Zero Gravity, one of the most popular underage dance clubs in the Chicago suburbs, is closing its doors after 21 years on Saturday, March 19. Located in Naperville, this club is owned by brothers Paul and Mario Malec, who plan on relocating to an even bigger location.

“I started crying,” Paul Malec said, reflecting on Facebook posts from past customers talking about their memories at Zero Gravity.

On Friday, March 18, regulars who grew up spending their teenage weekends dancing the night away here are invited for a reunion party. This 21 and over gathering also reunites past DJs. The nostalgia starts at 9:00 pm.
Saturday, March 19 will be the last time Zero Gravity will be open for business at this location for ages 16 to 24 from 9:00 pm to 4:00 am.

The last event hosted by the club is Sunday, March 20 from 9 pm to 4 am, which will feature DJ Figure, a native of Indiana whose tracks have been featured in the television show It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. This party is for ages 17 and older, and will be Zero Gravity’s farewell for now to the clubbing world.

There have been some people who have doubts about the underage club scene, but all Malec has to say about this is, “Don’t be a follower – experience it for yourself”.

He added,“Parents are welcome; we don’t have anything to hide.”

Both brothers are unsure where they will relocate to, but they know they want to stay in DuPage County. They hope to have a new club open by November, in time for winter break.

Paul Malec is extremely grateful for his loyal customers over the years, and continues to tell his many employees and security guards the customers are always the boss. “We treat them like adults here,” he said. “We manufacture fun.”

When asked about the how the dance club scene changed over the years, Malec says, “It fluctuates. We just keep making sure the customers are happy.”

He says they have always had top-rated music which adds to the success of the club. The music has changed with the times, playing mainly house and euro music when the club opened, evolving to hip-hop, dance, and now trap and dubstep. “We play a variety of music – anything you would find on B96 or Q101,” Malec says.

Showing the utmost respect for customers has paid off, outlasting many dance clubs in the area.

“Lots of people have just been coming to take pictures with the sign,” he said. “We have had people come from out of state just to come to our parties. Everyone knew where Zero Gravity was.”

Many current high schoolers will remember this club as where they have spent countless weekends having fun.

When being asked about how the closing will affect the community, Malec states, “Lots of stores open and close, people move on. People have lots of memories here, and the new location will allow for the new generation to create memories.”