We are excited to kick off our inaugural season in Evanston with our home opener at Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium on March 22.
Our goal has always been one of unity—galvanizing the Evanston community in support of the club, our athletes, and the advancement of equity for women's sports. Based on the overwhelming support we’ve received, we believe that this is what Evanston residents seek as well but have also heard a call for more dialogue and understanding about who we are and the impact our presence will have on the community.
After thoughtful consideration with Northwestern University and their desire to open the new Ryan Field in a phased approach out of consideration for its neighbors, at this time we will not be proceeding with our application for a unique use permit to play in Ryan Field. We will play the entirety of our 2026 season at Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium.
With our season now in progress, we are turning our full attention to delivering an exceptional inaugural season at Martin Stadium in Evanston while continuing to connect with the community through additional conversations, town halls, and civic engagement.
We encourage the entire community to come out to our home opener on March 22 to see what we’re all about and experience firsthand the future we hope to build together.
Chicago Stars FC’s March 22 Home Opener match against Kansas City Current, originally slated for kickoff at 1 p.m. CT, will now begin at 1:15 p.m. CT.
The Chicago Stars will host the club’s home opener at Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium in Evanston, Illinois. Fans can easily get to the match by reserving a spot with the Jameson Pub to Pitch bus program. Gates and the Jameson Fan Zone open at 11:45 a.m. CT. The first 1,000 fans will receive a special themed patch as part of the Chicago Stars FC Patch Program, thundersticks and more giveaways.
Tickets for all Chicago Stars FC home matches, including Season Ticket Memberships, Flex Packs and single-match tickets, are available now at chicagostars.com/tickets.
Chicago Stars FC today shared the club’s new “Group Spotlight Series,” a season-long celebration of the groups who inspire, support and energize Chicago, one spotlight at a time. The series enhances Chicago Stars FC’s exciting theme night offerings and highlights key contributors to Chicago’s unique identity.
Each match Spotlight features unique offerings, including ticket packages with special promotional items and fun experiences. No matter the match, fans can add to their memorable day on the lakefront watching world‑class soccer by taking part in the Spotlight.
A detailed list of 2026 Chicago Stars FC Group Spotlight Series elements can be found below:
Sunday, March 22, Chicago Stars FC vs. Kansas City Current, 1:00 p.m. CT
Wednesday, March 25, Chicago Stars FC vs. Orlando Pride, 7:00 p.m. CT
Saturday, April 25, Chicago Stars FC vs. Boston Legacy FC, 5:30 p.m. CT
Sunday, May 3, Chicago Stars FC vs. Portland Thorns FC, noon CT
Sunday, May 31, Chicago Stars FC vs. San Diego Wave FC, noon CT
Sunday, July 5, Chicago Stars FC vs. Utah Royals FC, 4:00 p.m. CT
Saturday, July 18, Chicago Stars FC vs. Angel City FC, 5:30 p.m. CT
Sunday, Aug. 23, Chicago Stars FC vs. Racing Louisville FC, 1:00 p.m. CT
Sunday, Sept. 6, Chicago Stars FC vs. North Carolina Courage, 3:00 p.m. CT
Sunday, Sept. 20, Chicago Stars FC vs. Washington Spirit, 4:00 p.m. CT
Sunday, Oct. 18, Chicago Stars FC vs. Seattle Reign FC, 6:00 p.m. CT
Friday, Oct. 23, Chicago Stars FC vs. Houston Dash, 7:00 p.m. CT
To learn more, please visit chicagostars.com/promotions. For questions or group opportunities, contact chicagostarstickets@chicagostars.com or 773‑880‑2460.
The Chicago DNA Kit Celebrates the City’s Rich History and Unwavering Resilience
Chicago Stars FC announced its new primary uniforms for the 2026 NWSL season. The Chicago DNA Kit celebrates the city’s rich history and unwavering resilience as the club begins a new era in its new home in Evanston.
Designed in collaboration with Nike, the Chicago DNA Kit celebrates the city known as the birthplace of the modern skyscraper, defined by architectural innovation and unwavering resilience. Chicago’s rich history is etched into a skyline of soaring towers and steel frameworks, while the grit, determination and resilience of its people echo through every neighborhood. From its storied streets to its deep-rooted sporting traditions, Chicago’s enduring spirit is impossible to ignore.
Within this landscape of towering buildings, hard-earned perseverance, and championship pride lies the opportunity for fans to wear a bold vertical stripe that captures the city’s essence.
The Chicago DNA Kit is rooted in the Stars’ iconic palette of blue, white and red. Drawing inspiration from the city’s most recognizable landmarks and fortitude, the design features a striking central stripe flanked by four supporting stripes of diminishing width. This composition nods to the three color fields of the Chicago flag, the illuminated grandeur of the Chicago Theatre Marquee and the industrial rhythm of the L-train’s structural support, bringing Chicago’s identity to life in a powerful, modern expression.
Fans can purchase their Chicago DNA jersey now at chicagostarsshop.com.
The Chicago Stars kick off the season on the road March 15 against Angel City FC. The club returns to Chicago the following week to play their home opener at Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium Sunday, March 22, at 1 p.m. CT against the Kansas City Current. Tickets for all Chicago Stars home matches, including Season Ticket Memberships, Flex Packs and single-match tickets, are available now at chicagostars.com/tickets.
Following the highly-anticipated 2026 schedule release, Chicago Stars FC today announced the club’s theme nights, giveaways and ticket packages for 2026 home matches.
2026 will see exciting fan-favorite themes like Pride and Nuestra Ciudad return to the match lineup in addition to multiple new themes. Hello Kitty Day will bring the popular feline friend to Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium as fans cheer for Chicago, and fans can celebrate Halloween with some spooky soccer as the Stars take on Seattle Reign FC.
The Chicago Stars’ popular patch program returns for all 15 home matches this year, allowing fans to commemorate each theme with a special Velcro patch. Only 1,000 patches will be given away at the gates for each match, so fans are encouraged to show up early for their chance to grab the day’s limited-edition patch. Patches can be swapped out on last season’s Chicago Stars FC beanie or can be collected to accompany two new items available soon on ChicagoStarsShop.com: a Chicago Stars FC baseball cap and a Chicago Stars FC clear crossbody bag.
Select matches also feature a special ticket package available for purchase prior to matchday. Fans that take advantage of the special ticket packages will receive a match ticket and the package’s respective promotional item, such as a bag, hat, shirt or a ticket for the Jameson Pub to Pitch bus program.
A detailed list of 2026 Chicago Stars FC theme nights and giveaways can be found below:
Sunday, March 22, Chicago Stars FC vs. Kansas City Current, 1:00 p.m. CT
Wednesday, March 25, Chicago Stars FC vs. Orlando Pride, 7:00 p.m. CT
Saturday, April 25, Chicago Stars FC vs. Boston Legacy FC, 5:30 p.m. CT
Wednesday, April 29, Chicago Stars FC vs. Gotham FC, 7:00 p.m. CT
Sunday, May 3, Chicago Stars FC vs. Portland Thorns FC, noon CT
Sunday, May 31, Chicago Stars FC vs. San Diego Wave FC, noon CT
Sunday, July 5, Chicago Stars FC vs. Utah Royals FC, 4:00 p.m. CT
Saturday, July 18, Chicago Stars FC vs. Angel City FC, 5:30 p.m. CT
Sunday, August 9, Chicago Stars FC vs. Bay FC, 6:00 p.m. CT
Sunday, August 23, Chicago Stars FC vs. Racing Louisville FC, 1:00 p.m. CT
Sunday, September 6, Chicago Stars FC vs. North Carolina Courage, 3:00 p.m. CT
Sunday, September 20, Chicago Stars FC vs. Washington Spirit, 4:00 p.m. CT
Sunday, October 4, Chicago Stars FC vs. Denver Summit FC, 3:00 p.m. CT
Sunday, October 18, Chicago Stars FC vs. Seattle Reign FC, 6:00 p.m. CT
Friday, October 23, Chicago Stars FC vs. Houston Dash, 7:00 p.m. CT
Chicago Stars FC 2026 Season Ticket Memberships, Flex Plans and single-match tickets are on sale now. Fans can secure their spot on the lakefront by visiting chicagostars.com/tickets.
Chicago Stars FC today announced that the club has filed a permit application with the City of Evanston to play its upcoming seasons at Ryan Field. This move will have a positive economic, cultural and social impact on Evanston and highlight female world-class athletes as role models for the North Shore.
Chicago Stars FC, one of the founding clubs of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), sees Evanston as the next step in their journey to a stadium of their own. The club’s key values of excellence, community investment and inclusion are aligned with the city of Evanston’s core principles.
“Evanston has a history of being a national leader in supporting women’s sports and advancing gender equity,” said Chicago Stars FC President Karen Leetzow. “Bringing world-class professional athletes to compete right here creates powerful, real-life role models for young girls in the community while showing them what’s possible both on and off the field.”
Recent community polling by the 2040 Strategy Group and commissioned by the Chicago Stars shows 82 percent of Evanston residents are in favor of the team playing at Ryan Field. Residents overwhelmingly believe the team would reinforce Evanston’s values, and promote gender equity.
The presence of Chicago Stars FC in Evanston is also expected to deliver tangible economic benefits through tax revenue from ticket sales, as well as increased foot traffic for local businesses, hotel stays, restaurant activity, and job creation.
The Stars intend to become a trusted community partner in Evanston that will go far beyond matchdays, becoming deeply embedded in the Evanston community through youth programming, school partnerships, clinics, and community events. Leetzow says the Stars will work closely with local organizations and community groups to ensure that Evanston residents benefit from meaningful engagement with the club.
“Evanston can set an example for cities across the country,” Leetzow added. “By welcoming the Chicago Stars FC, the city sends a clear message that women’s sports matter, that economic growth and community values can go hand in hand, and that our young people deserve access to inspiring role models right in their hometown.”
For more information about Chicago Stars FC and the proposed move to Ryan Field, please visit chicagostars.com/future.