What ages and program levels does Chicago Fire Youth Soccer Club offer?The club runs Sparks for 6U–7U, 8U–9U pre-travel options including in-house and select, then Select Travel and Premier Travel for higher commitment. Age-group work is grouped into foundation (about 8U–10U), developmental (about 11U–14U), and performance (about 15U–19U) phases, with boys’ and girls’ teams from youth ages through high school.
Where does the club train and play?Home training and many events center on Endeavor Health Fire Pitch at 3626 North Talman Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60618. Teams may also be assigned to additional Chicago sites such as Montrose, Foster, Clark, and, for older players, the Performance Center, depending on program and season.
When are tryouts and how does registration work?New-player tryouts are scheduled by age group each spring for the following club year; high school girls and boys windows include multiple May and early June sessions in the 2026–27 cycle, with boys receiving callback invitations after the first round. Families create a parent account, add the player, then enroll in the tryout program that matches the birth year. Email updates typically arrive a few days before the session.
What do tryouts cost?Online registration is fifty dollars. If a family cannot pay online, sixty dollars cash is accepted on the tryout day with account setup completed in advance and early arrival for check-in. Tryout fees are non-refundable; contact info@chicagofireyouthsc.com if a registered player cannot attend.
What payments are due after a team offer?Accepting an offer includes a four-hundred-dollar non-refundable deposit toward 2026–27 tuition and arranging a payment plan for the balance. Families should also plan for uniforms and other team costs communicated at acceptance.
Does the club offer financial aid or payment plans?Payment plans are part of accepting a roster spot after an offer. Need-based aid uses an application in the family dashboard after login; applying before the first tryout is recommended so decisions return before offer deadlines. Email LBlakely@chicagofirefc.com with questions about financial aid or the application process.
What is the club’s coaching and development philosophy?Training balances development and competition through a constraints-led approach with heavy use of small-sided and conditioned games, plus tactical and technical work. Session design follows nonlinear pedagogy ideas—representative learning design, coach as guide, and player-centered work—and curriculum review stays aligned with Chicago Fire Academy leadership. Coaches access seasonal plans and resources through The Coaching Manual partnership.
How can families contact or register?Register and manage programs through the club’s online dashboard after creating a parent account. Email info@chicagofireyouthsc.com for general questions, LBlakely@chicagofirefc.com for financial aid, and call +1 773-944-0527. Coaching staff emails include mbond@chicagofirefc.com, nquiroga@chicagofirefc.com, jsackeyfio@chicagofirefc.com, and fsuarez@chicagofirefc.com for phase-specific questions.