It’s Sort of Like Archery, but with Small Axes

Everybody remembers their first time.

The feeling of anticipation…

The rush of adrenaline…

The sweet, sweet release…

Indeed, throwing a small axe as hard as you can at a target on the wall is an experience you won’t soon forget.

And it’s one you’re bound to have at Bad Axe Throwing, Chicago’s first and only facility for practicing the little-known sport of axe throwing, now taking reservations and opening next Friday in the West Loop. Here’s a slideshow.

You’ll reserve a session here for anywhere from seven to 32 friends whose shared interests include “competitively hurling sharp objects.” Each room has two throwing lanes; one also has a mural of Kanye holding an axe, which is the only mural of Kanye holding an axe currently in existence. That we know of, anyway.

Since throwing axes relies more on technique than brute strength, you’ll want to listen to your coach (yes, you have a coach). If everything goes as planned, your axe will flip once or twice before sticking in the target 15 feet away.

Oh, and one more thing: though no booze is allowed—this isn’t New Jersey—we’d suggest bringing snacks or ordering pizza for delivery.

Never throw axes on an empty stom… okay, goodbye.