The Exxxotica Chicago convention took place April 10 to 12, 2026, and is held yearly in the Donald Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois, focusing on erotic and adult entertainment. While you may have some preconceptions about this show, it’s actually more controlled than you think. No, there is no full nudity–no private parts are shown at this convention. People at the convention are polite and have common sense, but if you are coming to this show with some reservations, it’s best to leave your boundaries at the door.
It is, of course, a 21 years of age and older convention. It caters to all sexualities and almost all sexual interests. The hall at the Stephens where it is held is warm in temperature because a lot of the models and the conventioneers are scantily clad. Here you will see pasties, feather toys, and also buttless chaps. You’ll see puppy masks and public bondage demonstrations (but covering their private parts). There is also an area for “erotic tarot card readings” and vendors selling sex toys.
There were many models at the show, also known as “sex workers.” They star in hard core entertainment and were available for autographs and photos with. Many famous names were there, along with amateur names. These days, it’s much easier to get a start in this industry because all you need is a camera, a following, and an internet connection. This is in contrast to previous eras when you had to apply and try out on a casting couch with the studio system in play. These days, it’s very much do-it-yourself and the amount of followers an adult content maker has determines their popularity so much more options are given to the content creator these days.
At the convention there were also informative panels. There was also a large area dedicated to Chaturbate, which shows up every year at Exxxotica. Chaturbate is an amateur live streaming site where a viewer can watch or tip the model as they produce live explicit content. At the show this year were many male and female models all live streaming from Exxxotica and of course, their privates were clothed but lots of skin was shown of their other areas. A popular Chaturbate model can make a hefty side income from working the site. While there at the show, you could have a selfie with a Chaturbate model of your choice or even have an autograph. All of them were friendly and were really enjoying themselves.
Of interest at the show was a vendor selling vintage porn material, such as erotic fiction books, 8mm film, VHS videos, Playboy and Playgirl Magazines, all sorts of skin magazines, and DVDs. The rare paperback books were the most valuable, since fans seek these and prize them for their collectability. There is a thrill in purchasing a physical item in the adult entertainment area that digital doesn’t offer. Maybe it’s the fact that we had to “hide it” from parents and other people for it being naughty material, and thus, it’s hugely fun to have it in your possession.
There was also an area called The Men’s Room that focused on male bondage, submission, and similar play. The people there were very friendly and talkative, and the guy there in a puppy mask staffing the booth described that he’s pansexual. He also told of the events that happen in the Chicago area in this interest.
While walking around the convention, people let their wild side out (but with their privates covered) or were their regular selves. You’ll see more risque t-shirts here with R-rated slogans.
Exxxotica will be there again for next year. Fridays are free admission for women, and Friday seems to be the most attended day because of the free admission offer. Saturdays are next most attended followed by Sunday if you want a more relaxed experience. It is a fantastic experience for those who have an open mind. To impart a famous tagline that the Exxxotica convention uses, “Everyone does it.” Sex and intimacy are a part of life and it’s a good thing that a convention exists to cover these aspects of it.
