Chicago Stars Announce New NWSL Performance Center in Bannockburn
The Chicago Stars, a mainstay in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), are about to change in a big way. The club just announced plans for a modern performance center in Bannockburn, Illinois. That’s a new chapter for the Stars, who’ve dealt with plenty of ups and downs over the years.
This new center aims to give players top-tier facilities, making training and daily life a lot better. Construction is set to begin in the spring, with hopes of opening the doors by 2027. It’s a big year ahead, especially with Martin Sjögren stepping in as head coach.
Unveiling the Performance Center
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The Stars’ new home base will sit on 10 acres in Bannockburn, a northern Chicago suburb. It’s meant to be the heart of the team’s operations, with everything players need to push their limits.
- Two full-sized soccer pitches
- A goalkeeper-specific pitch
- A 45,000-sq-ft adaptive-reuse building
- Recovery modalities
- A weight room with indoor/outdoor access
- Spaces designed for mindfulness
Populous, a global architecture firm with a solid track record in women’s sports, designed the facility. Marquee Development is handling the build, aiming to get it done right and on schedule.
Player-Centric Design
Players have had a real say in how this place will look and feel. The Stars put together a player liaison group to work closely with club leaders and Populous, making sure the new center actually meets what athletes want.
Alyssa Naeher, who’s won two World Cups and Olympic gold, has been key to this. She recently re-signed through 2026 and brought her experience to the table, helping shape the vision for the new facility. Her input has made a real difference in planning a place that supports both development and well-being.
A Transformative Year for the Stars
The timing of this announcement feels huge for the Stars. After a tough finish at the bottom of the NWSL table in 2025, the club is eager for a turnaround with Martin Sjögren at the helm. He’s known for coaching Norway’s national team and brings fresh ideas and experience.
The Stars will play all their 2026 home games at Northwestern University’s Martin Stadium. That’s a big move, giving the team a solid, quality venue. Club president Karen Leetzow has pushed for better infrastructure, and locking in Martin Stadium for 2026 was a big step forward.
Looking Ahead
The Stars haven’t decided what comes after 2026, but the Bannockburn location gives them options. It’s near major highways, so getting there won’t be a hassle. There’s even a small lake nearby, making the place feel private and relaxed.
For now, the club will keep operating out of SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview through 2026. They want the new center ready by mid-2027, aiming for a smooth move when the time comes.
The Significance of the Performance Center
Building this center isn’t just about bricks and mortar. It’s a clear sign the Stars are serious about the future of women’s soccer. With a world-class facility, they’re showing real commitment to their players and their long-term goals.
Leetzow, who joined in 2023 after working as chief legal officer for the U.S. Soccer Federation, stressed the need for top facilities—and quickly. The club spent 12 years looking at different sites before choosing Bannockburn for its flexibility and room to grow.
A Community Asset
The performance center should be more than just a training ground. It’s set to become a point of pride for the community and a symbol of what the club stands for. Co-owner and executive chairperson Laura Ricketts pointed out that the facility will set a new bar for women’s soccer and give players what they need to reach their peak.
The Stars are putting a lot into making this center a reality, not just to boost on-field performance but to create a place where players can truly thrive. It’s about building a supportive, empowering environment—something that should pay off both on and off the pitch.
Conclusion
The Chicago Stars’ new performance center really shakes things up for the club and women’s soccer. Its player-focused design and cutting-edge facilities stand out.
The location? Pretty strategic, honestly. This center could push the Stars to a whole new level.
If you want the full scoop on the Chicago Stars’ performance center, check out the article on The New York Times.