting: Family Magic

2/2/2026

 
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Monday, February 2
6:30 PM
​Magic Inc.


You're Invited: S.A.M. Assembly 3 Family Magic Show Tricks and Routines

Join us for an evening to discuss and learn about what it takes to perform
'Family Friendly Magic'.
  • Do you have a routine for a family show? Bring it on and share your experience with the assembly. 
  • Are looking to fine tune a trick for your show? Let's have a group discussion about it.
  • Do you have questions about performing for a family show? We'll have answers!
  • Be prepared to share your tips and experiences performing for families.
This will be a night to share and learn from experienced family performers. Bring your props and show us what you have and how you address things like time limits, space requirements and audience management (especially the rowdy ones).
 
Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with your magic friends and to learn from each other.
This months meeting is meant to be a participation heavy session, so bring your questions, your stories and bring a routine to share. .
Let’s keep make 2026 a year for the history books. We can’t wait to see you there!

Post-holiday party with ross johnson

12/24/2025

 
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January 5, 2026
6:30 pm - @Magic Inc.

You're Invited: S.A.M. Assembly 3 Post-Holiday Spectacular!

Click Here to RSVP
Join us for an unforgettable evening of cheer and magical camaraderie at the Society of American Magicians Assembly 3 Post-Holiday Party! Here’s what’s in store:
  • Delicious Food: Provided by Assembly 3. We’re doing subs from Jersey Mike's!
  • Exciting Prizes and Raffles: Try your luck and take home magical treasures, donated by your fellow members.
  • Feature Performance by Ross Johnson: a legendary Chicago mentalist with a book coming out in the New Year.
  • Bring your guests! The more, the merrier.

Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with your magical community and make memories to last a lifetime.

RSVP Now: So we know you’re coming! We ask you please make a $5 deposit when you register, and will be returned to you at the party. Pay via Paypal here: https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/Y834AN8XL4X4C 

Let’s make 2026 a year for the history books. We can’t wait to see you there!

December meeting: Antony Gerard Lecture & Workshop

11/19/2025

 
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❄️ DUE TO ANTICIPATED WINTER WEATHER ON DECEMBER 1ST, WE ARE GOING TO POSTPONE ANTONY GERARD'S LECTURE TO ANOTHER DATE TO BE DETERMINED. STAY HOME AND STAY SAFE! ❄️


December 1, 2025
6:30 PM - Magic, Inc.
Free for Members - $20 for Guests
(payable at the door)

ANTONY GERARD is truly one of magic's renaissance men. Owner and operator of The Timid Rabbit Magic & Costume Shop in Kalamazoo, MI for many decades, Tony is also the creator of tons of effects, author of numerous books, and an international lecturer. 

Tony will present his lecture "Magic Behind Bars," focusing on close-up magic performed at bars and restaurants. 

In an exclusive for Assembly 3, Tony will dedicate time to teaching his technique on the Classic Force - a force so powerful, he was able to force the same card on legendary bar magician JC Wagner 47 times in a row! Attendees will be practicing the force during a breakout portion of the evening.

No need to RSVP - just be there!

Tony's lecture notes and other products will be available for sale.

November Meeting: Mentalism night

10/28/2025

 
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Monday, November 3 - 6:30 PM
Magic Inc, 1838 W. Lawrence Ave, Chicago IL 60640

The power of the mind takes center stage for MENTALISM NIGHT at Assembly 3. 

The floor will be open to any members wishing to share their mindreading and telepathic skills with the rest of the group. Prepare to have your mind blown wide open!

Past President Neil Tobin to perform at House of Blues

10/27/2025

 
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House of Boos A Supernatural Spectacle Halloween Spectacular featuring Chicago's own necromancer Neil Tobin! Experience spooky psychic surprises, interactive magical fun, tarot, occult maker's market, themed cocktails and bites all on one unforgettable night. Ticket purchase automatically enters you in a raffle to win 2 free tickets to an upcoming show at House of Blues! *This show may be filmed and photographed for marketing purposes* This is a 21 AND OVER event. House of Blues Chicago is a standing room only venue, all tickets are General Admission unless otherwise stated.

Details: 
https://chicago.houseofblues.com/shows/rooms/backporch-stage 

October Meeting - Initiation and new Member Showcase

10/2/2025

 
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The return of an ancient and annual tradition!
 
Assembly 3 will hold the longform Initiation Ritual for any member in good standing of the S.A.M. who wishes to participate. This is the only meeting we hold each year that is strictly MEMBERS-ONLY, but it can be any National S.A.M. member, regardless of Assembly 3 membership or not.

Please RSVP to let us know if you wish to participate in or observe the ceremony.RSVP by clicking here
Please RSVP by Friday, October 11!

Following the Initiation Ceremony, refreshments and New Member Performances to follow.

Should you have any questions about your membership status, or about the ceremony (and there's only so much we'll answer about that, wink), please contact us at [email protected]
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