Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images
The Chicago Stars are staying put — for now.
While the Stars still try to figure out a permanent home solution, the club’s temporary arrangement at Martin Stadium on the Northwestern University campus has been home to the club for 2026.
The stadium has a seating capacity of about 12,000 fans. According to the Stars, the move to Northwestern University has seen an “increased fan attendance throughout the first half of the 2026 season.”
“We’re grateful to Northwestern University for their continued partnership and support as we build on our club’s momentum at our newfound home on the lakefront,” Chicago Stars FC President Karen Leetzow said, via a press release. “Playing another season at Martin Stadium will allow us to continue to enhance the fan experience while providing the north shore with access to amazing athletes and the highest level of women’s professional soccer to serve as inspiration and entertainment for people of all ages.”
“Martin Stadium is more than just a place for us to play,” Chicago Stars Director of Community and Government Relations Noelle Schmitt said, via a press release. “We’ve begun building meaningful relationships and connections with people and organizations in Evanston and the surrounding communities. Through these ongoing partnerships, we can have an impact that goes far beyond just the 90 minutes of play. Together, we’ve begun to develop coordinated programming and are setting the groundwork that will have tangible and visible effects on girls’ lives.”
The Stars currently sit in last place on the National Women’s Soccer League table, with 16 points in 21 matches. Chicago recently made a shift in coach, firing head coach Martin Sjögren and assistant coach Anders Jacobson after the 5-1-15 start.
