2026
2023 Brought us a new location and new show management. Same old show with Matthew Murphy of Hobby Bunker taking over the reins and will run a show in same tradition as OTSN and CTSS has for Forty Years! Matthew has been operating Hobby Bunker since 1998! 28 years of managing a toy soldier, hobby shop and game store.
2026 is the 46th year and the 45th Show!
Mission:
To honor the culture of the Chicago Toy Soldier Show and grow the toy-soldier-collecting hobby.
Vision:
The Chicago Toy Soldier Show reflects the trends and innovations of the toy-soldier-collecting hobby, integrates related hobbies, and honors the traditions of the hobby.
Values:
- Honor the founders of the Chicago Toy Soldier Show and their vision
- Operate with honesty, integrity, and transparency
- Support local suppliers and partners
- Engage family in the business
- Provide our toy-soldier-vendors with community, camaraderie, and enjoyment
History:
The Chicago Toy Soldier Show premiered in 1980 as a spinoff of the hobby publication, Old Toy Soldier Newsletter (OTSN), which began publication in the mid-1970s. The five founding OTSN partners—Steve and JoEllen Sommers, Joe Wallis, Don Pielin, and Roger Garfield—envisioned a publication dedicated solely to the toy-soldier-collecting hobby. Collectors were enthusiastic about the venture and suggested a Show of their own.
When first founded, the Show was primarily a showcase for vintage and antique toy soldiers and related items. As the hobby evolved, manufacturers began to produce toy soldiers in the manner of the original toys. More recently, manufacturers began to produce exquisite model figures that are detailed and not intended for use as toys. Today, visitors to the Chicago Toy Soldier Show will see vintage and antique toys, original toys that are compatible with the old toys, and reproductions cast from the same molds as the original toys. There is also an array of exquisitely detailed models that are made to be admired rather than played with. Because of its longevity and size, the Chicago Toy Soldier Show has also become a trade show; many manufacturers will debut new lines and products.
Visitors to the Show will find toy soldiers made of metal, plastic, composition, paper, and other materials. There are toy soldiers for every taste and every budget.
Former CTSS Staff:
Roger Garfield:
Roger was one of the original partners that founded OTSN and the Chicago Toy Soldier Show. He and his wife purchased the Show from Roger’s partners in 2016. Roger is a retired high school administrator. Roger has collected Britains, Elastolin, Mignot, and most recently Marx toy soldiers. He also collects and sells British militaria, focusing on Scottish regiments. Currently, Roger collects toy soldiers that represent Scottish regiments. Roger is CEO of CTSS, Inc. and serves as Show manager.
Jan Garfield:
Jan is Roger’s wife and business partner. Jan directs research quality and teaches in Walden University’s doctoral program in business administration. She is a master examiner for the Baldrige Performance Excellence Program and a Certified Quality Engineer. Jan collects Britain’s miniature garden and zoo figures. Jan is CTSS quality manager.
Gillian Garfield:
Gillian is Roger’s daughter and an FAA air traffic controller. Gillian’s interests include dancing, bicycling, and in-line skating. Gillian is CTSS business manager.