Swap-O-Rama’s founder, Rex Meadows, came to Chicago from California in 1969 with the idea to open a flea market in the Midwest. It was not long before he opened his first location at the Double Drive Inn Theater at 2800 W. Columbus Avenue in June of 1969, and Swap-O-Rama Flea Market and Farmer’s Market was born. Soon Swap–O–Rama flea markets were opened throughout the Chicagoland area from Romeoville to Waukegan.
Swap–O–Rama, the oldest flea market in Chicago, is known as “The First Name in Flea Markets” not only for their longevity, but for their good reputation and steadfast belief in free market enterprise. Swap-O-Rama currently has three Chicagoland locations in Melrose Park, Ashland Avenue and Alsip. Visit the “Contact Us” page for maps, hours, and directions.