Rio Nights, a new club, is unleashing itself on DeKalb night life.

The new club, located on Third Street, home of the former Club Vertigo, will feature a bar and restaurant as well as a dance area.

“It’s completely different,” said Hector Lopez, personnel manager of the club. He said he has applied for a liquor license, but has not yet received it.

Lopez also owns another club in Aurora called Club Boleros.

The walls of the club are all free-hand painted in an Aztec theme, and there is a stage for live music. Lopez has worked on the club since May and doesn’t plan to open its doors until Feb. 14.

“The theme for the club is to be something different than any other clubs,” Lopez said.

The club will admit those who are 18 or older. The uppermost level of the club will be walled off for those not of the legal drinking age. On some days, only those who are 21 or older will be allowed to enter the club, he said.

Lopez expressed concern over the Illinois House of Representative’s bill that proposes a statewide ban on smoking in all restaurants and bars.

“That’s going to affect everyone because they like to smoke in the clubs,” Lopez said.

Lopez will charge a cover to get into the club, but the amount still is undetermined.

With the recent troubles associated with other clubs, Lopez said he wants people to be comfortable at his club. The city of DeKalb has made changes to its ordinance that governs teen nightclubs. Among these changes was making club owners more responsible for security in and around the club.