When is the Chicago Toy Soldier Show?
The Chicagoland Toy Soldier Show is held annually, typically on the last Sunday in September.
What is the relationship between CTSS and OTSN?
Chicago Toy Soldier Show, Inc. (CTSS, Inc.) is the S-Corporation formed to purchase the Show from former owners, Old Toy Soldier Newsletter, Inc. That was 2016. CTSS is now the Chicagoland Toy Soldier Show. Matt Murphy the long time owner of Hobby Bunker, Inc. took over the show in 2023.
How much and where does CTSS advertise the Chicagoland Toy Soldier Show?
Advertising is the largest expenditure category in the CTSS annual budget; we have increased this budget category considerably from past years. We currently advertise in Old Toy Soldier Magazine, Toy Soldier Collector and Historic Figure Magazine, Playset Magazine, Plastic Warrior (UK), . We promote CTSS in person by attending toy soldier shows across the country and around the world. We advertise CTSS at militaria shows and at many antique malls across the United States; we maintain a mailing list of over 1,000 collectors. We also have a Facebook page where vendors and attendees can interact with CTSS staff, and YouTube videos that highlight the Chicagoland Toy Soldier Show experience. During the weeks preceding the Show, we advertise in print and online in the Chicago and Northwest suburban media. We are always looking for additional opportunities to advertise the Show; please send us your suggestions.
What is CTSS doing to keep vendor costs down?
To paraphrase Benjamin Franklin, “there is nothing certain other than death, taxes, AND RATE INCREASES.” The cost of doing business continues to increase in our world; therefore, to maintain a status quo costs more. CTSS has done more than maintain a status quo; we have added innovations that make the Chicagoland Toy Soldier Show an easier, more pleasant experience for our vendors.
Is the Show Growing?
The Show is growing slightly. Each year we welcome new participants. New vendors and attendees are offset in number by those that are no longer active in the hobby or do not attend for health reasons. The average age in our hobby is increasing each year. CTSS is continually looking for new participants in our hobby. We welcome your suggestions. When our participants have a successful Show, we have a successful Show. Please help us to ensure that happens.
Do I have to pay Illinois Sales Tax?
Yes. See Benjamin Franklin’s quote paraphrased earlier. As stated in the contract, vendors are responsible for paying their Illinois Sales Tax. CTSS will provide the appropriate form to each vendor along with useful information and instruction.
Is the Show handicap accessible?
Absolutely so! The host hotel Schaumburg Marriott, is ADA compliant, including exhibit areas and designated sleeping rooms. Please let the Marriott or CTSS know your specific needs. We are anxious to accommodate you.
What is available for non-collectors to do during the Show?
Downtown Chicago with its many attractions and sites is accessible from Schaumburg, the site of the Chicagoland Toy Soldier Show. There are also many options for Show visitors in the immediate neighborhood of the Show site. CTSS provides visitor information to contract holders in registration packets.
What will I see at the Chicagoland Toy Soldier Show?
You will see one of the widest representations of the toy-soldier-collecting hobby in the world. There are antique and vintage soldiers and related toys made of metal, plastic, composition paper, and other media. You will find exquisite model figures that are extremely detailed works of art. You will also find currently made toy figures and related toys. These may be original creations manufactured to be reminiscent of the old toys or, in some cases, produced from the molds that created the original toys. You will find a wide range of prices suitable for every budget. There are also related items such as books, artwork, and military antiques and artifacts.
What is the CTSS policy regarding vendors’ personal information?
The information provided to CTSS is used strictly by us to put on the Chicagoland Toy Soldier Show.
We do not sell or trade our mailing list or database. We assume that our vendors will allow CTSS to provide their contact information to customers and to recommend them to interested customers. CTSS also provides a list of participating vendors on its website.
If vendors do not wish CTSS to make this information available, this preference can be noted on the Vendor Contract.
How much does it cost to be a vendor at the 2026 Chicagoland Toy Soldier Show?
Show Table Contracts have increased to $95 per Sunday table.
Those vendors who choose to only participate in Room Trading/Display will be charged $95.00 for their contract. (This price does not apply to vendors who take a table at the Sunday Show AND participate in Room Trading/Display.)
CTSS has two main revenue streams: our vendor contracts and the entrance fee collected at the Sunday Show. By not participating in the Sunday Show you are not helping CTSS and your fellow vendors cover their costs.
If you are participating in Room Trading/Display, make sure to order your in-room tables when filling out your CTSS contract. That is to ensure you receive the tables you require and helps CTSS/Marriott to keep rental costs down by ordering an exact amount of tables from the outside source.
What is the policy for Sunday Show vendors on leaving early?
We ask you to not pack up or leave the Sunday Show before 3:30 pm. We cannot charge the public an admission fee if they cannot enjoy a full Show.
CTSS has 2 main revenue streams: our vendor contracts and the entrance fee collected at the Sunday Show. By not participating in the full Sunday Show you are not helping CTSS and your fellow-vendors to cover their costs.
Many shows take attendance at the closing time of their venue. Those absent are either moved to the bottom of the promoter’s priority list or refused a contract for the following show. PLEASE DO NOT MAKE CTSS ADOPT THESE EXTREME MEASURES.
We all have extenuating circumstances, but a few vendors have made leaving early a habit. If you are anticipating an issue, we will work with you.