A nonprofit organization in Avondale, Gotham Gaming uses gaming and technology to create safe, inclusive, and empowering spaces for marginalized communities.

Founded by Jonny Saldana and Clementina Salucci, the organization convenes social & competitive play, teaches transferable skills, expands tech access, and creates joy.

Gaming is more than entertainment; it’s a powerful platform for connection, learning, and growth. Gotham Gaming harnesses its potential to build community, teach digital and interpersonal skills, foster creativity, and empower people to lead.

The organization has a special focus on people who are too often left out and helps them find their place, voice, and power.

To see a video of its launch party on October 10th, please  go here.

Gotham Gaming offers a versatile and high-end gaming experience across 10 custom units, featuring both PlayStation 5 Pro consoles (custom-modified for Gotham Gaming) and Nintendo Switch 2 systems.

If needed, it can deploy an additional 50 units spread between Playstation 5, Nintendo Switch 1, Playstation 4, Super Nintendo Classic, and Playstation Classic

These units allow Gotham Gaming to deliver everything from competitive tournaments to casual social play at community events, conventions, and private activations.

Currently, the organization is working on five important projects:

• Project Blue Shell supports young scholars at Chicago Public Schools who face adversity. Each student honored receives a customized box with a Nintendo Switch 2, select games, essential school supplies, and gift cards for groceries, home needs, and family support.
• Project Save Point is a mutual aid initiative providing direct financial support to low-income individuals in crisis.
• Project Saturn provides an eight-week STEM adventure empowering high school students to explore the art and science of video game creation. It equips youth with the tools to imagine, build, and share games, unlocking potential career pathways in the tech and creative industries.
• Project Paperclip bridges the digital divide for economically disadvantaged individuals. Project Paperclip provides laptops, internet hotspots, and ongoing technical assistance.
• Project Horizon is a partnership between Gotham Gaming and Lurie Children’s Hospital that brings joy, play, and normalcy to children during hospital stays.

The positive impact Gotham Gaming is already having in Chicago can be seen in this video.

North Branch Works members and supporters can help the nonprofit in a variety of ways.

You can become a member and enjoy exclusive benefits such as VIP event access, priority registration for Gamer Gathering, and complimentary event tickets.

Also, Gotham Gaming is recruiting its first class of board members, operational leads, and volunteers. It’s a great opportunity to help shape the organization from the ground up and ensure these projects have a deep positive impact on Chicago.

More information including how to sign up is available here.

Please follow Gotham Gaming on Instagram, Facebook, and Discord. And donations can be made here.

With questions, please reach out to Gotham Gaming at 352-283-0271 or gothamgaminginc@gmail.com.

Image credit: Gotham Gaming