Medieval Times in Schaumburg, Illinois

Medieval Times Restaurant and Dinner Theater has been located in North America for over twenty years. When the owners first opened its doors in the United States in 1973; they took their ideas from the Spanish island of Majorca. The inspiration came from the medieval tradition of royal families of inviting guests to festival and feast. The festival featured equestrian events, competing knights with guests being seated in sections being named for each region of Spain and each section was encouraged to cheer for the knight that represented their region.

The Schamburg Castle is a formidable structure with a large stone tower and a manicured emerald green lawn. Once inside, guests will get an experience that is unforgettable. There are six knights that don traditional medieval armor and battle against each other in jousting tournaments. The winner of the competition walks away with the title of Kings Champion.

The castle has a menu comprised of a set list of foods and the meal is a traditional medieval type feast. The Schaumburg Castle menu offers tomato bisque soup, roasted chicken, garlic bread, herb-basted potatoes, spare ribs, a pastry and guests choice of beverages. There is a special vegetarian menu available for those who request it prior to dining.

There are six knights in total that represent the Schaumburg Castle. The Black and White Knight is named Don Iofre Santa Creu, he defends the shrine of Santiago de Compostela. Don Iofre is a warrior-priest and when he arrives on the battlefield, he brings fear and uneasiness into the hearts of the unjust. The Blue Knight is a young squire named Don Alberto de Mau. He is known as the champion for the defenseless and is devoted to the protection of Valiente. The Red and Yellow Knight, Lord de Font is a personal champion to the Count of Perelada. The knight is known by the fame of his sword and is one of the best jousters in the kingdom. The Yellow Knight, Don Eduardo del Rey is the rock of protection and is well versed in the art of chivalry. He vows to protect the Realm of Navarre to the death and fights like a bear with a gleaming steel sword. The Red Knight, Baron Ruiz de Roig is referred to as the "truest son'' of the Castilla, and has the heart of a lion in battle. The Green Knight, Don Temple is a true master of weapons and has never lost a jousting match.

The court consists of seven members, some royalty and some servants of the royal family. King Philippe finally has the peace he has long been seeking in the battle against his enemy, the King of Leone. Prince Tristan, the son of King Philippe is on a mission of peace for his father and must venture to the kingdom of Leone. He carries with him a peace treaty he hopes will stop the two kingdoms from constant battling. Princess Leonore, is the new wife of Prince Tristan, she awaits the return of Prince Tristan and holds tight to the hope they will once again reunite. The Royal Falconer is in charge of the castles birds of prey. He trains the birds to do tricks in the tournament to entertain guests of the king. The Lord Chancellor is responsible for introducing the Tournament of Knights. While the Herald of Leone, is responsible for the training of the stallions ridden during the festivities. Each time a tournament is held, he introduces a new stallion presentation that he has prepared for the King and his guests. Finally, the Master of Horse is the one who protects and preserves the kingdoms prized collection of Andalusian stallions, during the tournament the Master and his team present dazzling displays of expert horsemanship.

The horses used during the tournaments are also considered stars in their own right. They are raised and trained and at age three, they are moved to their new home at one of the castles in North America. The horses featured during the performances are Quarter horses, Friesians, Menorcans and the most prized purebred Spanish Andalusians. Once the horses arrive at the castle, they are trained in advanced dressage and their life on the stage begins. When the horses are completely done performing, they are retired to a private ranch to live out their days being treated like royalty.

Medieval Times uses authentic weaponry, horses, costumes and armor. There is a calendar of events and show times available when considering which date to visit. Guests are able to purchase advanced tickets on an individual basis or for groups and the theater hosts memorable birthday celebrations as well. Guests are invited to celebrate with the royal family, feast, cheer on the knights and enjoy a dining experience that is as unique as the location itself.