Axe Throwing at BATL Chicago

TIME TO BEAR DOWN.

The Backyard Axe throwing League is located 1 block from Six Corners in Portage Park, and easily accessible from surrounding communities by the Blue Line, or exit I-90 at I-94. BATL Chicago can host axe throwing events for 2 – 140 people.

Need to know:

  • Open 7 days a week, from 11:00AM to 11:00PM for event bookings.
  • Can host groups of 2-140 people.
  • 10 axe throwing targets with digital scoring.
  • Metered street parking, free on Sundays
  • Fully licensed bar and kitchen with local craft beer selection.
axe throwing decoration
axe throwing decoration

Book Your Event

1

Select a Location

2

Select a Date:

0 people have booked events in the last 24 hours.

Last minute availability. Call to confirm an event time.

3

Event Details

What's a Shared Lane?
You might share lanes with another group.

What's a Private Lane?
Your group has its own lanes.

Same great BATL tournament experience!
I agree to our cancellation, food and footwear policies.
4

Your Details

    axe throwing decoration

    Throwing a party? Throw an axe too.

    We believe throwing a killer party should be fun, simple, and full of bullseyes.
    Whether it’s a night out with friends, a bachelor party, or team building event, book today to guarantee lanes on your preferred date. Never thrown before? No problem — our expert coaches are part of your BATL experience.

    PREMIUM EVENT OFFERING

    IT’S CALLED “PREMIUM” FOR A REASON.

    $40.99 per person
    • 1.5 hours of guaranteed fun
    • An expert coach
    • Throwing instruction and practice time
    • Round robin tournament (all in fun, but we do keep score….you just concentrate on the bullseye)
    • Playoffs and a championship match
    • Digital scoring

    For smaller groups (2-5 people)  and last minute bookings

    • You might share your axe throwing lanes with other guests – it’ll be the same great experience with the chance to make new friends too!

    For groups of 25+ people, call our event planners at 1.844.228.5550 to help arrange your event.

    All the extras you want

    • Bar and food choices including bar service delivered right to your lane
    • Event space for your group
    • Championship trophies and merchandise available to make your event totally unique.
    axe throwing decoration
    Tuesday night Axe Throwing Promotion - $35.99/person
    Axe Throwing Lanes

    Leagues aren’t just for the pros.

    Our leagues are the perfect excuse to get together with friends, make some new ones, and trash talk each other a little bit while competing. With coaches available to give you tips, we have a league that’s perfect for every experience level.

    8-week seasons. All year round.
    $15 per week + tax per person, per season

     

    LEAGUE NIGHTS:
    Sundays, 5pm – 8pm
    Monday – Wednesday, 7pm – 10pm

    Join a league
    Axe Throwing Party

    BATL Casual: Walk-in Schedule & Price

    Young man throwing an Axe

    $22.22

    per person

    WALK-IN SCHEDULE

    Friday, 7PM-9PM
    Saturday, 12PM-2PM
    Sunday, 2PM-4PM

    Learn more
    axe throwing decoration

    Look, axe throwing makes us all hungry and thirsty.

    Our Chicago location has a fully licensed bar and kitchen. We’ll pause for applause. We offer a selection of local beers, wine, and coolers, as well as a delicious shareable food menu in partnership with Chicago’s Pizza, Culver’s, and Tata’s Tacos. So yeah, we’re killing it.

    Want to bring in your own food?

    Please do! For a plating fee of $3.00 per person, you are welcome to bring food for your guests or have it delivered, as long as it is prepared off-site.

    Outside desserts such as cakes, pies, and cupcakes are exempt from plating fee charge. Celebrate your sweet tooth!

    VIEW MENU
    Eating at an Axe Throwing Party
    axe throwing decoration
    Asset: Quote

    What a great night we had. Elliot our coach was awesome, informative, great coaching and great fun. Our whole party all had the best time, and would love to do it again

    DonBhoy

    Stopped by the open session to throw. Picked up the throws pretty easy thanks to coach Jeremy. My son and I had a great time. He showed us some games to play and explained everything clearly. For a first time the hour we spent was sufficient. Will come back.

    senordewittski

    Walked in at the last minute, Jen and Chantal told us walk in time had passed, but that they were gonna squeeze us in so we could try axe throwing for the first time! Thanks for the hospitality and the great service!

    Pbertin1

    Excellent, helpful, and professional staff assisted our large group and helped make our night that much more fun. our group is booking another event soon and can’t wait to go again!

    Freddy Durfel

    Review from TripAdvisor

    Review from Yelp

    Review from TripAdvisor

    Review from Facebook

    Tour BATL, The Backyard Axe Throwing League

    axe throwing decoration

    The Home of Axe Throwing

    The Backyard Axe Throwing League was established in 2006 in the backyard of CEO Matt Wilson. What started as a personal dedication sparked by a camping trip soon spread through word of mouth in Toronto, and today over 2 million people have participated the thrill of throwing axes at one of our locations, including our Chicago venue near Six Corners in Portage Park and Irving Park.

    axe throwing decoration

    Chicago Fundraising

    If you’d like to request BATL to support an upcoming non profit fundraising event, please contact the Backyard Axe Throwing League Chicago for eligibility requirements. View some of the great causes we’ve been elated to support!

    axe throwing decoration

    Outdoor Axe Throwing in Chicago

    Our outdoor axe throwing packages are fully insured, equipped and available for both half and full-day bookings throughout Chicago and Illinois. Our team of expert coaches can provide a customized axe throwing experience based on your specific group needs to make your next event one of the best memories of the year for everyone who participates at your event.

    axe throwing decoration

    Chicago Axe Throwing Leagues

    Our weekly axe throwing leagues are the perfect reason to get together with friends, make a few new ones and enjoy a little axe throwing competition. With no experience necessary you’ll compete individually, while receiving tips from our friendly BATL Chicago coaches — and plenty of time to hang out between throwing.

    Keep up with us. Not the Kardashians

    BATL Austin Axe Throwing

    General

    Austin Bachelor and Bachelorette Party Ideas

    Everything’s bigger in Texas – bachelor and bachelorette parties included. Austin has long been a destination for those in search of something different. This is no surprise, as it is known across the world for its arts scene, dining (both fine dining and casual), and great weather all year long. If you’re planning a bachelor or bachelorette party in Austin this summer, the choices in this day and age are limitless. With new event destinations that are sure to leave a lasting impression on your guests popping up all the time, deciding what is right for your bachelor/bachelorette party can be difficult. We’ve put together a list of our top-rated destinations to ensure that your party will be the talk of the town. Go Axe Throwing At BATL: The Backyard Axe Throwing League It’s well known that the days of traditional bachelor/bachelorette parties are over, and people are looking for new and exciting ways to celebrate with their friends. The Backyard Axe Throwing League offers the perfect opportunity to host a bachelor/bachelorette party that your guests won’t soon forget. The competitive aspect of axe throwing is also a great way to kick off any bachelor or bachelorette party. It gets everybody engaged, gets the friendly one-upping going, and gets the adrenaline pumping. There’s a reason why competitive activities are so often used in bachelor parties, bachelorette parties, and stag and does: because it gets everyone involved, no matter what the age or skill. Our private group tournaments are suited for groups of 2 or more (most BATL venues can facilitate 80+ people), and last 1.5 hours. Each axe throwing event begins with training from our skilled and dedicated axe coaches, followed by a round-robin style tournament and single elimination playoff – in order to crown a champion for the day. Our coaches are world-renowned for providing the best axe throwing experience possible while providing the utmost in safety and hospitality – and a few laughs along the way. Our coaches are even famous for sabering bottles of champagne with an axe, a sure bet to provide excellent photo documentation of your time with us. If you’re not going to be in or around the Austin area this summer – no problem! The Backyard Axe Throwing League has 19 locations across North America: Toronto (Toronto West, Toronto East, and Vaughan), Pickering, Ottawa, Hamilton, Niagara Falls, Kitchener, Calgary, and London in Canada; and Novi, Chicago, Houston, Scottsdale, Orlando, Nashville, and North Carolina in the United States – with more locations on the way in 2020. Each BATL venue is a unique space, and most are fully licensed with a selection of beer, wine, coolers, and snacks. Not into the idea of spending a day in one of our facilities? Lucky for you, BATL also brings the party on the road. A BATL offsite booking is a perfect way to transform your outdoor gathering into edgy space with adrenaline-filled friendly competition from the comfort of your own setting. Our off-site packages are fully insured, equipped and available for full and half-day bookings – perfectly suited to corporate gatherings, weddings, festivals, private parties and so much more. Our team of expert coaches can provide a personalized event with up to 8 targets based on your specific group size and needs, and the unique experience is sure to leave an impression on your guests. BATL offers offsite bookings within the surroundings of each of our 19 venues. Sample From Austin’s World Famous BBQ Scene We all know it – Austin is famous for great barbeque. It’s home to some of the best pitmasters in the country, and with good reason. The most well-known is Franklin Barbecue and its notoriously lengthy line (people have been known to arrive as early as 6 AM) but if waiting isn’t your style, there are spots with equally good offerings. La Barbecue’s brisket and beef ribs and LeRoy & Lewis’ pork belly and mac & cheese-stuffed quail have made waves of hype in the Austin BBQ community, but you really can’t go wrong no matter where you go. With BBQ offerings on practically every corner, sampling some grub as part of your bachelor or bachelorette party will be the easiest part of your planning. Embark On A Brewery Tour Austin has seen a rapid expansion of breweries, from talented homebrewers taking a leap of faith to seasoned pros trying their hand at the taps, and things don’t seem to be slowing down any time soon. It is without a doubt the craft beer hub of Texas with brewers creating unique beers for the masses and as a result, taprooms plenty. With over 50 breweries in Austin and central Texas, there’s a lot to love about when it comes to craft beer options. If you’re on the Eastside, hit up Blue Owl Brewing for sour beers, Hops & Grain for crisp IPAs and warm weather lagers, Zilker Brewing Co. for a wide-range of accessible brews, and Lazarus Brewing for an eclectic selection of house beers.   Try Your Luck At The Escape Game  The Escape Game is extremely addictive, and has a super simple premise: you have 60 minutes to escape a series of rooms using logic, problem-solving, communication skills and a few much-needed hints. Challenges rank in difficulty from easy to near impossible, which means you can tailor the vibe of your outing depending on the mood of your group. They offer themes like finding gold, prison break, and recovering pieces of stolen art. Take In Live Music Austin is known as the “Live Music Capital” – which means there are a lot of live music venues. Don’t know where to start? You really can’t go wrong no matter where you end up, but for a taste of classic tunes that range from rockabilly to soul, make a trip to South Congress’ The Continental Club and C-Boy’s Heart & Soul. Hotel Vegas is where the cool kids go to see the garage, psych, and punk bands. Cheer Up Charlies is a queer-but-friendly-to-all club with two stages and an eclectic blend of genres from electronic to hip-hop to dance parties like the ‘90s and ‘00s Girl Group Night.  If you’re looking for something a little more classic, head to the honkytonk-focused Broken Spoke – known as the best place in Austin to get your two-step on.
    Learn More
    Batl Logo

    General

    COVID-19 Response

    BATL Venues Are Temporarily Closed Due To The Coronavirus  Due to the COVID19 virus, all of our venues are temporarily closed until further notice. We believe this is in the best interest of our guests, employees and local communities. Events, walk-in hours and League are suspended. We will re-evaluate things when more information becomes available. Scheduled Events All scheduled events will be cancelled up to April 19th. All guests who have booked events with us can reschedule the event to a later date or cancel with a full refund.  You can reschedule or cancel by emailing us at book@batlgrounds.com. We are still taking reservations for events for April 19th and after, either online or through Customer Service. League The current league season has been postponed until further notice, at which time we will re-evaluate the situation and get back to you on the best course of action for the season. If you have any additional questions or concerns surrounding the BATL League, please contact info@batlgrounds.com.  Keeping Safe from COVID-19 Outside of BATL The best way to stop the spread of the Coronavirus is to stay at home. Additionally, keeping yourself educated on proper prevention, the COVID-19 virus itself, and developments on the situation in the news, will all help keep you informed and safe. You can get all the information you need from the CDC if you’re in the US or the Public Health Agency of Canada for Canadians. They also offer great information on: Concerns for older adults and people with previous medical conditions. Getting your home ready in the wake of the virus. Travel Information. Testing for COVID-19. Preparing for Coronavirus. How to properly wash your hands. Everyone’s health is our top priority. We encourage the BATL family to practice these precautions. We look forward to re-opening and seeing you all again as soon as possible. 
    Learn More
    Austin, Texas

    General

    Get Ready For BATL Austin

    Located in Central Texas on the eastern edge of the American Southwest, Austin is the capital of the state of Texas, the Lone Star State. The city dates back to the 1830s, when the first Anglo-American settlers arrived in the area, then in what was part of Mexico. Austin has both scenic, natural views and the hustle and bustle of big city life. There are a few things everyone knows about Austin: Austin keeps things weird and it is considered the Live Music Capital of the World, it’s known worldwide for its unique food scene, and it’s home to one of the largest bat populations in the world. All that was missing? BATL. We’re thrilled to announce that our 20th North American venue will be opening soon in Austin, bringing axe throwing to the masses. We’ll be opening in major shopping hub The Linc, and joining BATL Houston to become our 2nd location in the lone star state. So why should you get excited for our arrival? Our unique style of urban axe throwing has been covered widely by national media, and soon residents of Austin and the surrounding area of Round Rock, Lost Creek, Bluff Springs, Wells Branch, Daffan, Pilot Knob, and George Town will be able to enjoy the same experience that we’ve become renowned for across North America. Still, want to know more? We’ve got you covered. About BATL: The Backyard Axe Throwing League It’s been almost 13 years since the Backyard Axe Throwing League brought urban axe throwing to the masses, using the axe as a tool to bring people together. Back in 2006, a group of friends were bored at a cottage outside of Toronto and decided to throw an axe at a stump. Little did they know that this innocent way to pass the time would soon evolve into the creation of a worldwide sport. Upon returning home to Toronto, BATL founder and CEO Matt Wilson decided to set up a target in his backyard and invite some friends over to show them just how cathartic throwing a sharp axe into wood could be. A point system was created, and soon enough a group of 8 friends would meet every week and engage in some friendly competition. 8 friends quickly grew to 16, and 16 quickly grew to 32. Before he knew it, Matt was hosting 2 full leagues of a total of 60+ per night in his backyard, not including all the spectators that would stop by to catch a glimpse of our exciting new sport. Before long, we had to move our operations indoors – which led to opening 10 locations across Canada between 2015-2018. That was just the beginning. Our Expansion Into The US In 2017, BATL stepped across the border to open our very first location in the United States. We partnered with Throw Nashville to bring BATL’s brand of urban axe throwing to Music City, and that would mark the beginning of our US growth. Shortly after, we teamed forces with Thunderbolt Axe Throwing to bring BATL’s brand of urban axe throwing to the Chicago Masses. It instantly caught on in the windy city, and BATL Chicago has been a driving force in the community or Irving Park ever since. In 2018, we opened the doors to BATL Novi, bringing axe throwing to metro Detroit. Finally, in December of 2018, BATL Scottsdale opened to the public, bringing axe throwing to the Valley of the Sun. The Phoenix greater area now as the ability to experience the unique thrill provided by axe throwing, and we’re excited to begin to grow the sport. Next up…BATL Austin – one of the many venues in America that BATL will be opening in 2020! What We Offer At BATL Austin BATL Premium: BATL Austin will offer private event bookings lasting 1.5 hours for groups of 6 and up. You’ll get the full experience that BATL has become world famous for: the best one on one instruction from our skilled and friendly staff members, followed by a round robin style tournament, single elimination playoff, and big axe practice – all orchestrated by our staff, leaving you with nothing to do but throw axes and enjoy the company of your guests. These parties are perfectly suited to any adult gatherings (bachelor/bachelorette parties, corporate team building, adult birthdays, or even just a night out with friends) and BATL Austin will offer complete bar and food services, which means even less planning for you. BATL Casual: If you’re looking for a casual way to get involved with the sport of axe throwing, all BATL venues offer public walk-in sessions (no reservations required) every weekend during set times. It’s the perfect way to test the water when it comes to axe throwing, with little commitment. Our expert coaches are on hand to guide you the whole way, so whether you’re new to the sport or looking to hone in on your skill BATL Austin will have you covered. Weekly League Play: It’s no secret that the foundations of BATL start with our axe throwing leagues. Thousands strong we show the power of being good to each other, using the axe as a tool to build community inspired by our backyard roots. BATL Austin will be no exception. Our axe throwing leagues run for 8 weeks, completely under the guidance of our resident axe gurus. Each season consists of round-robin style tournament play, where you’ll throw 28 games against other people in the league, culminating in a top 16 double elimination playoff on week 8. Our leagues are suitable for people of all skill levels, with staff on hand at all times ready to give you tips and tricks to make sure that you’re hitting the bullseye. League play falls under the International Axe Throwing Federation (IATF) umbrella, the world’s foremost governing body of the sport of axe throwing (of which BATL is a founding member). Being part of the IATF also gives you access to the most advanced statistic tracking in the sport of urban axe throwing. Stay tuned for grand opening announcements for BATL Austin, complete with FREE open house axe throwing, as usual, and get ready to experience first hand the unique thrill of axe throwing!
    Learn More

    Blog Post

    BATL Ranked As Top Unusual Activity In Nashville

    Web bloggers Wanderlust Girls recently visited the TV Show Today In Nashville to list their favourite “unusual activities” in the city, and as usual, a trip to The Backyard Axe Throwing League was one of the first things they mentioned.  You can watch the segment here. BATL Nashville is in the process of moving into a new larger venue in the Gallatin area, providing Brentwood, Franklin, Nolensville, and the surrounding area with the safe and comfortable indoor axe throwing experience that The Backyard Axe Throwing League is world famous for.  Since beginning in 2006, we’ve been known as the best axe throwing venue in the world. Each of our 13 BATL locations across North America offers multiple ways to get involved with our sport that is now sweeping the world: from weekly leagues and public walk-in sessions, to private group events for parties of 6 and up – perfectly suited for adult birthday parties, corporate team building, bachelor/bachelorette parties, and much more!  Visit our new location in Nashville today and join the BATL!
    Learn More

    General

    BATL Staff Sunday With Blake

    Meet Blake, a coach from BATL Chicago.  Blake is originally from Rhode Island but moved to Chicago in 2009 – and when he heard that we were opening a new venue in the Windy City, he knew it’s something he had to be a part of.  Outside of work he’s a nerd of all trades and puts his pop culture, TV, and movie expertise to good use writing for a few nerdy websites. When he’s not axe throwing or writing, Blake spends his time as any Chicagoan would by enjoying bars, restaurants, and – much to the chagrin of many – making any visitors to Chicago try the one and only Chicago drink; Jeppson’s Malort.  Glad to have you on the team,  Blake  #batlstaffsunday
    Learn More
    Austin Texas

    General

    BATL In Austin, Texas

    Austin is hardly a city that needs any introduction. Ranked as the top city to live in America for the past 3 years in a row, it’s no longer a secret. The capital of Texas, Austin has long been known as a hotbed of arts and culture. More recently the food scene has been making Austin world known, and it’s also become a major hub for technology, startups and innovation (dubbed “Silicon Hills”). All it was missing was BATL, who was recently mentioned in The New York Times. We’re thrilled to have a location in Austin, bringing axe throwing to the masses. We opened in major shopping hub The Linc, and austin.eater.com recently featured us on their blog: “BATL will serve alcoholic drinks like beer, wine, coolers, and cider. It will also offer a menu of food options from a local restaurant, which hasn’t been named yet but will include items like pizza and burgers. BATL will have coaches on-site to walk guests through the axe-throwing process, and per a representative, bar staff will monitor consumption to ensure a safe and fun environment.” Wondering what we’re all about? Look no further. BATL, The Backyard Axe Throwing League It’s been 14 years since the Backyard Axe Throwing League brought urban axe throwing to the masses, using the axe as a tool to bring people together. Back in 2006, a group of friends were bored at a cottage outside of Toronto and decided to throw an axe at a stump. Little did they know that this innocent way to pass the time would soon evolve into the creation of a worldwide sport. Upon returning home to Toronto, BATL founder and CEO Matt Wilson decided to set up a target in his backyard and invite some friends over to show them just how cathartic throwing a sharp axe into wood could be. A point system was created, and soon enough a group of 8 friends would meet every week and engage in some friendly competition. 8 friends quickly grew to 16, and 16 quickly grew to 32. Before he knew it, Matt was hosting 2 full leagues of a total of 60+ per night in his backyard, not including all the spectators that would stop by to catch a glimpse of our exciting new sport. Before long, we had to move our operations indoors – which led to opening 10 locations across Canada between 2015-2018. That was just the beginning. Axe Throwing Expansion Into The US In 2017, BATL stepped across the border to open our very first location in the United States. We partnered with Throw Nashville to bring BATL’s brand of urban axe throwing to Music City, and that would mark the beginning of our US growth. Shortly after, we teamed forces with Thunderbolt Axe Throwing to bring BATL’s brand of urban axe throwing to the Chicago Masses. It instantly caught on in the windy city, and BATL Chicago has been a driving force in the community or Irving Park ever since. In 2018, we opened the doors to BATL Novi, bringing axe throwing to metro Detroit. BATL Scottsdale is open to the public, bringing axe throwing to the Valley of the Sun. The Phoenix greater area now has the ability to experience the unique thrill provided by axe throwing, and we’re excited to begin to grow the sport. After that, we opened up shop in the Lone Star state, making Houston Heights our first BATL location in Texas. At the start of 2020, BATL joined forces with Axe Club of America, opening up 3 new venues in North Carolina – bringing our total to 10 venues across North America! Now, we’re ready to bring the fun to Austin – and we’re just getting started, with more US locations planned in the next year. What To Expect At BATL Austin Free Axe Throwing: Just like every other BATL location, BATL Austin will be giving the area a taste of axe throwing leading up to our opening. Keep your eyes peeled for an announcement for our open house, giving you the perfect opportunity to learn how to throw an axe with friends & family for free! League Play: It’s no secret that the foundations of BATL start with our axe throwing leagues. Thousands strong we show the power of being good to each other, using the axe as a tool to build community inspired by our backyard roots. BATL Austin will be no exception. Our axe throwing leagues run for 8 weeks, completely under the guidance of our resident axe gurus. Each season consists of round-robin style tournament play, where you’ll throw 28 games against other people in the league, culminating in a top 16 double elimination playoff on week 8. Our leagues are suitable for people of all skill levels, with staff on hand at all times ready to give you tips and tricks to make sure that you’re hitting the bullseye. League play falls under the National Axe Throwing Federation (NATF) umbrella, the world’s foremost governing body of the sport of axe throwing (of which BATL is a founding member). Being part of the NATF also gives you access to the most advanced statistic tracking in the sport of urban axe throwing. Walk-In Axe Throwing Sessions (BATL Casual): If you’re looking for a casual way to get involved with the sport of axe throwing, all BATL venues offer public walk-in sessions (no reservations required) every weekend. It’s the perfect way to test the water when it comes to axe throwing, with little commitment. Our expert coaches are on hand to guide you the whole way, so whether you’re new to the sport or looking to hone in on your skill BATL, The Backyard Axe Throwing League Austin has you covered. Private Axe Throwing Event Booking (BATL Premium): BATL Austin will offer premium private axe throwing bookings for groups of 5 and up lasting for 1.5 hours. You can be sure that you’ll get the experience that BATL has become famous for: the best one on one instruction from our skilled and friendly staff members, followed by a round-robin style tournament and single elimination playoff – all orchestrated by our staff, leaving you with nothing to do but throw axes and enjoy the company of your guests. These parties are perfectly suited to any adult gatherings (bachelor/bachelorette parties, corporate team building, adult birthdays, etc) and many BATL locations offer complete bar and food services, which means even less planning for you. Stay tuned for our open house and grand opening announcements, and get ready to experience BATL Austin!
    Learn More
    BATL Kitchener Axe Throwing

    Blog Post

    Top Things To Do In Kitchener Ontario

    Kitchener-Waterloo is more than just the home to Canada’s largest Oktoberfest. With a population of over 240,000, Kitchener offers big-city excitement without losing its small-town charm. Located in the heart of Southwest Ontario, Waterloo Region provides the perfect balance between rural and urban, nature and technology, classical and contemporary, tranquillity and adventure. Also known as Silicon Valley North. It’s quite the title to live up to, but the growing branch of tech companies from Kitchener-Waterloo to Toronto are making it a reality. With offices for Google, Communitech, OpenText, Shopify, and more, Kitchener-Waterloo has become one of Canada’s technology hot spots, and boasts some of the highest success rates in the country for the tech companies that are based here. More than that, Kitchener is set amongst some of the most scenic locations in Ontario – which makes it a great hub for both outdoor and indoor activities. Looking for the best ways to spend your time in the Tri-City area? Look no further than a trip to BATL Kitchener. Located in the heart of Kitchener-Waterloo (and also serving Cambridge, Guelph, Ayr, Elmira, Paris, and more) the Backyard Axe Throwing League has delivered axe throwing to the Tri-Cities since 2015. Only 2 blocks from King and Victoria Streets, BATL Kitchener can host parties from 2 – 90 people, and is easily accessible from Cambridge, Elora, Fergus, Princeton, Paris, and the entire Golden Horseshoe. While you’re axe throwing, BATL Kitchener offers a fully licensed bar and kitchen serving a selection of local beers, wine and coolers as well as a delicious shareable food menu in partnership with Pepi’s Pizza and Southern Ontario Smoked BBQ. Wondering how it all started? Back in 2006, a group of friends were bored at a cottage outside of Toronto and decided to throw an axe at a stump. Little did they know that this innocent way to pass the time would soon evolve into the creation of a worldwide sport. Upon returning home to Toronto, BATL founder and CEO Matt Wilson decided to set up a target in his backyard and invite some friends over to show them just how cathartic throwing a sharp axe into wood could be. A point system was created, and soon enough a group of 8 friends would meet every week and engage in some friendly competition. 8 friends quickly grew to 16, and 16 quickly grew to 32. Before he knew it, Matt was hosting 2 full leagues of a total of 60+ per night in his backyard, not including all the spectators that would stop by to catch a glimpse of our exciting new sport. Over the past 5 years, BATL Kitchener has hosted people from all over South Western Ontario and taught them the ways of our sport, and it’s been a complete success. On top of that, BATL Kitchener is constantly engaging with our community, partnering up with local charities, local sports teams, and more. BATL offers multiple ways to get involved with the sport of urban axe throwing that we pioneered back in 2006. BATL Casual: Feel like throwing some axes all of a sudden? We love that. Walk-in times are available during specific scheduled hours at all BATL venues every week. The basic details: No minimum group size. One hour axe throwing session, using shared lanes with other guests. No booking required. Our friendly coaches are available for tips and tricks, but throwing areas are only guaranteed for pre-booked events. BATL Premium: At BATL, we keep things pretty light and fun for everyone. First, our coaches will show you how all the basics. You’ll throw around a bit and get the hang of it. Then, the tournament – and trash talk – start. If you chose BATL Premium, you get 1.5 hours, a dedicated coach, and even more, chances to throw than if you chose BATL Casual. League Play: If you’ve enjoyed throwing an axe at BATL at any point, you need to join a league. They’re the perfect excuse to get together with friends, make some new ones, and trash talk each other. No matter your experience level, you’ll compete individually and receive tips from our coaches. Joining an axe-throwing league is a great excuse to get out of the house and engage in some weekly friendly competition. But more than that, it’s a chance to meet new friends and be part of an extremely tight-knit community. If you have yet to experience the unique thrill of our sport, what are you waiting for? BATL Kitchener offers many ways to get involved with our unique brand of urban axe throwing. Outside of the Tri-City area? Not to worry, BATL boasts 16 venues across North America, including Toronto, Vaughn, Kitchener, Pickering, Niagara Falls, Hamilton, Ottawa, and Calgary in Canada and Novi, Chicago, Nashville, Scottsdale, Houston, and Orlando in the United States – with more locations on the way this year! The Kitchener-Waterloo area has tons to offer to visitors and residents alike. Here are some of our other top activities in the Kitchener area:   Spend A Day Sampling Local Craft Brews Nothing quite says summer like a frosty beer on a sunny patio. If you’re in the Kitchener/Waterloo region, there are no shortage of options to do just that – most of which offer food, just in case you need a little something to pad your stomach in the process. While there are brew giants like Sleeman and Waterloo Brewery in the area, why not try the little guys? With breweries like Barncat Artisan Ales, Innocente, Grand River Brewing, Block 3, and Descendants you can easily make an entire day of it. Just remember to drink responsibly, and bring along a designated driver if you’re planning on making it a day-long event! Catch A Hockey Game Canada and hockey go together like cookies and milk. So what better way to spend a day in Kitchener than taking in a hockey game? The Kitchener Rangers call The Kitchener Memorial Auditorial Complex – simply known around town as The Aud – home. It offers a chance to take in some of the brightest stars of the Ontario Hockey League before they make their way to the NHL, and also makes for a cheap outing! Spend A Saturday Morning At The Market One of the main hotspots in the KW area is the St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market. Located north of Waterloo’s campus, the market is a place for people to shop for organic and local groceries and products, including fresh fruits and vegetables, quality meats and cheeses, locally produced maple syrup, honey, preserves, baking, crafts, housewares, wearables, and more. It’s a great place to grab a bite to eat and spend time with your family or friends.
    Learn More

    General

    Celebrity Visits At The Backyard Axe Throwing League

    Celebrity Visits At The Backyard Axe Throwing League We’re BATL, the original Backyard Axe Throwing League. Our mission is to show people the power of being good to each other, using the axe as a tool to build community inspired by our backyard roots. We’re immensely proud to have been the first organization in the world to offer an urban venue to experience the thrill of indoor axe throwing in leagues, walk-ins, group parties and team building. About The Backyard Axe Throwing League The Backyard Axe Throwing League pioneered the sport of urban axe throwing in a Toronto backyard in 2007 – 11 years ago. Since then we’ve grown 13 BATL venues across North America. Word spread like wildfire about the fun and satisfaction experienced when throwing an axe into our targets, and BATL has a strong reputation as the original and best home of axe throwing. We’ve hosted thousands of guests over the years, resulting in millions of axes thrown within our venue. As such, it’s no surprise that BATL has played host to countless celebrity visits over the past years. The list is as varied as it gets, playing host to athletes, TV stars, movie stars, musicians, tastemakers, bloggers, writers – the list goes on. Celebrities have visited both for filming (using our creatively designed industrial spaces as an epic backdrop) and to unwind by taking part in our private group bookings. BATL’s Celebrity Axe Throwing Events Just a few highlights of our celebrity visits over the past 11 years include: Vin Diesel and Ruby Rose visiting for a birthday party. Rick Fox filming a segment for NBA TV. Swedish metal band Amon Amarth. Gerard Butler celebrating his birthday. Kate Beirness of TSN attending a charity event. The cast of Shadowhunters axe throwing for their filming wrap celebration. The cast of American Gods in support of a charity event. Olympic athletes Rick Mercer filming a segment for The Rick Mercer Report The Ottawa Senators development camp for a team-building exercise Alex Høgh Andersen of History TV’s Vikings And many more! It’s easy to see the appeal of throwing cold steel into the wood, for celebrities and non-celebrities alike. Luckily, BATL treats every guest that walks through our door like a celebrity – which makes us known as the source for urban axe throwing, ensuring that you and your guests enjoy our safe and controlled environment under the guidance of our expert coaches. With locations in Toronto, Ottawa, Kitchener, London, Niagara Falls, Hamilton, Calgary, Chicago, Nashville, and Novi (Metro Detroit) it’s never been easier to find a BATL venue nearby. Experience Axe Throwing like a Celebrity A trip to BATL offers a chance to unwind for you and your guests, in an exhilarating yet safe environment. It’s an outside the box way to plan an outing for you and your friends or colleagues and will guarantee to leave a lasting impression on them while you’re at it. Each BATL venue across North America takes bookings for groups of 2 and up, 7 days a week, and our private group bookings are perfectly suited for any event/occasion. If you’re trying to find a unique way to enjoy your “last fling before the ring”, a trip to BATL is your go-to spot for your next bachelor or bachelorette party. Looking for an adult birthday party that not only gives you a chance to converse with friends but also engage in some friendly competition? Look no further than a trip to BATL. And if it’s a corporate team-building event that you’re after, you’d be surprised to know that the power of the axe is one of the best ways to build camaraderie, positivity, and engagement. Nothing says team building like beating your boss in a match of axe throwing! What To Expect While Axe Throwing at BATL BATL offers two types of private event bookings: 1-hour bookings for groups of 2-5 people, and 2-2.5 hour bookings for groups of 6 and up. No matter which private event you book, you’ll get the same thing that BATL has become famous for the best one on one instruction from our skilled and friendly staff members, followed by a round-robin style tournament and single elimination playoff – all orchestrated by our staff, leaving you with nothing to do but throw axes and enjoy the company of your guests. Many BATL locations offer complete bar and food services, which means even less planning for you. Planning an outdoor event and want to include axe throwing in the festivities? BATL can also come to you! The Backyard Axe Throwing League offers mobile axe throwing targets in the vicinity of all of our existing venues. Our outdoor axe throwing packages are fully insured, equipped and available for both full and half-day bookings. Our team of expert coaches can provide a customized axe throwing experience based on your specific group needs to make your next event one of the most incredible memories of the year for everyone who participates. BATL’s mobile targets have graced outdoor weddings, music festivals, charity BBQ’s, and much more. You don’t have to be a celebrity to get the BATL treatment so, stop by a location near you today!
    Learn More

    General

    BATL Scottsdale Is Licensed!

    BATL Scottsdale Now Licensed The Backyard Axe Throwing League opened up its fourteenth location this past December in the City of Scottsdale, ready to bring the sport of urban axe throwing to the state of Arizona. The word has been spreading, and hundreds of people in the greater Phoenix area have experienced the unique thrill of axe throwing at BATL. We’re constantly working on improving the customer experience at all BATL locations across North America – which is why we’re happy to say that BATL Scottsdale is a fully licensed with bar serving a selection of local beers, wine and cider, as well as a delicious shareable food menu in partnership with R.T. O’Sullivans and Little Chicago Pizza, along with a small concession stand with snacks and cold drinks available for purchase. This ensures that you and your guests don’t get thirsty while you’re on the quest to be an axe-throwing champion. Be sure to put a trip to BATL on the top of your list of things to do while in the Valley of the Sun! BATL Scottsdale The Backyard Axe Throwing League is the premier axe throwing facility in Arizona. BATL Scottsdale is located in the Indian River Plaza, on the southwest corner of Thomas & Hayden, just 1 mile from the 101, and is capable of hosting parties from 2 to over 100 people. This is our 14th location in North America and will boast everything that the Backyard Axe Throwing League has become famous for – the best urban axe throwing in the world. This includes private event bookings for groups of 2 and up (perfectly suited for bachelor/bachelorette parties, adult birthdays, corporate team building events, and much more), in addition to our weekly public walk-in sessions. About BATL, The Backyard Axe Throwing League The Backyard Axe Throwing League was founded in 2006 in a Toronto backyard, making us the first to pioneer the sport of urban axe throwing. Since then, we have expanded to 13 locations in North America including Toronto, London, Niagara, Calgary, Ottawa, and many more (with even more on the way) – bringing axe throwing to countless guests. Last year, BATL started its expansion into the USA with locations in Nashville and Chicago, followed by Novi, Michigan. With US locations set to open this year – we’re just getting started! If you’re looking for a reason to get involved with the best axe throwing experience in the world, look no further. BATL Scottsdale has you covered. Public Walk-in Sessions Looking for a casual way to get involved with the sport of axe throwing? All BATL venues offer public walk-in sessions (no reservations required) every weekend. It’s the perfect way to test the water when it comes to axe throwing, with little commitment. Our expert coaches are on hand to guide you the whole way, so whether you’re new to the sport or looking to hone in on your skill BATL has you covered. Corporate Parties Summer employee parties often take a back seat to their more popular cousin, the winter holiday party. Sure, winter holiday parties are full of good tidings and cheer, but that doesn’t mean you should overlook the importance of a summer party. BATL is the perfect venue to host your next staff outing. Our private events last 2-2.5 hours and are run in the safe and comfortable environment that BATL has become famous for by our expertly trained staff, who also happen to be the best axe throwers in the planet. They will run you and your guests through training to ensure that you’re all sticking bullseyes before launching you into a round robin tournament, followed by a playoff (in order to crown a champion, of course). A little friendly competition is a key to a team building outing so if you’re looking for the perfect event for your next corporate party in Scottsdale, look no further than BATL. Bachelor/Bachelorette Parties Do you need ideas for planning a bachelor/bachelorette party everyone will enjoy? If bowling, paintball, or escape rooms have already been done, or if you’re looking for an exciting activity for the entire group – no matter what their age, skill or fitness level, then think about axe throwing. If you’re the bachelor party organizer, BATL is here to make your life easy. Most BATL locations offer full bar service and food menus, meaning all you and your guests have to do is show up and leave the rest to us. Constantly ranking at the top of “Bachelor/Bachelorette Party Destination” lists on web blogs and magazines, a trip to BATL will ensure a day to remember for the bride or groom to be. Join An Axe Throwing League If one day of axe throwing doesn’t sound like enough to satisfy you – don’t worry. You’re not alone. When we started back in 2006, the Backyard Axe Throwing League was just that – a league of friends that got together every week in a downtown Toronto backyard to compete and hone their skill. Our second season of the league will be starting soon in Scottsdale and is the perfect excuse to get out of your house once a week and meet some new friends, all while engaging in some friendly competition. Our axe throwing leagues run for 8 weeks, completely under the guidance of our resident axe gurus. Each season consists of round-robin style tournament play, where you’ll throw 28 games against other people in the league, culminating in a top 16 double elimination playoff on week 8. Our leagues are suitable for people of all skill levels, with staff on hand at all times ready to give you tips and tricks to make sure that you’re hitting the bullseye. League play falls under the National Axe Throwing Federation umbrella, the worlds foremost governing body of the sport of axe throwing (of which BATL is a founding member). Being part of the NATF also gives you access to the most advanced statistic tracking in the sport of urban axe throwing.
    Learn More

    General

    BATL Featured In Narcity Best Of Ottawa

    Our nation’s capital is a city with a lot to offer, so web blog Narcity compiled a list to help you make the most of the city – and naturally listed the Backyard Axe Throwing League in Ottawa as a must-visit destination. “From the splashes of salt on our jeans to the annoyance of putting on a jacket, there is no better way to unleash it than by throwing axes at BATL. BATL Ottawa offers many ways to get involved with our sport (much like all of our locations across North America).  Our weekly leagues are what made us world-famous, but each of our locations offers private group event bookings (perfect for adult birthdays, bachelor/bachelorette parties, corporate team building, holiday parties, and much more!) and public walk-in axe throwing sessions each weekend – for the more casual axe thrower.  All of this under the supervision of our coaches, the best axe throwers in the world, in a comfortable and unique setting.  It’s time for Ottawa to join the #BATL!
    Learn More
    axe throwing decoration

    Share your email and we’ll share the goods.

    Stay up-to-date on events, happenings, and other whatchamacallit in the BATL community. At least until you choose to unsubscribe.