After being announced as Chicago’s new head coach last season, Martin Sjögren will make his debut on the Stars’ sideline for the first time March 15. The Swede arrives in Chicago after more than a decade coaching at various Swedish teams and a stint at the helm of the Norwegian Women’s National Team. Sjögren will undoubtedly be hungry for a win to start off his tenure in the States right, just as the Chicago Stars are looking for three points to begin putting last year’s wooden spoon season behind them. Current assistant coach Anders Jacobson previously joined the Stars in August 2025 as interim head coach ahead of Sjögren's arrival, setting the foundation for what would become the team’s identity under the duo.

The Chicago Stars welcomed three rookies to the team in the offseason: Tessa Dellarose, Emma Egizii and Elise Evans. All three rookies enjoyed decorated collegiate careers, midfielder Dellarose at UNC, midfielder Egizii at UCLA and defender Evans at Stanford, with Dellarose and Egizii leaving as NCAA Champions. All three also have experience on the United States Youth National Team at various levels and Evans formerly captained the Under-20 Women’s National Team. Now they’re ready to shine in their first professional season.

Six other players with previous professional experience joined the Stars for 2026: Michelle Alozie, Katie Atkinson, Aaliyah Farmer, Ryan Gareis, Jordyn Huitema and Brianna Pinto. Canadian forward Huitema headlines the group as an NWSL Shield winner with an Olympic gold medal. Goalkeeper Katie Atkinson adds to the keeper unit as a three-time NWSL Ironwoman, and defender Aaliyah Farmer provides international experience with Mexico and versatility to the Stars’ back line.