Des Plaines business hopes to provide an escape from boredom

Few know of the dangers lurking from the basement of a Des Plaines office building that a group of scientists are trying to contain.

OK, it's only pretend, but the purpose behind the latest escape room to hit the suburbs is a very real thing: having a good time.

Opened in April, Escape Brigade gives groups of at least four people an hour to solve puzzles and enter key codes that open cabinets and doors in an “alpha lab.” The experience is targeted to businesses that want to host team-building events and families and friends looking to host birthday and bachelor parties.

“You can go to the movies and stare at a screen or go to the bar with friends and stare at your cellphones. People don't do things together like they used to,” said co-owner Leo Goldyuk. “This is an experience that brings people together.”

Goldyuk, 27, of Wheeling, got the inspiration to create an escape room after trips to Moscow and Toronto, where the concept has become a sensation. It's now a trend starting to take off in the suburbs.

Goldyuk and business partner Adrian Gibala are now working to design and build a second escape room in their office at the River Road Office Center, 2720 S. River Road.

To book a spot for $28 per person, visit escapebrigade.com.