National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) club Chicago Stars FC have unveiled plans to develop a new performance center as part of the club’s continued investment and growth.
The Chicago Stars said that in partnership with Populous and Marquee Development, they have identified a 10-acre site in Bannockburn, IL, to serve as the site for the team’s performance center and hub for all team operations.
Construction is slated to begin in the spring of 2026, with the goal of opening and fully hosting team training operations in 2027.
The sustainably built performance center will feature two full-sized soccer pitches and a goalkeeper-specific pitch.
The 45,000-square-foot adaptive re-use building will include intentional recovery modalities, weight room with easy indoor/outdoor access, and spaces designed to enable mindfulness.
Chicago Stars executive chairperson Laura Ricketts said, “This facility will set the standard in women’s professional soccer by providing the infrastructure our players need to develop to their highest level of performance.
“Our aim is for the performance center to serve as a point of community pride and a landmark asset that reflects our club’s identity. This new facility isn’t just an investment in the Stars, it’s an investment in the future of women’s soccer.”
Populous was selected for the project because of the firm’s extensive work with the NWSL and their inclusive design approach to women’s sports facilities, including with the Portland Thorns and Denver Summit FC.
Populous Principal Brooke Craig said, “We are excited to partner with the Chicago Stars in delivering a world-class performance center for their elite athletes.
“With our focus on purpose-built facilities for women’s teams around the world, we know that these facilities must address the unique needs and talents of female athletes.
“We intentionally kicked off the project with input sessions among Chicago Stars athletes to ensure their requirements were at the forefront of the design. With their input, we are confident this facility will be a game changer for the club and players.”
Chicago Stars head coach, Martin Sjögren, added, “Providing our players with a private facility will be pivotal in their development and performance. The environment will eliminate distractions to maximize the energy and focus our athletes are able to dedicate to their craft.
“This includes a focus on the whole person – optimizing both mental and physical health to drive results and help us continue to draw top level talent to Chicago.”
The Chicago Stars selected Marquee Development – a sports and mixed-use real estate company – as its development partner for the project.
After a thorough search, the team chose the Bannockburn site for the club’s performance center as it is conveniently located near the club’s new home stadium, Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium, in Evanston, IL, and gives the Chicago Stars access to both expansive business centers in Evanston, Chicago and surrounding communities.
The land and foundational infrastructure will allow the Chicago Stars to deliver an incredible athlete experience before the end of 2027.
Village Manager Stephanie Hannon said, “We look forward to welcoming the Chicago Stars to Bannockburn.
“This partnership supports the continued growth of women’s professional sports while bringing a world-class athletic facility to our community.
“The Stars’ commitment to excellence and their positive impact as role models for young women across the Chicagoland area make them a strong fit for our Village.”
The Chicago Stars’ performance center will also provide commercial opportunities for the club to help promote growth and investment.
The complex is designed to accommodate a range of strategic partnerships, including naming rights and select brand integrations aligned with the Stars’ commitment to player development, innovation, and community impact.
The club has retained W Partners to help lead corporate partnership sales for the club and the new performance center.
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