View source for Chicago Fire FC

{{short description|American professional soccer club based in Chicago}}
{{about|the MLS soccer club|the [[American football]] team with the same name|Chicago Fire (WFL)|the TV show|Chicago Fire (TV series)}}
{{distinguish|text=the [[Chicago Fire Department]]}}
{{Use American English|date=October 2016}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=November 2025}}
{{Infobox football club
| clubname = Chicago Fire FC
| image = CHI_Logo-2021.svg
| upright = 0.85
| nickname ='' The Fire<br>The Men in Red''
| founded = {{start date and age|1997|10|8}}
| dissolved = 
| stadium = [[Soldier Field]]<br />[[Chicago|Chicago, Illinois]]
| capacity = 61,500
| owner = [[Joe Mansueto]]
| chrtitle = Sporting director
| chairman = [[Gregg Berhalter]]
| mgrtitle = Head coach
| manager = [[Gregg Berhalter]]
| league = [[Major League Soccer]]
| season = [[2025 Major League Soccer season|2025]]
| position = [[Eastern Conference (MLS)|Eastern Conference]]: 8th<br>Overall: 13th<br>[[2025 MLS Cup playoffs|Playoffs]]: First round
| website = {{URL|https://www.chicagofirefc.com/|chicagofirefc.com}}
| American = true
| current = 2025 Chicago Fire FC season
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| pattern_sh1 = _white_stripes_adidas
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'''Chicago Fire Football Club''' is an American professional [[association football|soccer]] club based in [[Chicago]]. The club competes in [[Major League Soccer]] (MLS) as a member of the [[Eastern Conference (MLS)|Eastern Conference]]. The Fire play their home games at [[Soldier Field]], which they share with the [[Chicago Bears]] of the [[National Football League]] (NFL).

The franchise, named in memory of the [[Great Chicago Fire]] of 1871, was founded as the '''Chicago Fire Soccer Club''' on October 8, 1997, the Great Fire's 126th anniversary. The team began play in 1998 as one of the league's first expansion teams. The Fire won the [[MLS Cup]] as well as the [[U.S. Open Cup]] (the [[Double (association football)|"double"]]) in their first season in 1998. They also won U.S. Open Cups in 2000, 2003, and 2006, in addition to the 2003 [[MLS Supporters' Shield]]. Although finishing near the bottom of the league consistently, Chicago Fire FC is valued at over $500 million.<ref>{{cite web | last=Pelit | first=Asli | last2=Novy-Williams | first2=Eben | title=Lionel Messi Drives MLS Record Ticket Revenue for Chicago Fire | website=Yahoo! Sports | date=September 22, 2023 | url=https://sports.yahoo.com/lionel-messi-drives-mls-record-160000608.html?guccounter=1 | access-date=June 28, 2025}}</ref>

The club maintains an extensive development system, consisting of the Chicago Fire Development Academy and the Chicago Fire Juniors youth organization. They also operate the Chicago Fire Foundation, the team's community-based charitable division.

==History==

===Overview===
Chicago Fire Football Club was founded as Chicago Fire Soccer Club on October 8, 1997.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Chicago Fire Club History |url=http://www.chicago-fire.com/club/history |publisher=chicago-fire.com |access-date=September 30, 2012 |archive-date=March 23, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170323233614/http://www.chicago-fire.com/club/history |url-status=live }}</ref> The club is named after the [[Great Chicago Fire]] of 1871; the official founding date of the team was the 126th anniversary of that event.<ref>{{Cite web |title=History |url=https://www.chicagofirefc.com/club/history |access-date=December 5, 2019 |publisher=Chicago Fire FC |archive-date=November 28, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191128123517/https://www.chicagofirefc.com/club/history |url-status=live }}</ref> The owner and chairman of the Fire is [[Joe Mansueto]], who purchased the club in 2019. The club president is Ishwara Glassman-Chrein; Georg Heitz was appointed sporting director in December 2019; The Fire were originally based at [[Soldier Field]] from 1997 to 2006. From 2006 to 2019, the club played at [[SeatGeek Stadium]], a stadium originally built for the club, at 71st and Harlem Avenue in [[Bridgeview, Illinois|Bridgeview]]. In 2019, with the change of ownership to Joe Mansueto, the Fire returned to Soldier Field for the 2020 MLS season. The Fire are currently one of the most successful clubs in the [[U.S. Open Cup]], winning championships in 1998, 2000, 2003, and 2006.

Many notable players have worn the Fire shirt, including U.S. internationals [[Chris Armas]], [[Carlos Bocanegra]], [[Frank Klopas]], [[DaMarcus Beasley]], [[Brian McBride]], [[Tony Sanneh]], [[Cory Gibbs]], [[Ante Razov]], [[Josh Wolff]], [[Eric Wynalda]] and [[Jon Busch]]. Some of the club's other notable American professional players include [[C.J. Brown]], [[Jesse Marsch]], [[Chris Rolfe]], and [[Zach Thornton]]. The Fire also have a reputation for importing international talent, from established veterans like [[Bastian Schweinsteiger]], [[Pável Pardo]], [[Piotr Nowak]], [[Cuauhtémoc Blanco]], [[Tomasz Frankowski]], [[Luboš Kubík]], [[Hristo Stoichkov]] and [[Jorge Campos]]; in addition to younger players such as [[Patrick Nyarko]], [[Marco Pappa]], [[Damani Ralph]], [[Bakary Soumaré]] and [[Nery Castillo]].

Chicago was once the home of the [[Chicago Sting]] who competed in the top-level [[North American Soccer League (1968–1984)|North American Soccer League]] (NASL) from 1975 to 1984. They spread their home games at [[Soldier Field]], [[Wrigley Field]], and [[Comiskey Park]]. The Sting won the [[Soccer Bowl]] twice: [[Soccer Bowl '81|1981]] and [[Soccer Bowl Series 1984|1984]]. They were the only club other than the [[New York Cosmos (1971–1985)|New York Cosmos]] to win multiple titles in the NASL.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1123547/1/index.htm |title=The Chicago Sting looms lager, er, larger, by the week as – 06.23.80 – SI Vault |website=sportsillustrated.cnn.com |access-date=January 12, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110511081420/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1123547/1/index.htm |archive-date=May 11, 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Some of the club's notable players were Argentine striker [[Pato Margetic]] and German forwards [[Karl-Heinz Granitza]] and [[Arno Steffenhagen]].

===Foundation and initial success (1997–2000)===
[[Image:Chicago Fire versus Dallas Burn (JUL-1998).jpg|thumb|The Fire (in red) hosting the [[Dallas Burn]] at Soldier Field in July 1998]]
Founded in 1997 at [[Navy Pier]], on the anniversary of the [[Great Chicago Fire|Great Fire]], the Fire immediately tapped into the diverse ethnic makeup of the city. The team brought in Polish players Piotr Nowak, [[Jerzy Podbrożny]], and [[Roman Kosecki]]; the Mexican [[Jorge Campos]]; and the Czech [[Luboš Kubík]]. While all showed their talent while playing for Chicago that first year, American players ([[Zach Thornton]], [[Chris Armas]], [[C.J. Brown]]) proved most integral to the Fire's continued success. Under the club's first head coach, [[Bob Bradley]]—and against all expectation—the team completed the double in its first competitive year, beating [[D.C. United]] in the [[MLS Cup 1998|1998 MLS Cup Final]], and defeating the [[Columbus Crew]] in Chicago to win the [[1998 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup|1998 U.S. Open Cup]] a week later.

The team's momentum continued, winning the [[2000 U.S. Open Cup]] over the [[Miami Fusion]] and reaching the [[MLS Cup 2000|2000 MLS Cup final]], losing to the [[Sporting Kansas City|Kansas City Wizards]]. Internationally experienced players such as [[Hristo Stoitchkov]] joined the Fire, while young American talents such as [[DaMarcus Beasley]] developed. The Fire quickly became cemented as one of the league's preeminent teams.

===Nomadic times (2002–2004)===
With Soldier Field undergoing massive renovations, the Fire moved to the western Chicago suburb of [[Naperville, Illinois|Naperville]] in 2002. That same year, Bob Bradley abruptly departed the team to lead the [[MetroStars]], from his home state of [[New Jersey]]. The Fire then selected the [[United States men's national soccer team|U.S. men's national team]]'s top assistant, [[Dave Sarachan]], to assume the vacant post.

Chicago qualified for [[MLS Cup 2003|the league final]] while also capturing the [[MLS Supporters' Shield|Supporters' Shield]] and [[2003 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup|2003 U.S. Open Cup]] along the way. The team returned to Chicago and the renovated Soldier Field midway through the 2003 season.

After that season, longtime captain Piotr Nowak retired to take a position in the front office. He departed a year later to become manager of [[D.C. United]]. In this period new talent emerged, including Jamaican striker [[Damani Ralph]]. Still, stagnating performances and the building strength of the [[Eastern Conference (MLS)|Eastern Conference]] made Chicago's league position ever more tenuous. In 2004, the team missed the league playoffs for the first time in their history.

===Turmoil, and a permanent home (2005–2007)===
The 2005 season began with the unexpected dismissal of popular club president [[Peter Wilt]] by then-owners [[Anschutz Entertainment Group|AEG]], a move decried by fans, many players, and club staff.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Fire Fire Peter Wilt, Fans Protest |url=http://chicagoist.com/2005/04/19/fire_fire_peter_wilt_fans_protest_at_season_opener.php |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071017025459/http://chicagoist.com/2005/04/19/fire_fire_peter_wilt_fans_protest_at_season_opener.php |archive-date=October 17, 2007 |access-date=December 31, 2007 |website=chicagoist.com}}</ref> This came as a shock, given his brokering of a $100m deal to build the Fire a stadium in the collar suburb of [[Bridgeview, Illinois|Bridgeview]]. He was immediately replaced by [[MetroStars]] executive [[John Guppy (businessman)|John Guppy]].

Competitively, the season was most notable for the blockbuster visit of [[A.C. Milan|Milan]] from Italy's [[Serie A]], and the surprising 4–0 away defeat of [[D.C. United]] in the Eastern Conference Semi-finals.

2006 arrived, and the Fire moved from Soldier Field into its new stadium in Bridgeview, a southwest suburb of Chicago: [[Toyota Park]], located at the corner of 71st Street and Harlem Avenue. In its first season, it played host to an unspectacular league campaign; but victory in the [[2006 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup|2006 U.S. Open Cup]] marked a continuation of the club's successes and promise for the future.

The anxiety to win another league title continued to grow, however. [[Dave Sarachan|Sarachan]] entered 2007 (his fifth season in charge) under intense pressure from fans and the administration to produce a league championship. Tension mounted further on April 3, 2007, when the Fire signed [[Mexico national football team|Mexico]] and [[Club América|América]] star [[Cuauhtémoc Blanco]] to a [[Designated Player Rule|Designated Player]] contract. After a perfect three matches to open the year, they won only one of their next eight, and Sarachan was dismissed. Following a brief search, [[Club Deportivo Los Millonarios|Millonarios]] manager [[Juan Carlos Osorio]] was named the club's third head coach.

=== Andell Inc. acquisition of the Fire (2007–2009) ===
[[File:Chicago Fire (2563993895).jpg|thumb|Section 8 during a June 2008 match at [[SeatGeek Stadium|Toyota Park]]]]
More change came soon afterward. On September 6, 2007, [[Andell Holdings]], a Los Angeles-based private investment firm controlled by chairman [[Andrew Hauptman]], acquired [[Anschutz Entertainment Group|AEG]]'s interest in the Chicago Fire Soccer Club. Reports estimated the purchase price to be upwards of $35 million.<ref>{{Cite web |date=July 12, 2007 |title=Hauptman to Purchase Chicago Fire |url=https://thesportsbizblog.blogspot.com/2007/07/fire-to-be-sold-to-bronfman-family.html |access-date=December 3, 2011 |publisher=Thesportsbizblog.blogspot.com |archive-date=December 8, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208071834/http://thesportsbizblog.blogspot.com/2007/07/fire-to-be-sold-to-bronfman-family.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The team has not won a major trophy since Hauptman bought the team.

On the field, behind Blanco and [[Wilman Conde]], Osorio's central defender at Millionarios, the Fire went on an extended unbeaten run to close the season, easily qualifying for the playoffs but were defeated at [[New England Revolution|New England]] in the Eastern Conference Final. On December 10, 2007, the Fire announced Osorio's resignation. He was named manager of the [[New York Red Bulls]] eight days later. Hauptman filed tampering charges with the league in protest, and the Fire were compensated by the Red Bulls with cash and draft picks.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The owner that won't let go |url=http://www.soccerbyives.net/soccer_by_ives/2008/04/fire-just-wont/ |website=soccerbyives.net |access-date=April 13, 2008 |archive-date=September 8, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150908120057/http://www.soccerbyives.net/soccer_by_ives/2008/04/fire-just-wont/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

Changes came quickly in Osorio's wake. On January 17, 2008, former Fire star [[Frank Klopas]] was named Technical Director in charge of player personnel, and longtime Fire assistant [[Denis Hamlett]] was appointed manager. While the Fire struggled at home in [[2008 Major League Soccer season|2008]] the team found unusual success on the road, gathering 22 out of a possible 45 away points. Momentum grew with the long-anticipated signing of Chicago native [[Brian McBride]] on a free transfer in July 2008. After disposing of the Red Bulls 5–2 in the season's final game, they decisively conquered New England in the first round of the playoffs with a 3–0 victory at home. This was Chicago's first playoff advancement over the Revolution in four consecutive seasons. But triumph only lasted for a week, as they again missed the league final with their 2–1 Eastern Conference Final loss to eventual champion [[Columbus Crew|Columbus]].

The [[2009 Major League Soccer season|2009 season]] saw few alterations to the previous year's roster. The story of the season was much the same, as continued poor home form offset excellent performances away from Toyota Park. This led to a second place Eastern Conference finish behind Columbus. Despite this, [[Real Salt Lake]] managed to upset the Crew in the quarterfinals, meaning Chicago would host the semi-final for the first time in six years. Chicago's nearly flawless home playoff history meant little in the end, as they lost to Salt Lake, 5–3, on penalties after 120 scoreless minutes. Shortly thereafter, manager Denis Hamlett was dismissed.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Fire sack Hamlett |url=https://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/clubfootball/news/newsid=1139645.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121111100202/http://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/clubfootball/news/newsid=1139645.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=November 11, 2012 |publisher=FIFA}}</ref>

===A team in flux (2010–2012)===
[[File:JeffParke defending Patrick Nyarko.jpg|thumb|Chicago's [[Patrick Nyarko]] (right) dribbling past a Seattle defender during an April 2012 match]]

Leading up to [[2010 Major League Soccer season|2010]], Chicago hired [[Carlos de los Cobos]] as head coach, previously manager of [[El Salvador national football team|El Salvador]].<ref>{{Cite news |title=Monday Kickaround |newspaper=The Washington Post |url=http://voices.washingtonpost.com/soccerinsider/2010/01/things_were_hearing_barring_la.html |access-date=January 4, 2010 |archive-date=September 18, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120918120221/http://voices.washingtonpost.com/soccerinsider/2010/01/things_were_hearing_barring_la.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> [[Cuauhtémoc Blanco]], [[Chris Rolfe]] and [[Gonzalo Segares]] all departed. More changes came in the summer transfer window with the trade of [[Justin Mapp]] to [[Philadelphia Union|Philadelphia]], the acquisition of Mexican international striker [[Nery Castillo]], and the trade for former Swedish international midfielder [[Freddie Ljungberg]]. Defender [[Gonzalo Segares]] returned to the Fire, leaving [[Apollon Limassol FC|Apollon Limassol]] after only six months away. Despite these reinforcements, the Fire failed to qualify for the playoffs for only the second time in club history. Former U.S. international [[Brian McBride]] and club original [[C.J. Brown]] retired at season's end, followed closely by the departures of [[Wilman Conde]], Ljungberg, and Castillo.

[[2011 Major League Soccer season|2011]] began much in the way of 2010, with foundering performances both home and away. After nine winless matches, [[Carlos de los Cobos]] was let go on May 30, 2011.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Fire part ways with Carlos de los Cobos &#124; Chicago Fire |url=http://www.chicago-fire.com/news/2011/05/fire-part-ways-carlos-de-los-cobos |access-date=September 12, 2021 |archive-date=November 4, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131104214041/http://www.chicago-fire.com/news/2011/05/fire-part-ways-carlos-de-los-cobos |url-status=live }}</ref> Technical Director [[Frank Klopas]] was named interim head coach. Behind summer reinforcements [[Pável Pardo]] and [[Sebastián Grazzini]], as well as forward [[Dominic Oduro]]'s 12 goals after being acquired in a trade from [[Houston Dynamo|Houston]] and Dan Gargan's defensive addition, the Fire qualified for the [[2011 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Final|U.S. Open Cup Final]] (lost at [[Seattle Sounders FC|Seattle]]) and narrowly missed making the playoffs after gaining 24 points in their last 12 league matches. After the season's conclusion, Klopas was given the permanent manager job on November 3, 2011.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Fire Names Frank Klopas Head Coach &#124; Chicago Fire |url=http://www.chicago-fire.com/news/2011/11/fire-names-frank-klopas-head-coach |access-date=September 12, 2021 |archive-date=November 2, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131102195245/http://www.chicago-fire.com/news/2011/11/fire-names-frank-klopas-head-coach |url-status=live }}</ref>

Although expectations were modest for [[2012 Major League Soccer season|2012]], Klopas' first full season as coach, the year saw a change in fortune for the Fire. The spring and summer months saw several new acquisitions for the club, starting with the reacquiring of [[Chris Rolfe]] from [[Aalborg BK]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Fire reacquire forward Chris Rolfe &#124; Chicago Fire |url=http://www.chicago-fire.com/news/2012/04/fire-reacquire-forward-chris-rolfe |access-date=September 12, 2021 |archive-date=April 13, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140413125743/http://www.chicago-fire.com/news/2012/04/fire-reacquire-forward-chris-rolfe |url-status=live }}</ref> Rolfe, who scored eight goals and 12 assists in the 21 games he played in 2012, would later be named the Fire's MVP.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Fire Announce 2012 Team Award Winners &#124; Chicago Fire |url=http://www.chicago-fire.com/news/2012/10/fire-announce-2012-team-award-winners |access-date=September 12, 2021 |archive-date=January 17, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130117101738/http://www.chicago-fire.com/news/2012/10/fire-announce-2012-team-award-winners |url-status=live }}</ref> Other signings included Brazilian midfielders [[Alex (footballer, born December 1988)|Alex Monteiro de Lima]] from the Swiss side [[FC Wohlen]], [[Álvaro Fernández (Uruguayan footballer)|Alvaro Fernández]] from [[Seattle Sounders FC]], forward [[Sherjill MacDonald]] from [[Beerschot AC]] of Belgium and veteran defender [[Arne Friedrich]] from [[VfL Wolfsburg]]. Although they would fall out of the U.S. Open tournament early that season, the Fire eventually compiled a 17–11–6 record, their best since 2000, and ranked as high as second in the Eastern Conference before ending the year in fourth place.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Standings &#124; Chicago Fire FC |url=https://www.chicagofirefc.com/standings/ |website=chicagofirefc |access-date=September 12, 2021 |archive-date=September 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210912202642/https://www.chicagofirefc.com/standings/ |url-status=live }}</ref> On October 31, 2012, in their first playoff appearance since 2009, the Fire lost their first-round [[MLS Cup]] playoff match-up at home against the [[Houston Dynamo]], 2–1.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Houston Defeat Fire 2–1 &#124; Chicago Fire |url=http://www.chicago-fire.com/news/2012/10/houston-defeat-fire-2-1 |access-date=September 12, 2021 |archive-date=May 18, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130518051901/http://www.chicago-fire.com/news/2012/10/houston-defeat-fire-2-1 |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Missing the playoffs (2013–2015) ===
In the 2012–2013 offseason, the franchise made some moves to improve on 2012's success. The team acquired [[Joel Lindpere]] and [[Jeff Larentowicz]] and also traded [[Dominic Oduro]] for [[Dilly Duka]] and the rights to [[Robbie Rogers]].<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Bell |first1=Jack |last2=Das |first2=Andrew |date=February 28, 2013 |title=2013 M.L.S. Preview: Eastern Conference |work=The New York Times |url=http://goal.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/02/28/2013-m-l-s-preview-eastern-conference/ |access-date=April 3, 2013 |archive-date=March 3, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130303175445/http://goal.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/02/28/2013-m-l-s-preview-eastern-conference/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The beginning of the season saw the team struggling to score goals, resulting in a record of 2–5–1 through April. After two successive losses to the Union in May, and with veteran [[Arne Friedrich]] still on injured reserve, the Fire acquired their former centerback [[Bakary Soumaré]] from Philadelphia.<ref>{{Cite news |date=May 23, 2013 |title=Union trade Bakary Soumaré to Chicago Fire |url=http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/soccer/Union_trade_Bakary_Soumare_to_Chicago_Fire.html |access-date=May 23, 2013 |archive-date=November 2, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131102050249/http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/soccer/Union_trade_Bakary_Soumare_to_Chicago_Fire.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Also in May,  Robbie Rogers expressed an interest to play in Southern California, at which point a deal was brokered for Rogers' rights in exchange for Chicago native [[Mike Magee (soccer)|Mike Magee]] from the [[Los Angeles Galaxy]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=McCarthy |first=Jack |date=May 25, 2013 |title=Magee trade for Rogers confirmed, expected to join Fire Monday |work=Chicago Tribune |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2013/05/25/magee-trade-for-rogers-confirmed-expected-to-join-fire-monday/ |access-date=June 28, 2013 |archive-date=June 21, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130621121231/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2013-05-25/sports/chi-mike-magee-robbie-rogers-chicago-fire-20130525_1_galaxy-coach-bruce-arena-fire-roster-mls-player |url-status=live }}</ref> On June 23, 2013, Friedrich, who had not played a 2012–13 game due to recurring injuries, announced his retirement.<ref>{{Cite web |date=June 23, 2013 |title=Chicago Fire Defender Arne Friedrich Announces Retirement |url=http://www.chicago-fire.com/news/2013/06/chicago-fire-defender-arne-friedrich-announces-retirement |access-date=June 23, 2013 |publisher=chicago-fire.com |archive-date=June 27, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130627043117/http://www.chicago-fire.com/news/2013/06/chicago-fire-defender-arne-friedrich-announces-retirement |url-status=live }}</ref> After starting the season 2–7–3, the additions of Soumare and Magee led to seven wins in the squad's last 10 games. The Fire were busy in the transfer window as well, adding veteran defensive midfielder [[Egidio Arévalo|Arévalo Ríos]] and forward [[Juan Luis Anangonó]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Chicago Fire coach Frank Klopas raves about new DP Arevalo Rios: "This guy's a world-class player" |url=http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2013/08/12/chicago-fire-coach-frank-klopas-raves-about-new-dp-arevalo-rios-guys-world-c |access-date=June 30, 2015 |website=MLSsoccer.com |archive-date=July 2, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140702092810/http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2013/08/12/chicago-fire-coach-frank-klopas-raves-about-new-dp-arevalo-rios-guys-world-c |url-status=live }}</ref> The Chicago Fire also advanced to host the semifinal of the [[2013 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup]], but fell 2–0 to eventual champions [[D.C. United]]. Alleged fan actions in the stadium that night led to a famous editorial piece, "What it means to be a part of the Fire family",<ref>{{Cite web |title=EDITORIAL: What it means to be a part of the Fire family |url=http://www.chicago-fire.com/blog/post/2013/08/21/editorial-what-it-means-be-part-fire-family |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140704125347/http://www.chicago-fire.com/blog/post/2013/08/21/editorial-what-it-means-be-part-fire-family |archive-date=July 4, 2014 |access-date=November 30, 2014 |website=Chicago-Fire.com}}</ref> being penned by the club's Director of Communications, which was seen as an odd attack on the fan base and widely panned by local and national media. After a 12–6–6 finish to the season, the Fire narrowly missed the playoffs for the third time in the last four years—losing out to the Montreal Impact on goal difference. On October 30, 2013, the club announced that the president of soccer operations Javier Leon and head coach [[Frank Klopas]] had stepped down,<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 30, 2013 |title=Chicago Fire Soccer Club President of Soccer Operations Javier Leon and Head Coach Frank Klopas To Step Down |url=http://www.chicago-fire.com/news/2013/10/chicago-fire-soccer-club-president-soccer-operations-javier-leon-and-head-coach-frank-k |publisher=chicago-fire.com |access-date=October 30, 2013 |archive-date=June 6, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140606062956/http://www.chicago-fire.com/news/2013/10/chicago-fire-soccer-club-president-soccer-operations-javier-leon-and-head-coach-frank-k |url-status=live }}</ref> but the Fire front office had a replacement one day later.
On October 31, 2013, Chicago Fire named [[Frank Yallop]] as its new head coach and director of soccer.<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 31, 2013 |title=Chicago Fire Names Frank Yallop as New Head Coach and Director of Soccer |url=http://www.chicago-fire.com/news/2013/10/chicago-fire-names-frank-yallop-new-head-coach-and-director-soccer |publisher=chicago-fire.com |access-date=October 31, 2013 |archive-date=August 30, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140830091909/http://www.chicago-fire.com/news/2013/10/chicago-fire-names-frank-yallop-new-head-coach-and-director-soccer |url-status=live }}</ref> On December 5, 2013, Fire MVP Mike Magee became the first Fire player to win the [[MLS MVP Award]]—beating out [[Los Angeles Galaxy]]'s [[Robbie Keane]] and [[CF Montréal|Montreal Impact]]'s [[Marco Di Vaio]] for the honor.<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 20, 2013 |title=Marco Di Vaio, Robbie Keane & Mike Magee vie for Volkswagen MVP as MLS reveals award finalists |url=http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2013/11/20/marco-di-vaio-robbie-keane-mike-magee-vie-volkswagen-mvp-mls-reveals-award-f |publisher=mlssoccer.com |access-date=December 5, 2013 |archive-date=July 2, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140702192943/http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2013/11/20/marco-di-vaio-robbie-keane-mike-magee-vie-volkswagen-mvp-mls-reveals-award-f |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Magee">{{Cite web |date=December 5, 2013 |title=Chicago Fire forward Mike Magee voted 2013 Volkswagen MLS Most Valuable Player |url=http://www.mlssoccer.com/mlscup/2013/news/article/2013/12/05/chicago-fire-forward-mike-magee-voted-volkswagen-mls-most-valuable-player |publisher=mlssoccer.com |access-date=December 5, 2013 |archive-date=December 8, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131208055844/http://www.mlssoccer.com/mlscup/2013/news/article/2013/12/05/chicago-fire-forward-mike-magee-voted-volkswagen-mls-most-valuable-player |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=December 5, 2013 |title=RELEASE: Chicago Fire Forward Mike Magee Wins 2013 Volkswagen MLS Most Valuable Player Award |url=http://www.chicago-fire.com/news/2013/12/release-chicago-fire-forward-mike-magee-wins-2013-volkswagen-mls-most-valuable-player-a |publisher=chicago-fire.com |access-date=December 5, 2013 |archive-date=August 30, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140830080113/http://www.chicago-fire.com/news/2013/12/release-chicago-fire-forward-mike-magee-wins-2013-volkswagen-mls-most-valuable-player-a |url-status=live }}</ref>
[[File:2013 Chicago Fire group photo.jpg|thumb|Chicago Fire F.C. lineup photo, 2013]]

Meanwhile, Yallop was busy recruiting a new coaching staff which included "Ring of Fire" member and Chicago Fire veteran [[C. J. Brown]] and former U.S. International striker [[Clint Mathis]] as the team's assistant coaches, adding Columbus Crew's [[Brian Bliss]] as Technical Director. Former Fire forward [[Brian McBride]] was added as an assistant coach in May 2014 for a short-term assignment.<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 6, 2013 |title=Chicago Fire name longtime Columbus Crew fixture Brian Bliss as new technical director |url=http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2013/12/06/chicago-fire-name-longtime-columbus-crew-fixture-brian-bliss-new-technical-d |publisher=MLSsoccer.com |access-date=February 14, 2014 |archive-date=December 5, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141205200950/http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2013/12/06/chicago-fire-name-longtime-columbus-crew-fixture-brian-bliss-new-technical-d |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=January 31, 2014 |title=Chicago Fire Soccer Club Adds Clint Mathis to Coaching Staff |url=http://www.chicago-fire.com/news/2014/01/chicago-fire-soccer-club-adds-clint-mathis-coaching-staff |publisher=Chicago-Fire.com |access-date=January 31, 2014 |archive-date=August 30, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140830054426/http://www.chicago-fire.com/news/2014/01/chicago-fire-soccer-club-adds-clint-mathis-coaching-staff |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=December 11, 2013 |title=RELEASE: Chicago Fire Soccer Club Names C.J. Brown Assistant Coach |url=http://www.chicago-fire.com/news/2013/12/release-chicago-fire-soccer-club-names-cj-brown-assistant-coach |publisher=chicago-fire.com |access-date=December 11, 2013 |archive-date=June 9, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140609201855/http://www.chicago-fire.com/news/2013/12/release-chicago-fire-soccer-club-names-cj-brown-assistant-coach |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=May 28, 2014 |title=Brian McBride rejoins Fire—as an assistant |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2014/05/08/brian-mcbride-rejoins-fire-as-an-assistant/ |website=Chicago Tribune |access-date=May 28, 2014 |archive-date=May 24, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140524014649/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2014-05-08/sports/chi-brian-mcbride-rejoins-fire-20140508_1_brian-mcbride-red-bulls-coach-frank-yallop |url-status=live }}</ref>
The shake-up extended to the roster, as Yallop moved team veterans and starters and brought in youth prospects—reforming the team while freeing up cap space. Major exits in early 2014 included [[Chris Rolfe]],<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 2, 2014 |title=Chicago Fire trade Chris Rolfe to D.C. United for allocation money |url=http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2014/04/02/chicago-fire-trade-chris-rolfe-dc-united-allocation-money |publisher=MLSsoccer.com |access-date=May 28, 2014 |archive-date=June 9, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140609052124/http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2014/04/02/chicago-fire-trade-chris-rolfe-dc-united-allocation-money |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Austin Berry (soccer)|Austin Berry]],<ref>{{Cite web |date=February 24, 2014 |title=Chicago Fire deal ironman defender, 2012 Rookie of the Year Austin Berry to Philadelphia Union |url=http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2014/02/24/chicago-fire-deal-ironman-defender-2012-rookie-year-austin-berry-philadelphi |access-date=May 28, 2014 |archive-date=November 27, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141127161800/http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2014/02/24/chicago-fire-deal-ironman-defender-2012-rookie-year-austin-berry-philadelphi |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Jalil Anibaba]], [[Daniel Paladini]], and [[Paolo Tornaghi]]. Filling that void was a handful of youth prospects including [[Harrison Shipp]] ([[Homegrown Player Rule (Major League Soccer)|homegrown player]]), [[Benji Joya]] (via MLS "weighted lottery"), and Grant Ward on loan from [[Tottenham Hotspur]]. Despite rarely looking like a team that could advance to the [[MLS Cup Playoffs]], the team once again advanced to the semifinals of the [[2014 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup]], but were routed 6–0 by eventual champions [[Seattle Sounders FC]] on August 13. The result was the worst competitive defeat in club history and saw Frank Yallop issue an apology to Chicago Fire supporters on the club's official website.<ref>{{Cite web |date=August 14, 2015 |title=Fire head coach Frank Yallop apologizes to supporters for Open Cup semifinal defeat |url=http://www.chicago-fire.com/post/2014/08/14/fire-head-coach-frank-yallop-apologizes-supporters-open-cup-semifinal-defeat |publisher=Chicago-Fire.com |access-date=November 23, 2015 |archive-date=November 23, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151123205234/http://www.chicago-fire.com/post/2014/08/14/fire-head-coach-frank-yallop-apologizes-supporters-open-cup-semifinal-defeat |url-status=live }}</ref> As the Cup run had, the season ended in disappointment, with the Fire ending the season with a 6–18–10 record, with 18 draws, also setting a record for most draws in an MLS season in the process.

The club began 2015 with renewed hope, bringing three new Designated Player signings in [[David Accam]], [[Shaun Maloney]] and [[Kennedy Igboananike]] to bolster an anemic attack. The club also signed products [[Michael Stephens (soccer)|Michael Stephens]] and [[Eric Gehrig]] as well as Trinindad & Tobago international [[Joevin Jones]]. With so many new pieces needing to adjust, 2015 marked the first time in club history the side began the season with an 0–3–0 record, but they showed signs of recovery by winning their next three matches. Unfortunately, April was the last time the club would be anywhere near equal on wins and losses, but the side did still advance to another [[2015 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup|Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup]] semifinal. Playing in front of a sparse crowd at the [[Philadelphia Union]]'s [[PPL Park]], the Fire fell 1–0 at the same hurdle for the third straight season. Less than two weeks later, Maloney, who was the club's center piece offseason signing, was transferred back to England with [[Hull City]] citing personal reasons.<ref>{{Cite web |date=August 20, 2015 |title=Report: Chicago Fire set to transfer midfielder Shaun Maloney to Hull City |url=http://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2015/08/20/report-chicago-fire-set-transfer-midfielder-shaun-maloney-hull-city |publisher=MLSsoccer.com |access-date=November 23, 2015 |archive-date=November 24, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151124031656/http://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2015/08/20/report-chicago-fire-set-transfer-midfielder-shaun-maloney-hull-city |url-status=live }}</ref>

Despite no hope for a Cup final, widespread fan protests<ref>{{Cite web |date=July 7, 2015 |title=#HauptmanOut: Fire fans protest against ownership |url=http://www.hottimeinoldtown.com/2015/7/7/8895929/hauptmanout-fire-fans-protest-against-ownership |publisher=hottimeinoldtown.com |access-date=March 15, 2016 |archive-date=March 18, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160318053432/http://www.hottimeinoldtown.com/2015/7/7/8895929/hauptmanout-fire-fans-protest-against-ownership |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=September 30, 2015 |title=Chicago Fire soccer fans in the mud pit of hell |url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/columnists/kass/ct-chicago-fire-despair-kass-met-1001-20150930-story.html |website=Chicago Tribune |access-date=March 14, 2016 |archive-date=March 14, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160314150620/http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/columnists/kass/ct-chicago-fire-despair-kass-met-1001-20150930-story.html |url-status=live }}</ref> and dim likelihood of a playoff berth, the club didn't part ways with Frank Yallop until September 20, 2015, one day after another listless 1–0 home defeat to [[Orlando City SC]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Chicago Fire Soccer Club Names Former MLS Executive Nelson Rodríguez General Manager |url=http://m.chicago-fire.com/news/2015/09/chicago-fire-soccer-club-names-former-mls-executive-nelson-rodriguez-general-manager |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151017153808/http://m.chicago-fire.com/news/2015/09/chicago-fire-soccer-club-names-former-mls-executive-nelson-rodriguez-general-manager |archive-date=October 17, 2015 |access-date=October 5, 2015 |website=Chicago Fire}}</ref> Along with Yallop's departure, the club announced it had named long-time MLS executive Nelson Rodríguez as the club's new general manager, with his first job being to commence a search for a new head coach. Technical director Brian Bliss was given the interim head coaching job, with former player and current club vice president [[Logan Pause]] assisting for the remaining five matches. The club has finished the 2015 season with an overall record of 8 wins, 20 losses and 6 ties. For the first time in the club's history Fire finished the season with zero road wins (0–12–5). Twenty losses in a season became the highest in the club's history.<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 25, 2015 |title=Bliss: Fire Should Hold Heads High Despite Season-Ending Loss to Red Bulls |url=http://www.chicago-fire.com/news/2015/10/bliss-fire-should-hold-heads-high-despite-season-ending-loss-red-bulls |publisher=chicago-fire.com |access-date=February 29, 2016 |archive-date=October 29, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151029011542/http://www.chicago-fire.com/news/2015/10/bliss-fire-should-hold-heads-high-despite-season-ending-loss-red-bulls |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Final years in Bridgeview, Illinois (2016–2019) ===
[[File:CINvCHI 2017-06-28 - Bastian Schweinsteiger (27329406048) (cropped).jpg|thumb|upright|[[Bastian Schweinsteiger]] played for Chicago from 2017 to 2019]]

On November 18, 2015, Rodriguez made his first moves as GM, firing most of Yallop's remaining technical staff, including goalkeeping coach Aron Hyde, fitness coach Adrian Lamb and Director of Scouting Trevor James.<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 18, 2015 |title=Chicago Fire Soccer Club Announce Soccer Staff Changes |url=http://www.chicago-fire.com/post/2015/11/19/chicago-fire-soccer-club-announce-soccer-staff-changes |publisher=Chicago-Fire.com |access-date=November 23, 2015 |archive-date=November 23, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151123200018/http://www.chicago-fire.com/post/2015/11/19/chicago-fire-soccer-club-announce-soccer-staff-changes |url-status=live }}</ref> Rodriguez also parted ways with the club's long-time Director of First Team Operations Ron Stern, Equipment Manager Charles Raycroft and Assistant Equipment Manager Allan Araujo. On November 24, 2015, the club announced that [[Veljko Paunovic]], former coach of the Serbian U-20 side that won the [[2015 FIFA U-20 World Cup]], had been named the new head coach of the Chicago Fire.<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 24, 2015 |title=Chicago Fire Soccer Club Hires Veljko Paunovic as Head Coach |url=http://www.chicago-fire.com/post/2015/11/24/chicago-fire-soccer-club-hires-veljko-paunovic-head-coach |publisher=Chicago Fire Communications |access-date=February 4, 2016 |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304111430/http://www.chicago-fire.com/post/2015/11/24/chicago-fire-soccer-club-hires-veljko-paunovic-head-coach |url-status=live }}</ref> On January 5, 2016, technical director [[Brian Bliss]] also departed the Fire to join Sporting Kansas City as Director of Player Personnel, completing the total overhaul of the technical staff.<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 5, 2016 |title=Sporting KC Names Brian Bliss Director of Player Personnel |url=http://www.sportingkc.com/post/2016/01/05/sporting-kc-names-brian-bliss-director-player-personnel |publisher=Sporting KC Communications |access-date=February 4, 2016 |archive-date=February 9, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160209114545/http://www.sportingkc.com/post/2016/01/05/sporting-kc-names-brian-bliss-director-player-personnel |url-status=live }}</ref>

On March 21, 2017 [[Manchester United]] allowed [[Bastian Schweinsteiger]] to join Chicago Fire, subject to a medical and a visa being secured.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Stone |first=Simon |date=March 21, 2017 |title=Bastian Schweinsteiger: Manchester United allow midfielder to join Chicago Fire |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/39336934 |access-date=March 21, 2017 |website=[[BBC Sport]] |archive-date=March 21, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170321074334/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/39336934 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=March 21, 2017 |title=Bastian Schweinsteiger says he is 'sad' to leave Manchester United for Chicago Fire |url=http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11667/10809319/bastian-schweinsteiger-says-he-is-sad-to-leave-manchester-united-for-chicago-fire |access-date=March 21, 2017 |website=[[Sky Sports]] |archive-date=March 21, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170321112114/http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11667/10809319/bastian-schweinsteiger-says-he-is-sad-to-leave-manchester-united-for-chicago-fire |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Marshall |first=Adam |date=March 21, 2017 |title=SCHWEINSTEIGER TO JOIN CHICAGO FIRE |url=http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Football-News/2017/Mar/bastian-schweinsteiger-to-leave-united-for-chicago-fire.aspx |access-date=March 21, 2017 |publisher=Manchester United F.C. |archive-date=March 21, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170321143045/http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Football-News/2017/Mar/bastian-schweinsteiger-to-leave-united-for-chicago-fire.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=March 21, 2017 |title=Chicago Fire Soccer Club Acquires World Champion Bastian Schweinsteiger as Designated Player |url=http://www.chicago-fire.com/post/2017/03/21/chicago-fire-soccer-club-acquires-world-champion-bastian-schweinsteiger-designated |access-date=March 21, 2017 |website=chicago-fire.com |archive-date=March 22, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170322015058/https://www.chicago-fire.com/post/2017/03/21/chicago-fire-soccer-club-acquires-world-champion-bastian-schweinsteiger-designated |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Stejskal |first=Sam |date=March 22, 2017 |title=How the Chicago Fire embraced past futility to land Bastian Schweinsteiger |url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2017/03/22/how-chicago-fire-embraced-past-futility-land-bastian-schweinsteiger |access-date=March 22, 2017 |website=mlssoccer.com |archive-date=March 24, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170324134652/http://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2017/03/22/how-chicago-fire-embraced-past-futility-land-bastian-schweinsteiger |url-status=live }}</ref> The move from Manchester United was completed on March 29, 2017.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Marshall |first=Adam |date=March 29, 2017 |title=SCHWEINSTEIGER SEALS CHICAGO FIRE MOVE |url=http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Football-News/2017/Mar/bastian-schweinsteiger-completes-move-from-manchester-united-to-chicago-fire.aspx |access-date=March 29, 2017 |archive-date=December 6, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171206115246/http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Football-News/2017/Mar/bastian-schweinsteiger-completes-move-from-manchester-united-to-chicago-fire.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref>

On July 11, 2018, the club announced that Hauptman had sold a 49 percent stake of his ownership to [[Joe Mansueto]], the founder of [[Morningstar, Inc.]]<ref>{{Cite news |last=Bannon |first=Tim |date=July 11, 2018 |title=Chicago billionaire Joe Mansueto buys 49 percent stake in Fire |work=Chicago Tribune |url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/soccer/ct-spt-fire-billionaire-joe-mansueto-20180711-story.html |access-date=July 11, 2018 |archive-date=July 11, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180711232534/http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/soccer/ct-spt-fire-billionaire-joe-mansueto-20180711-story.html |url-status=live }}</ref> On September 13, 2019, Hauptman sold his majority share to Mansueto, who became the sole owner.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Bannon |first=Tim |date=September 13, 2019 |title=Billionaire Joe Mansueto takes full ownership of the Chicago Fire |work=Chicago Tribune |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/soccer/ct-chicago-fire-joe-mansueto-20190913-n5mieeejynedtlnmqnnyhy7k4m-story.html |access-date=September 13, 2019 |archive-date=September 14, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190914072809/https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/soccer/ct-chicago-fire-joe-mansueto-20190913-n5mieeejynedtlnmqnnyhy7k4m-story.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Return to Soldier Field and rebrand (2020–present) ===

As the 2019 MLS campaign concluded, the Chicago Fire organization began the ambitious process of reinventing the franchise during the course of a three-month offseason. The changes included securing a downtown Chicago venue, adding new front office positions, shifting organizational roles, making major roster changes, and rolling out a new brand identity.<ref>{{Cite news |date=December 17, 2019 |title=Chicago Fire making some striking changes |work=USA Today |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mls/2019/12/17/chicago-fire-making-some-striking-changes/40843851/ |access-date=December 27, 2019 |archive-date=December 27, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191227225423/https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mls/2019/12/17/chicago-fire-making-some-striking-changes/40843851/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

Two days after the end of the season, October 8, the Fire officially announced they would return to [[Soldier Field]] to play the 2020 MLS season,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Mikula |first=Jeremy |date=October 8, 2019 |title=Chicago Fire are returning to Soldier Field beginning with the 2020 MLS season: 'This can change the whole tenor of the club' |work=Chicago Tribune |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/soccer/ct-chicago-fire-soldier-field-20191008-57jrs5qatvgoxhwipathptuq5i-story.html |access-date=December 27, 2019 |archive-date=February 20, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200220012240/https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/soccer/ct-chicago-fire-soldier-field-20191008-57jrs5qatvgoxhwipathptuq5i-story.html |url-status=live }}</ref> that same day [[Bastian Schweinsteiger]] announced his retirement.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Sandalow |first=Brian |date=October 8, 2019 |title=Fire's Bastian Schweinsteiger announces retirement |publisher=Chicago Sun-Times |url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/2019/10/8/20904632/bastian-schweinsteiger-announces-retirement-chicago-fire-joe-mansueto-soldier-field |access-date=December 27, 2019 |archive-date=December 27, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191227225427/https://chicago.suntimes.com/2019/10/8/20904632/bastian-schweinsteiger-announces-retirement-chicago-fire-joe-mansueto-soldier-field |url-status=live }}</ref> Two days later, the Fire announced the signing of midfielder [[Álvaro Medrán]],<ref>{{Cite web |last=Santaromita |first=Dan |date=October 10, 2019 |title=Chicago Fire sign Spanish midfielder Álvaro Medrán |url=https://www.prosoccerusa.com/mls/chicago-fire/chicago-fire-sign-spanish-midfielder-alvaro-medran-mls-2019/ |access-date=December 27, 2019 |publisher=ProSoccerUSA.com |archive-date=December 27, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191227225422/https://www.prosoccerusa.com/mls/chicago-fire/chicago-fire-sign-spanish-midfielder-alvaro-medran-mls-2019/ |url-status=live }}</ref> eight days later Designated Player and former Golden Boot winner [[Nemanja Nikolić (footballer, born 1987)|Nemanja Nikolić]] announced he would be leaving the team.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Santaromita |first=Dan |date=October 18, 2019 |title=Nemanja Nikolić announces he is leaving Chicago Fire |url=https://www.prosoccerusa.com/mls/chicago-fire/nemanja-nikolic-announces-he-is-leaving-chicago-fire/ |access-date=December 27, 2019 |archive-date=December 27, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191227225426/https://www.prosoccerusa.com/mls/chicago-fire/nemanja-nikolic-announces-he-is-leaving-chicago-fire/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

[[File:Xherdan Shaqiri - Switzerland vs. Argentina, 29th February 2012.jpg|thumb|upright|[[Xherdan Shaqiri]]'s signing was the most expensive in Chicago Fire history ($7.5 million)]]

The first full month of the off-season saw the Fire continue their overhaul. On November 4, the team traded captain [[Dax McCarty]] to expansion side [[Nashville SC]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Tenorio |first=Paul |date=November 4, 2019 |title=Chicago Fire Reportedly Trade Captain Dax McCarty |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/1349965/2019/11/04/sources-dax-mccarty-and-dave-romney-traded-to-nashville-sc/ |access-date=December 27, 2019 |publisher=The Athletic |archive-date=November 29, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191129134113/https://theathletic.com/1349965/2019/11/04/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Ten days later Homegrown Player Grant Lillard was dealt to MLS's other expansion team [[Inter Miami CF]]. That same day, November 14, Chicago Fire President and general manager Nelson Rodríguez fired head coach [[Veljko Paunović]] and his staff.<ref>{{Citation |last=Santaromita |first=Dan |title=Veljko Paunović's exit raises questions as Chicago Fire faces big changes |date=November 14, 2019 |url=https://www.prosoccerusa.com/mls/chicago-fire/veljko-paunovic-chicago-fire-firing-mls-analysis/ |publisher=ProSoccerUSA.com |access-date=December 27, 2019 |archive-date=January 6, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200106132337/https://www.prosoccerusa.com/mls/chicago-fire/veljko-paunovic-chicago-fire-firing-mls-analysis/ |url-status=live }}</ref> News that the Chicago Fire would not be renewing the contract of their last-remaining DP, [[Nicolás Gaitán]], as well as winger [[Aleksandar Katai]] was overshadowed by an even larger organizational unveiling one week later.<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 21, 2019 |title=Chicago Fire FC decline contract options on Nicolás Gaitán, Aleksandar Katai |url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2019/11/21/chicago-fire-fc-decline-contract-options-nicolas-gaitan-aleksandar-katai |access-date=December 27, 2019 |publisher=MLS Soccer |archive-date=December 27, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191227225458/https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2019/11/21/chicago-fire-fc-decline-contract-options-nicolas-gaitan-aleksandar-katai |url-status=live }}</ref>

On November 21, the long-anticipated rebrand of the Chicago Fire franchise was announced.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=West |first=Jenna |date=November 21, 2019 |title=Chicago Fire Unveils New Badge and Slight Name Change |magazine=Sports Illustrated |url=https://www.si.com/soccer/2019/11/21/chicago-fire-logo-name-change |access-date=December 27, 2019 |archive-date=April 2, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200402220627/https://www.si.com/soccer/2019/11/21/chicago-fire-logo-name-change |url-status=live }}</ref> Developed with the help of marketing agency Doubleday & Cartwright, the team revealed changes to its franchise colors, red and white to red, blue, and gold, its name from Chicago Fire Soccer Club to Chicago Fire FC and, most contentiously, its logo.<ref>{{Citation |last=Bell |first=Demetrius |title=Chicago Fire FC Get Caught In Fan Firestorm After Unveiling Their New Logo |date=November 21, 2019 |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/demetriusbell/2019/11/21/chicago-fire-fc-get-caught-in-fan-firestorm-after-unveiling-their-new-logo/ |work=Forbes |access-date=December 27, 2019 |archive-date=December 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191222140318/https://www.forbes.com/sites/demetriusbell/2019/11/21/chicago-fire-fc-get-caught-in-fan-firestorm-after-unveiling-their-new-logo/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

While the Fire organization made their second player acquisition of the offseason in early December, homegrown player Nicholas Slonina,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bogert |first=Tom |date=December 10, 2019 |title=Chicago Fire sign defender Nicholas Slonina to a Homegrown deal |url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2019/12/10/chicago-fire-sign-defender-nicholas-slonina-homegrown-deal |access-date=December 27, 2019 |publisher=MLS Soccer |archive-date=December 11, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191211050943/https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2019/12/10/chicago-fire-sign-defender-nicholas-slonina-homegrown-deal |url-status=live }}</ref> a relatively quiet few weeks had some followers of the team concerned about their organizational progress.<ref>{{Citation |last=Sandalow |first=Brian |title=Fire behind schedule with no coach and small roster |date=December 14, 2019 |url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/2019/12/14/21018894/chicago-fire-mls-nelson-rodriguez-veljko-paunovic-mansueto |work=Chicago Sun-Times |access-date=December 27, 2019 |archive-date=December 27, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191227225424/https://chicago.suntimes.com/2019/12/14/21018894/chicago-fire-mls-nelson-rodriguez-veljko-paunovic-mansueto |url-status=live }}</ref> However the Fire were busy again in late December with Nelson Rodríguez relinquishing his on-field decision making responsibilities to new Sporting Director Georg Heitz,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Bell |first=Arch |date=December 20, 2019 |title=Chicago Fire hire former FC Basel sporting director Georg Heitz |work=ESPN |url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/chicago-fire/story/4017620/chicago-fire-hire-former-fc-basel-sporting-director-georg-heitz |access-date=December 27, 2019 |archive-date=December 27, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191227225423/https://www.espn.com/soccer/chicago-fire/story/4017620/chicago-fire-hire-former-fc-basel-sporting-director-georg-heitz |url-status=live }}</ref> who swiftly named former [[US Soccer]] Youth National Coach [[Raphaël Wicky]] as head coach and [[Sebastian Pelzer]] as Technical Director.<ref>{{Cite news |date=December 27, 2019 |title=Fire hire former US youth coach Raphael Wicky as MLS coach |agency=Associated Press |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mls/2019/12/27/fire-hire-former-us-youth-coach-raphael-wicky-as-mls-coach/40895203/ |access-date=December 27, 2019 |archive-date=December 27, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191227225422/https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mls/2019/12/27/fire-hire-former-us-youth-coach-raphael-wicky-as-mls-coach/40895203/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Citation |last=Mikula |first=Jeremy |title=Fire hire Sebastian Pelzer as technical director to oversee scouting and other soccer operations |date=December 28, 2019 |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/soccer/ct-chicago-fire-sebastian-pelzer-technical-director-20191228-56hqnoux4zcltp7xiymcnyncvm-story.html |work=Chicago Tribune |access-date=December 28, 2019 |archive-date=December 28, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191228212051/https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/soccer/ct-chicago-fire-sebastian-pelzer-technical-director-20191228-56hqnoux4zcltp7xiymcnyncvm-story.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Heitz has previously worked with Wicky at Swiss club [[FC Basel]] and "worked closely" with Pelzer at his management consultancy business Heusler Werthmüller Heitz ("HWH").<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 28, 2019 |title=Chicago Fire FC Names Sebastian Pelzer Technical Director |url=https://www.chicagofirefc.com/post/2019/12/28/chicago-fire-fc-names-sebastian-pelzer-technical-director |access-date=December 28, 2019 |publisher=ChicagoFireFC.com |archive-date=December 28, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191228172411/https://www.chicagofirefc.com/post/2019/12/28/chicago-fire-fc-names-sebastian-pelzer-technical-director |url-status=live }}</ref>

The Fire opened the 2020 campaign with the signings of Argentinian duo [[Ignacio Aliseda]] from [[Defensa y Justicia|Defensa]] and [[Gastón Giménez (footballer, born 1991)|Gaston Giménez]] from Vélez Sarsfield,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Chicago Fire FC sign Argentine midfielder Gaston Giménez from Velez Sarsfield &#124; MLSSoccer.com |url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/chicago-fire-fc-sign-argentine-midfielder-gaston-gimenez-velez |website=mlssoccer |access-date=September 12, 2021 |archive-date=September 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210912202641/https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/chicago-fire-fc-sign-argentine-midfielder-gaston-gimenez-velez |url-status=live }}</ref> looking to bolster their squad after losing DP [[Nicolás Gaitán]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Lille to land Nicolás Gaitán in surprise deadline day move {{!}} Get French Football News |url=https://www.getfootballnewsfrance.com/2020/lille-to-land-nicolas-gaitan-in-surprise-deadline-day-move/ |access-date=March 3, 2020 |website=www.getfootballnewsfrance.com |date=January 31, 2020 |archive-date=March 3, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200303103913/https://www.getfootballnewsfrance.com/2020/lille-to-land-nicolas-gaitan-in-surprise-deadline-day-move/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The Fire also announced the signing of [[Robert Berić]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Official: Robert Beric is Chicago Fire FC's new No. 9 after move from Saint-Étienne &#124; MLSSoccer.com |url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/official-robert-beric-chicago-fire-fcs-new-no-9-after-move-saint-etienne |website=mlssoccer |access-date=September 12, 2021 |archive-date=September 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210912202642/https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/official-robert-beric-chicago-fire-fcs-new-no-9-after-move-saint-etienne |url-status=live }}</ref> from French outfit [[AS Saint-Étienne|Saint-Étienne]], who netted in his debut defeat against the [[Seattle Sounders FC]] (2–1).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Seattle Sounders FC 2, Chicago Fire FC 1 &#124; 2020 MLS Match Recap &#124; MLSSoccer.com |url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/seattle-sounders-fc-2-chicago-fire-fc-1-2020-mls-match-recap |website=mlssoccer |access-date=September 12, 2021 |archive-date=September 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210912202640/https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/seattle-sounders-fc-2-chicago-fire-fc-1-2020-mls-match-recap |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Colors and badge==
[[File:Chicago Fire SC logo.png|thumb|Chicago Fire crest (1997–2019)]]

The club's official primary colors are red, flag blue, deep blue, and white.<ref>{{cite press release|title=Chicago Fire FC unveils new crest inspired by supporters|url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/chicago-fire-fc-unveils-new-crest-inspired-by-supporters|publisher=MLS Digital|website=MLSSoccer.com|date=June 18, 2021|access-date=April 4, 2022|url-status=live|archive-date=January 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220103070011/https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/chicago-fire-fc-unveils-new-crest-inspired-by-supporters}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=A Crest For All Chicago|url=https://www.chicagofirefc.com/forallchicago|publisher=MLS Digital|website=ChicagoFireFC.com|date=June 18, 2021|access-date=April 4, 2022|url-status=live|archive-date=November 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211109142202/https://www.chicagofirefc.com/forallchicago}}</ref> Secondary colors such as navy blue, sky blue, gold, and black have also been used throughout the history of the Fire. The original logo of the Chicago Fire, used from 1997 to 2019, was derived from the [[Cross of Saint Florian]], a common symbol for fire departments in the United States.<ref name="Tribune-Logo">{{Cite news |last=Mikula |first=Jeremy |date=November 21, 2019 |title=Chicago Fire unveil a new crest — dubbed the 'Fire Crown' for 'flames inverted to become a crown' — and adopt 'Football Club' as part of their name |work=Chicago Tribune |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/soccer/ct-chicago-fire-new-crest-logo-20191121-rgofvdzlc5bjfezgfybn3oqymm-story.html |access-date=November 21, 2019 |archive-date=November 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191122133436/https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/soccer/ct-chicago-fire-new-crest-logo-20191121-rgofvdzlc5bjfezgfybn3oqymm-story.html |url-status=live }}</ref> A stylized "C" sat in the center, representing the city, similar to the logos of the [[Chicago Bears|Bears]] and [[Chicago Cubs|Cubs]]. The six points in a ring around the center alluded to the stars in the [[Flag of Chicago]], one of which commemorates the Great Chicago Fire of 1871.<ref name="wilttweet" /> This style was chosen by the original general manager, Peter Wilt, to establish a timeless image evocative of both classic American sports (as in the logos of the [[National Hockey League|NHL]] [[Original Six]]) and the traditions of European soccer.<ref name="wilttweet">{{Cite tweet |number=1154025084262260736 |user=PeterWilt1 |title=No one asked, but here are my thoughts on #SAVETHEFIRE |date=July 24, 2019}}</ref>

[[Nike, Inc.|Nike]], the Fire's original equipment supplier, intended for the team to be named the Chicago Rhythm. The Rhythm identity featured a turquoise, black and green color scheme, and a logo adorned with a [[cobra]]. Team officials ignored Nike's work, and privately developed the Fire identity with the help of Adrenalin, Inc., a sports branding agency from [[Denver]].<ref name="Tribune-1997">{{Cite news |last=DeSimone |first=Bonnie |date=October 9, 1997 |title=Name game ends: It's Fire |page=3 |work=Chicago Tribune |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1997-10-09-9710090340-story.html |access-date=November 21, 2019 |archive-date=December 8, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161208100741/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1997-10-09/sports/9710090340_1_philip-f-anschutz-nike-ceo-phil-knight-mls |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Chicago Fire |url=http://www.goadrenalin.com/chicago-fire/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150908111923/http://www.goadrenalin.com/chicago-fire/ |archive-date=September 8, 2015 |access-date=June 30, 2015 |website=Adrenalin, Inc.}}</ref>  The names "Chicago Blues" and "Chicago Wind" were also considered.<ref name="Tribune-1997"/>

[[File:Bakary Soumare cropped.jpg|thumb|upright|[[Bakary Soumaré]] wearing the all-red shirt with a white horizontal chest stripe. This was the club's primary kit until 2012]]
The original Fire jerseys were chosen because of their resemblance to a Chicago fireman's coat, featuring broad horizontal stripes across the torso and sleeves. In the first year, the home jersey was red and white with a silver "FIRE" on the stripe; while the away shirts were white and black in the same style. The jersey maintained the same format of an all-red shirt with a white horizontal chest stripe through changes in equipment sponsor (from [[Nike, Inc.|Nike]], to [[Puma AG|Puma]], and currently [[Adidas]]), until 2012 when the white stripe was exchanged for a blue stripe. Conversely, the Fire's secondary shirts have changed much over the years from white with black, to white with navy, to white with red, to all-white style and the all-blue currently used. Third shirts have often been yellow (originally to honor the Chicago Sting, later for the expired partnership with [[Monarcas Morelia|Morelia]]). In 2005, and again from 2014 through 2016, the club wore third shirts with designs based on the [[Flag of Chicago]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Jersey History |url=https://www.chicagofirefc.com/club/history/jerseys |access-date=November 22, 2019 |website=chicagofirefc.com |publisher=Chicago Fire FC |archive-date=May 17, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200517070038/https://www.chicagofirefc.com/club/history/jerseys |url-status=live }}</ref>

The club and their fans make frequent use of the symbols of Chicago, as a show of civic pride. Most prominent are the six-pointed Chicago stars, but the light blue color associated with the city, the municipal device, and the city skyline appear regularly on materials produced by the club and its fans. The [[Flag of Chicago]] is also favored by fans and often seen at the stadium.

On November 21, 2019, the club unveiled its first major rebranding ahead of their move back to Soldier Field in Chicago. The club's name was changed to Chicago Fire Football Club (Chicago Fire FC) and the original logo was replaced with an ovular crest marked with mirrored sets of three triangles called the "Fire Crown" to reference the revitalization of Chicago following the Great Fire.<ref>{{cite press release|title=Chicago Fire Reveals New Primary Badge and Brand Identity Ahead of Move to Soldier Field in 2020|url=https://www.chicagofirefc.com/post/2019/11/21/chicago-fire-reveals-new-primary-badge-and-brand-identity-ahead-move-soldier-field|publisher=MLS Digital|website=ChicagoFireFC.com|date=November 21, 2019|access-date=November 22, 2019|archive-date=November 28, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191128161159/https://www.chicagofirefc.com/post/2019/11/21/chicago-fire-reveals-new-primary-badge-and-brand-identity-ahead-move-soldier-field|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Tribune-Logo" /> The crest used dark blue, red, and gold as its main colors.<ref name="Tribune-Logo" />  Secondary design colors are to be ivory and "flag blue", a light blue color derived from the Chicago flag.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=West |first=Jenna |date=November 21, 2019 |title=Chicago Fire Unveils New Logo and Name |url=https://www.si.com/soccer/2019/11/21/chicago-fire-logo-name-change |magazine=Sports Illustrated |access-date=November 22, 2019 |archive-date=April 2, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200402220627/https://www.si.com/soccer/2019/11/21/chicago-fire-logo-name-change |url-status=live }}</ref> Before its unveiling, the rebranding was leaked onto social media and garnered an "overwhelmingly negative response" from fans.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bell |first=Demetrius |date=November 21, 2019 |title=Chicago Fire FC Get Caught In Fan Firestorm After Unveiling Their New Logo |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/demetriusbell/2019/11/21/chicago-fire-fc-get-caught-in-fan-firestorm-after-unveiling-their-new-logo/ |access-date=November 26, 2019 |website=Forbes |archive-date=November 23, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191123152507/https://www.forbes.com/sites/demetriusbell/2019/11/21/chicago-fire-fc-get-caught-in-fan-firestorm-after-unveiling-their-new-logo/ |url-status=live }}</ref>  Comparisons were made between the "Fire Crown" and the existing logo of the [[Vancouver Whitecaps FC]], which uses a similar set of mirrored triangles, and some fans worried that the "Fire Crown" was reminiscent of the logo of the [[Latin Kings (gang)|Latin Kings]] street gang. The team responded to the decidedly negative reaction by saying "[new] brands take time and repetition to build meaning. They will be judged in years, not days", insisting that there are no plans to revive the old logo.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Sandalow |first=Brian |date=November 21, 2019 |title=Fire unveil new logo, tweaked name |work=Chicago Sun-Times |url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/2019/11/21/20975330/chicago-fire-unveil-new-logo-tweaked-name-joe-mansueto-nelson-rodriguez-major-league-soccer |access-date=November 21, 2019 |archive-date=December 20, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191220170414/https://chicago.suntimes.com/2019/11/21/20975330/chicago-fire-unveil-new-logo-tweaked-name-joe-mansueto-nelson-rodriguez-major-league-soccer |url-status=live }}</ref> The club ultimately unveiled a new crest in the middle of the 2021 season, with a full embrace of it beginning in 2022. This new logo was designed by [[Matthew Wolff (designer)|Matthew Wolff]].<ref>{{Citation |title=A Crest For All Chicago {{!}} The Story of Chicago Fire FC's New Visual Identity | date=June 26, 2021 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H1bKtEHHejs |access-date=August 10, 2022 |archive-date=August 10, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220810215206/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H1bKtEHHejs&gl=US&hl=en |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Uniform history===
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{{Football kit|socks=FF0000|leftarm=FF0000|pattern_la=_chicagofire03h|body=FF0000|pattern_b=_chicagofire03h|rightarm=FF0000|pattern_ra=_chicagofire03h|shorts=FF0000|pattern_sh=_whitesides|pattern_so=|title=2003-2004}}{{Col-break}}{{Football kit|socks=FF0000|leftarm=FF0000|pattern_la=_chicagofire06h|body=FF0000|pattern_b=_chicagofire06h|rightarm=FF0000|pattern_ra=_chicagofire06h|shorts=FF0000|pattern_sh=_adidaswhite|pattern_so=_whitetop|title=2006-2007}}{{Col-break}}{{Football kit
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{{Football kit
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{{Football kit
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 |title       = 2014–2015
}}
{{col-break}}
{{Football kit
 | pattern_la = _chicagofire20h
 | pattern_b = _chicagofire20H
 | pattern_ra = _chicagofire20h
 | pattern_sh = _red_stripes_adidas
 | pattern_so = _3_stripes_navy
 | leftarm =
 | body =
 | rightarm =
 | shorts = 00006C
 | socks = FF0000
 |title       = 2020
}}
{{col-break}}
{{Football kit
 | pattern_la = _two_red_cuff_stripes
 | pattern_b = _adidasred
 | pattern_ra = _two_red_cuff_stripes
 | pattern_sh = _red_stripes_adidas
 | pattern_so = _3_stripes_navy
 | leftarm = 16164e
 | body = 16164e
 | rightarm = 16164e
 | shorts = 16164e
 | socks = FF0000
 |title       = 2021–2022
}}
{{col-break}}
{{Football kit
 | pattern_la = _chicagofire22h
 | pattern_b = _chicagofire22H
 | pattern_ra = _chicagofire22h
 | pattern_sh = _red_stripes_adidas
 | pattern_so = _3_stripes_navy
 | leftarm = 00006c
 | body = 00006c
 | rightarm = 00006c
 | shorts = 00006c
 | socks = FF0000
|title       = 2022–2023
}}
{{Col-break}}{{Football kit|socks=FF0000|leftarm=FF0000|pattern_la=_chicagofire24h|body=FF0000|pattern_b=_chicagofire24h|pattern_ra=_chicagofire24h|rightarm=FF0000|shorts=FF0000|pattern_sh=_white_stripes_adidas|pattern_so=_3_stripes_white|title=2024-2025}}{{col-end}}

===Sponsorship===
{|class="wikitable" style="text-align: center"
|-
! style="background:#FF0000; color:#000; border:2px solid #7CCDEF;" scope=col|Seasons
! style="background:#FF0000; color:#000; border:2px solid #7CCDEF;" scope=col|Kit manufacturer
! style="background:#FF0000; color:#000; border:2px solid #7CCDEF;" scope=col|Shirt sponsor
|-
|1998–2002
| [[Nike, Inc.|Nike]]
|rowspan="3" style="background:#ececec; color:gray| —
|-
|2003–2005
| [[Puma SE|Puma]]
|-
|2006–2007
| rowspan="8" | [[Adidas]]
|-
|2008–2010
| [[Best Buy]]
|-
|2011
| style="background:#ececec; color:gray| —
|-
|2012–2015
| [[Quaker Oats Company|Quaker Oats]]
|-
|2016–2018<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 14, 2015 |title=Chicago Fire sign Valspar as new jersey sponsor |url=http://www.chicagobusiness.com/article/20151014/BLOGS04/151019961/chicago-fire-sign-valspar-as-new-jersey-sponsor |publisher=chicagobusiness.com |access-date=October 15, 2015 |archive-date=September 12, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180912181757/http://www.chicagobusiness.com/article/20151014/BLOGS04/151019961/chicago-fire-sign-valspar-as-new-jersey-sponsor |url-status=live }}</ref>
|[[Valspar]]
|-
|2019–2022
|[[Motorola Mobility|Motorola]]
|-
|2023
| style="background:#ececec; color:gray| —
|-
|2024–present
|[[Carvana]]
|}

==Stadium==
[[File:Soldier Field on June 26, 2020.jpg|thumb|right|[[Soldier Field]]]]
[[File:Toyota Park (28580854678).jpg|thumb|right|[[SeatGeek Stadium]], located in [[Bridgeview, Illinois]], was the club's home stadium from 2006 until 2019]]
Chicago played its home games at [[SeatGeek Stadium]], a [[soccer-specific stadium]] located at 71st Street and Harlem Avenue in the Chicago suburb of [[Bridgeview, Illinois]], about 12 miles southwest from downtown Chicago from 2006 until the end of the 2019 season. The Village of Bridgeview owns and operates SeatGeek Stadium, which opened as Toyota Park on June 11, 2006, and originally cost approximately $100 million. After the end of the 2018 season, It was renamed from Toyota Park to SeatGeek Stadium,<ref>{{Cite news |date=April 19, 2018 |title=Indebted Chicago Suburb Catches a Break With Naming Rights Deal |work=Bloomberg.com |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-04-19/indebted-chicago-suburb-catches-a-break-with-naming-rights-deal |access-date=June 2, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Caheo |url=https://caheotv.pro/ |access-date=June 2, 2023}}</ref> with an estimated naming rights fee between $2.5 million to $4 million per year.<ref>{{Cite news |date=April 19, 2018 |title=Indebted Chicago Suburb Catches a Break With Naming Rights Deal |publisher=Bloomberg L.P. |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-04-19/indebted-chicago-suburb-catches-a-break-with-naming-rights-deal |access-date=April 25, 2018 |archive-date=April 11, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190411130625/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-04-19/indebted-chicago-suburb-catches-a-break-with-naming-rights-deal |url-status=live }}</ref>

For its first years in the league the Fire played at Soldier Field, the 61,500-capacity home of the [[Chicago Bears]] of the [[National Football League|NFL]] and one of the main venues of the [[1994 FIFA World Cup]]. While that stadium was undergoing a $632 million renovation, the Fire played at [[Cardinal Stadium (Naperville)|Cardinal Stadium]] in [[Naperville, Illinois]], on the outskirts of the Chicago metropolitan area; the stadium was temporarily expanded to 15,000 seats to accommodate the team.<ref>{{cite news |last=McCarthy |first=Jack |date=October 7, 2003 |title=Naperville now old flame to Fire |at=sec. 2, p. 2 |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2003-10-07-0310070220-story.html |work=Chicago Tribune |accessdate=July 29, 2023}}</ref> Attempts to play at other venues, including [[Comiskey Park]] and the [[Arlington Park]] racecourse, were rejected by their respective owners.<ref>{{cite news |last=Wronski |first=Richard |date=June 27, 2019 |title=Soccer called good fit for racetrack |at=sec. 2, p. 1 |work=Chicago Tribune}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=McDill |first1=Kent |last2=Pyke |first2=Marni |date=December 15, 2001 |title=Chicago's pro soccer team likes idea of calling Naperville home |at=sec, 1, p. 1 |work=The Daily Herald |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-herald-chicagos-pro-soccer-te/129118043/ |via=Newspapers.com |accessdate=July 29, 2023}}</ref> They returned to Soldier Field toward the end of 2003, remaining there through the end of 2005 while their soccer-specific stadium was under construction.

In April 2019, multiple sources reported the club in negotiations with Bridgeview to buy out the remainder of its lease at SeatGeek Stadium and return to [[Soldier Field]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Chicago Fire consider buyout to secure Soldier Field return |url=https://www.prosoccerusa.com/mls/chicago-fire/chicago-fire-consider-stadium-lease-buyout-return-to-soldier-field/ |access-date=April 24, 2019 |archive-date=April 7, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190407131025/https://www.prosoccerusa.com/mls/chicago-fire/chicago-fire-consider-stadium-lease-buyout-return-to-soldier-field/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last1=Mikula |first1=Jeremy |last2=Mahr |first2=Joe |date=May 8, 2019 |title=Bridgeview says the Chicago Fire will pay $65 million in a proposed deal to leave SeatGeek Stadium |work=Chicago Tribune |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/soccer/ct-spt-chicago-fire-bridgeview-lease-soldier-field-20190508-story.html |access-date=May 31, 2019 |archive-date=June 1, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190601011804/https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/soccer/ct-spt-chicago-fire-bridgeview-lease-soldier-field-20190508-story.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In July 2019, Chicago Fire reached a deal to leave SeatGeek Stadium for a payment of $65.5 million and move back to Soldier Field starting in 2020.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Mikula |first=Jeremy |date=July 9, 2019 |title=Chicago Fire reach deal with Bridgeview to leave SeatGeek Stadium for $65.5 million |work=Chicago Tribune |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/soccer/ct-chicago-fire-seatgeek-stadium-lease-bridgeview-20190709-ts7xrw3ydvcgthcpzrmdfikbge-story.html |access-date=September 13, 2019 |archive-date=August 27, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200827033840/https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/soccer/ct-chicago-fire-seatgeek-stadium-lease-bridgeview-20190709-ts7xrw3ydvcgthcpzrmdfikbge-story.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The return to Soldier Field was finalized with an agreement with the [[Chicago Park District]] in September 2019.<ref>{{Cite press release |title=Chicago Fire Soccer Club Announces Ownership Change and Relocation |date=September 13, 2019 |publisher=Chicago Fire SC |url=https://www.chicago-fire.com/post/2019/09/13/chicago-fire-soccer-club-announces-ownership-change-and-relocation |access-date=September 13, 2019 |archive-date=October 6, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191006132943/https://www.chicago-fire.com/post/2019/09/13/chicago-fire-soccer-club-announces-ownership-change-and-relocation |url-status=live }}</ref> SeatGeek Stadium continues to be utilized by the team for certain matches due to the Bears' own CPD lease conditions, which disallow any event in the five days before or after a Bears game to maintain turf quality and allow proper game preparation, including a 2025 playoff series against [[Philadelphia Union]].<ref>{{cite press release|title=Chicago Fire FC Announces Venue Change for Two Home Matches|publisher=Chicago Fire FC Communications|date=May 15, 2015|url=https://www.chicagofirefc.com/news/chicago-fire-fc-announces-venue-change-for-two-home-matches-2025|access-date=November 2, 2025}}</ref>

On June 3, 2025, Chicago Fire FC owner [[Joe Mansueto]] announced plans for a new, privately funded, soccer-specific [[New Chicago Fire Stadium|stadium]] and entertainment district located along the Chicago River just south of Roosevelt Road.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Chicago Fire FC |url=https://dearchicago.com/ |access-date=June 3, 2025 |website=dearchicago.com}}</ref> The stadium will be the anchor tenant of [[The 78]] – a mixed-use development that will eventually include restaurants, retail, office space, and residential buildings, along with green space and an extension of the [[Chicago Riverwalk]].

===Home stadiums===
* [[Soldier Field]]; [[Chicago]] (1998–2001, 2003–2005, 2020–present)
* [[Benedetti–Wehrli Stadium|Cardinal Stadium]]; [[Naperville, Illinois]] (2002–2003, one U.S. Open Cup game in 2004)
* [[SeatGeek Stadium]]; [[Bridgeview, Illinois]] (2006–2019, 2020–present for Bears conflicts)

===Other stadiums===
* Forest View Park; [[Arlington Heights, Illinois]] (2000) ''1 game in U.S. Open Cup''
* The Rock Sports Complex; [[Franklin, Milwaukee County, Wisconsin|Franklin, Wisconsin]] (2001) ''1 game in U.S. Open Cup''
* McCully Field; [[Wheaton, Illinois]] (2001) ''1 game in U.S. Open Cup''
* [[Shea Stadium (Peoria, Illinois)|Shea Stadium]], [[Peoria, Illinois]] (2008, 2011) ''2 games in U.S. Open Cup Qualifying''

==Club culture==

===Supporters===
There is a noteworthy fan culture for the Fire, beginning with the original Fire SG Barn Burners, existing from the date the club was founded, and building on an enthusiasm throughout Chicago sports. At matches, [[Supporters groups|supporters]] and [[ultras]] groups occupy a standing area directly behind the north goal, in the ''Harlem End'' of [[Toyota Park]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Crandall |first=Jeff |title=Stand Sing Participate |url=http://www.chicago-fire.com/insider/stand-sing-participate |access-date=December 18, 2016 |website=Chicago Fire |archive-date=December 20, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220192644/http://www.chicago-fire.com/insider/stand-sing-participate |url-status=live }}</ref> This area is referred to as ''Section 8'', originating from the numbering of the corresponding section at [[Soldier Field]] and the [[Section 8 (military)|American military designation]] of mentally unfit soldiers.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Parker |first=Graham |date=March 18, 2015 |title='We're anarcho-syndicalists': an interview with Chicago Fire's Section 8 |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/mar/18/were-anarcho-syndicalists-an-interview-with-chicago-fires-section-8 |access-date=December 11, 2016 |archive-date=December 11, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161211235559/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/mar/18/were-anarcho-syndicalists-an-interview-with-chicago-fires-section-8 |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Section 8 Chicago]], the Independent Supporters' Association (ISA) for the Fire, oversees the activities of these numerous groups.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Mission Statement Section 8 Chicago |url=http://www.s8c.org/about/mission-statement/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220155841/http://www.s8c.org/about/mission-statement/ |archive-date=December 20, 2016 |access-date=December 11, 2016 |publisher=Section 8 Chicago}}</ref>  While incorporating a worldwide variety of styles with a Chicago bent, groups as part of ''Section 8'' generally fall under the ultras designation. Additionally, an associated spinoff group called "Sector Latino" which originally congregated in the corner-kick Section 101<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sector Latino |url=https://twitter.com/SectorLatino12 |access-date=December 18, 2016 |archive-date=March 31, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140331163048/https://twitter.com/SectorLatino12 |url-status=live }}</ref>{{Primary source inline|date=March 2020}} at the stadium's southwest end until season long discussions between the ISA and the Chicago Fire Front Office eventually saw the group moved to Section 137, directly behind the south goal. There are also several other affiliated ultras and supporters groups, including The Arsonists, Banter Buddies, Blitzer Mob, Husaria, Fire Ultras 98, Partisans, Red Scare, Second City North, The Western Front, Ultras Red-Side, Mike Ditka Street Crew (MDSC), and Whiskey Brothers Aught-Five.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Supporters Groups |url=https://www.chicago-fire.com/club/supporters |access-date=March 5, 2018 |archive-date=August 28, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180828035533/https://www.chicago-fire.com/club/supporters |url-status=live }}</ref> The [[Section 8 Chicago]] ISA is a registered 501(c)7 non-profit organization run by volunteers through an elected board of directors.<ref>{{Cite web |title=About Section 8 Chicago |url=http://www.s8c.org/about/ |access-date=December 11, 2016 |publisher=Section 8 Chicago |archive-date=December 20, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220103229/http://www.s8c.org/about/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
[[File:Section8Chicago.jpg|right|thumb|"Section 8", the supporters area at [[SeatGeek Stadium]]]]

Match atmosphere is known for organized displays of stadium-wide support, particularly for matches of prime competitive importance. Call-and-response cheering amongst the crowd is commonplace.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Songs and Chants |url=http://www.chicago-fire.com/club/supporters/songs-and-chants |access-date=December 18, 2016 |website=Chicago Fire |archive-date=December 20, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220192632/http://www.chicago-fire.com/club/supporters/songs-and-chants |url-status=live }}</ref> Fans at SeatGeek Stadium for Fire matches periodically choreograph [[tifo]] presentations both to show their pride and inspire the players on the field.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Crandall |first=Jeff |date=August 8, 2010 |title=The Tifo Display |url=http://www.chicago-fire.com/post/2010/08/08/tifo-display-0 |access-date=December 18, 2016 |website=Chicago Fire |archive-date=February 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190222204725/https://www.chicago-fire.com/post/2010/08/08/tifo-display-0 |url-status=live }}</ref> SeatGeek Stadium remains one of the few American environments to conduct such fan-driven presentations on a large scale.

===Mascot===
Their official mascot is Sparky, an anthropomorphic [[Dalmatian (dog)|Dalmatian]] dog. Sparky is usually shown wearing the club's jersey but also arrives wearing firefighter attire.<ref name="Sparky">{{Cite web |title=Sparky |url=http://www.chicago-fire.com/community/sparky |access-date=January 16, 2012 |archive-date=February 19, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120219065911/http://www.chicago-fire.com/community/sparky |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Rivalries===
While the Fire have heated rivalries with a number of different MLS teams, Fire supporters of different ages will likely give different responses as to who the club's main rival is. The earliest Fire supporters would list [[Brimstone Cup]] rival [[FC Dallas]] as the Fire's nemesis, or [[Los Angeles Galaxy]] following heated playoff and cup matches with Dallas and L.A. in the league's early years.

After the Fire moved to the Eastern Conference, meetings with Dallas and LA became less frequent. Rivalries with [[D.C. United]] and [[New England Revolution]] were stoked following several thrilling playoff meetings. The Fire and Revolution are MLS' most frequent playoff matchup, meeting in the MLS Cup Playoffs 8 different times in 10 seasons from 2000 to 2009, splitting those encounters 4–4, with the Fire winning in 2000, 2003, 2008, and 2009. New England ended the Fire's playoff runs in 2002, 2005, 2006, and 2007. Newer rivals include [[Columbus Crew]], who up until the introduction of [[FC Cincinnati]] were the closest MLS team geographically to the Fire, and [[Atlanta United FC]] following quarrels between the two sets of fans.

In 2023 [[St. Louis City SC]] entered the league. As St. Louis and Chicago are considered historic rival cities, a rivalry has naturally emerged between the two teams.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Schneider |first=Joey |date=May 9, 2023 |title=Ready for another St. Louis-Chicago sports rivalry? A soccer one starts Tuesday |work=Fox 2 |url=https://fox2now.com/sports/stl-city-sc/ready-for-another-st-louis-chicago-sports-rivalry-a-soccer-one-starts-tuesday/ |access-date=May 14, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Calabrese |first=Alex |date=May 13, 2023 |title=Back On Top: Chicago Fire 1, St. Louis CITY 0 |work=MIR97 Media |url=https://meninred97.com/back-on-top-chicago-fire-1-st-louis-city-0/ |access-date=May 14, 2023}}</ref>

==Broadcasting==

Beginning with the 2020 season, [[WGN Sports]] was added as a regional television rightsholder under a multi-year deal, with all regional matches airing on [[WGN-TV]]. The first season under the contract was concurrent with the final year of the existing ESPN+ regional rights. WGN had recently lost its legacy professional sports rights to [[NBC Sports Chicago]] and [[Marquee Sports Network]].<ref name="wgn-firesoccer">{{Cite news |date=February 19, 2020 |title=WGN-TV to air 24 Chicago Fire Football Club games in landmark multi-year broadcast agreement |publisher=[[WGN-TV]] |url=https://wgntv.com/2020/02/19/wgn-tv-to-air-24-chicago-fire-football-club-games-in-landmark-multi-year-broadcast-agreement/ |access-date=March 1, 2020 |archive-date=February 20, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200220163146/https://wgntv.com/2020/02/19/wgn-tv-to-air-24-chicago-fire-football-club-games-in-landmark-multi-year-broadcast-agreement/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Mikula |first=Jeremy |date=February 19, 2020 |title=Chicago Fire reach a multiyear deal with WGN to televise games |work=Chicago Tribune |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/soccer/ct-chicago-fire-wgn-tv-deal-20200219-dz5od33jdbaclojqe6c5aytrhu-story.html |access-date=March 1, 2020 |archive-date=March 1, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200301035846/https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/soccer/ct-chicago-fire-wgn-tv-deal-20200219-dz5od33jdbaclojqe6c5aytrhu-story.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Feder |first=Robert |date=February 19, 2020 |title=Back to play-by-play, WGN to air Chicago Fire soccer broadcasts |work=RobertFeder.com |url=https://www.robertfeder.com/2020/02/19/back-play-play-wgn-air-chicago-fire-soccer-broadcasts/ |access-date=March 1, 2020 |archive-date=February 22, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200222135852/https://www.robertfeder.com/2020/02/19/back-play-play-wgn-air-chicago-fire-soccer-broadcasts/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In April 2021, the club announced that their television broadcast team would consist of play-by-play commentator Tyler Terens, color analyst, [[Tony Meola]]. Play-by-play commentator [[Arlo White]] – whose Fire broadcast debut was postponed in 2020 because of the pandemic – was also expected to call several games.<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 15, 2021 |title=Arlo White, Tony Meola & Tyler Terens Headline Chicago Fire FC's 2021 Broadcast Team |url=https://www.chicagofirefc.com/news/arlo-white-tony-meola-tyler-terens-headline-chicago-fire-fc-s-2021-broadcast-tea/ |access-date=September 7, 2021 |archive-date=September 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210907144653/https://www.chicagofirefc.com/news/arlo-white-tony-meola-tyler-terens-headline-chicago-fire-fc-s-2021-broadcast-tea |url-status=live }}</ref> With every MLS game available on [[Apple TV app|Apple TV]] via their rights deal in 2023, Chicago games will be broadcast almost exclusively on this service, with exceptions for certain national linear television broadcast partners.

Spanish-language radio station [[WRTO (AM)|WRTO]] has aired Chicago Fire matches since 2017, replacing [[WCHI-FM|WEBG]]-HD2.<ref>[https://www.allaccess.com/net-news/archive/story/164922/chicago-fire-spanish-language-broadcasts-move-to-w Chicago Fire Spanish-Language Broadcasts Move To WRTO (Univision Deportes Radio)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190220003104/https://www.allaccess.com/net-news/archive/story/164922/chicago-fire-spanish-language-broadcasts-move-to-w |date=February 20, 2019 }} – All Access, April 20, 2017</ref>

On April 26, 2023, the Fire announced a deal with [[Cumulus Media]] to carry Fire matches on English language radio, with matches to be broadcast on either [[WLS (AM)|WLS]] 890 am, or on the station's website at wlsam.com. Max Thoma will provide play-by-play with former Fire player [[Dasan Robinson]] providing color commentary.<ref>{{cite web |date=April 26, 2023 |title=Chicago Fire FC and Cumulus Media Announce Partnership to Deliver Local Radio Broadcasts in English for Club Matches |url=https://www.chicagofirefc.com/news/chicago-fire-fc-and-cumulus-media-announce-partnership-to-deliver-local-radio-br |accessdate=April 26, 2023}}</ref>

==Players==
{{For|details on former players|All-time Chicago Fire FC roster}}

=== Roster ===
{{updated|September 18, 2025|<ref>{{Cite web |title=First Team |url=https://www.chicagofirefc.com/roster/ |website=chicagofirefc.com |publisher=Chicago Fire FC |access-date=August 26, 2021 |archive-date=July 27, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210727045456/https://www.chicagofirefc.com/roster/ |url-status=live }}</ref>}}
{{fs start|nonumber=|bg=FF0000|color=000|border=7CCDEF}}
{{Fs player |no=1|nat=USA|name=[[Chris Brady (soccer)|Chris Brady]]|pos=GK}}
{{Fs player |no=2|nat=POR|name=[[Leonardo Barroso]]|pos=DF}}
{{Fs player |no=3|nat=ENG|name=[[Jack Elliott (footballer)|Jack Elliott]]|pos=DF}}
{{Fs player |no=5|nat=USA|name=[[Sam Rogers (soccer)|Sam Rogers]]|pos=DF}}
{{Fs player |no=6|nat=MLI|name=[[Rominigue Kouamé]]|pos=MF|other=on loan from [[Cádiz CF|Cádiz]]}}
{{fs player |no=7|nat=SUI|name=[[Maren Haile-Selassie]]|pos=MF}}
{{Fs player |no=8|nat=USA|name=[[Chris Mueller (soccer)|Chris Mueller]]|pos=FW}}
{{Fs player |no=9|nat=BEL|name=[[Hugo Cuypers]]|pos=FW}}
{{Fs player |no=10|nat=POR|name=[[André Franco]]|pos=MF|other=on loan from [[FC Porto|Porto]]}}
{{Fs player |no=11|nat=DEN|name=[[Philip Zinckernagel]]|pos=FW}}
{{fs player |no=12|nat=USA|name=[[Tom Barlow (American soccer)|Tom Barlow]]|pos=FW}}
{{Fs player |no=14|nat=SRB|name=[[Viktor Radojević]]|pos=DF}}
{{Fs player |no=15|nat=USA|name=[[Andrew Gutman]]|pos=DF}}
{{fs player |no=16|nat=CAN|name=[[Joel Waterman]]|pos=DF}}
{{Fs player |no=17|nat=USA|name=[[Brian Gutiérrez]]|pos=MF}}
{{Fs player |no=19|nat=CIV|name=[[Jonathan Bamba]]|pos=FW}}
{{fs mid|nonumber=|bg=FF0000|color=000|border=7CCDEF}}
{{fs player |no=22|nat=USA|name=[[Mauricio Pineda (soccer, born 1997)|Mauricio Pineda]]|pos=MF}}
{{Fs player |no=23|nat=USA|name=[[Kellyn Acosta]]|pos=MF}}
{{Fs player |no=24|nat=USA|name=[[Jonathan Dean]]|pos=DF}}
{{Fs player |no=25|nat=USA|name=[[Jeffrey Gal]]|pos=GK}}
{{Fs player |no=27|nat=USA|name=Dylan Borso|pos=MF}}
{{Fs player |no=29|nat=USA|name=[[David Poreba]]|pos=MF}}
{{Fs player |no=31|nat=USA|name=[[Bryan Dowd]]|pos=GK}}
{{Fs player |no=34|nat=USA|name=[[Omar Gonzalez|Omar González]]|pos=DF}}
{{Fs player |no=35|nat=USA|name=[[Sergio Oregel]]|pos=MF}}
{{Fs player |no=36|nat=USA|name=Justin Reynolds|pos=DF}}
{{Fs player |no=37|nat=USA|name=[[Robert Turdean]]|pos=MF}}
{{Fs player |no=38|nat=USA|name=Christopher Cupps|pos=DF}}
{{fs player |no=42|nat=CIV|name=[[Djé D'Avilla]]|pos=MF}}
{{fs player |no=47|nat=USA|name=[[Sam Williams (soccer)|Sam Williams]]|pos=MF}}
{{fs player |no=77|nat=USA|name=[[Chase Gasper]]|pos=DF}}
{{fs end|nonumber=|bg=FF0000|color=000|border=7CCDEF}}

===Out on loan===
{{fs start|nonumber=|bg=FF0000|color=000|border=7CCDEF}}
{{Fs player |no=26|nat=GUY|name=[[Omari Glasgow]]|pos=FW|other=on loan to [[Loudoun United FC|Loudoun United]]}}
{{Fs player |no=28|nat=USA|name=Dean Boltz|pos=FW|other=on loan to [[Forward Madison FC|Forward Madison]]}}
{{Fs player |no=|nat=GRE|name=[[Georgios Koutsias]]|pos=FW|other=on loan to [[FC Lugano|Lugano]]}}
{{fs end|nonumber=|bg=FF0000|color=000|border=7CCDEF}}

==Ring of Fire==
The "Ring of Fire" was established in 2003 by Chicago Fire Soccer Club and the Chicago Fire Alumni Association as permanent tribute to honor those who have made the club proud and successful over its history.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ring of Fire |url=http://www.chicago-fire.com/club/history/ring-of-fire |access-date=October 5, 2015 |website=Chicago Fire |archive-date=October 17, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151017153808/http://www.chicago-fire.com/club/history/ring-of-fire |url-status=live }}</ref> Aside from the initial member [[Piotr Nowak]], only "Ring of Fire" members can select new inductees, and no more than one can be selected any year. Names and numbers (if applicable) are prominently displayed inside [[SeatGeek Stadium]].

There were no inductees in 2008, 2010, or 2011. In 2008, the members voted to honor two recently deceased fans (supporter leaders Dan Parry and Brandon Kitchens) but were overruled by the club chairman [[Andrew Hauptman]].<ref>Wilt, Peter. [http://www.section8chicago.com/jm3/component/option,com_myblog/show,Wrong-of-Fire.html/Itemid,96/ Wrong of Fire]. {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080607054608/http://www.section8chicago.com/jm3/component/option%2Ccom_myblog/show%2CWrong-of-Fire.html/Itemid%2C96/|date=June 7, 2008}}.</ref> Parry and Kitchens were later made members of the Wall of Honor, a special recognition for Fire fans. In addition to Parry and Kitchens, the late Fire fans Euan McLean and Al Hack have been inducted into the Wall of Honor as of 2011.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Wall of Honor |url=http://www.chicago-fire.com/club/history/wall-of-honor |access-date=September 30, 2012 |website=Chicago Fire SC |archive-date=September 19, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120919235741/http://www.chicago-fire.com/club/history/wall-of-honor |url-status=live }}</ref> [[C.J. Brown]] was expected to be honored in 2011, but a new rule was established that inductees must have been away from the club for at least a calendar year.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rivera |first=Guillermo |date=June 6, 2011 |title=CJ Brown Will Have To Wait &#124; Chicago Fire Confidential |url=http://www.chicagonow.com/fire-confidential/2011/06/cj-brown-will-have-to-wait/ |access-date=December 3, 2011 |publisher=Chicagonow.com |archive-date=October 4, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121004082022/http://www.chicagonow.com/fire-confidential/2011/06/cj-brown-will-have-to-wait/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Brown, at the time an assistant head coach at Real Salt Lake, was officially inducted at the halftime ceremony during the home game vs. Real Salt Lake in Toyota Park on May 9, 2012.<ref>{{Cite news |date=May 9, 2012 |title=Brown returns to Chicago for 'Ring of Fire' induction |publisher=chicago-fire.com |url=http://www.chicago-fire.com/news/2012/05/brown-returns-chicago-ring-fire-induction |access-date=May 10, 2012 |archive-date=May 18, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130518042350/http://www.chicago-fire.com/news/2012/05/brown-returns-chicago-ring-fire-induction |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=May 10, 2012 |title=CJ Brown: Fire Legend, Ring of Fire Inductee |url=http://www.hottimeinoldtown.com/2012/5/10/3009729/cj-brown-fire-legend-ring-of-fire-inductee#storyjump |access-date=May 10, 2012 |archive-date=June 18, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120618013410/http://www.hottimeinoldtown.com/2012/5/10/3009729/cj-brown-fire-legend-ring-of-fire-inductee#storyjump |url-status=live }}</ref>

On October 3, 2015, [[Ante Razov]], the club's all-time leading scorer, became the eighth individual to be inducted into the club's Ring of Fire Hall of Fame.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ring of Fire |url=http://www.chicago-fire.com/club/history/ring-of-fire |publisher=chicago-fire.com |access-date=October 5, 2015 |archive-date=October 17, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151017153808/http://www.chicago-fire.com/club/history/ring-of-fire |url-status=live }}</ref>  The ceremony took place on that day during the halftime of the regular season home match against New England Revolution.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Chicago Fire Host New England Revolution on Special Evening at Toyota Park |publisher=chicago-fire.com |url=http://www.chicago-fire.com/news/2015/10/chicago-fire-host-new-england-revolution-special-evening-toyota-park |access-date=October 5, 2015 |archive-date=October 5, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151005201958/http://www.chicago-fire.com/news/2015/10/chicago-fire-host-new-england-revolution-special-evening-toyota-park |url-status=live }}</ref> On February 10, 2024, former goalkeeper and current goalkeeping coach Zach Thornton was inducted into the Ring of Fire. The ceremony will be held on April 27 at Soldier Field during the match against Atlanta United.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Legendary Chicago Fire FC Goalkeeper Zach Thornton to be Inducted into Ring of Fire at Soldier Field on April 27 |publisher=chicagofirefc.com |url=https://www.chicagofirefc.com/news/legendary-chicago-fire-fc-goalkeeper-zach-thornton-to-be-inducted-into-ring-of-f? }}</ref>
* {{Flagicon|POL}} 10 [[Piotr Nowak]] (inducted 2003)
* {{Flagicon|USA}} 41 [[Frank Klopas]] (inducted 2004)
* {{Flagicon|CZE}} 5 [[Luboš Kubík]] (inducted 2005)
* {{Flagicon|USA}} Former general manager and club president [[Peter Wilt]] (inducted 2006)
* {{Flagicon|USA}} Former head coach [[Bob Bradley]] (inducted 2007)
* {{Flagicon|USA}} 14 [[Chris Armas]] (inducted 2009)
* {{Flagicon|USA}} 2 [[C.J. Brown]] (inducted 2012)
* {{Flagicon|USA}} 9 [[Ante Razov]] (inducted 2015)
* {{Flagicon|USA}} 18 [[Zach Thornton]] (inducted 2024)

==Staff==
{{more citations needed section|date=August 2015}}

===Head coaches===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! style="background:#FF0000; color:#000; border:2px solid #7CCDEF;" scope="col"|Name
! style="background:#FF0000; color:#000; border:2px solid #7CCDEF;" scope="col"|Nationality
! style="background:#FF0000; color:#000; border:2px solid #7CCDEF;" scope="col"|Tenure
|-
| [[Bob Bradley]]
| {{flagu|United States}}
| October 30, 1997&nbsp;– October 5, 2002
|-
| [[Dave Sarachan]]
| {{flagu|United States}}
| November 4, 2002&nbsp;– June 20, 2007
|-
| [[Denis Hamlett]] ''(interim)''
| {{flagu|Costa Rica}}
| June 20, 2007&nbsp;– June 30, 2007
|-
| [[Juan Carlos Osorio]]
| {{flagu|Colombia}}
| July 1, 2007&nbsp;– December 10, 2007
|-
| [[Denis Hamlett]]
| {{flagu|Costa Rica}}
| January 11, 2008&nbsp;– November 24, 2009
|-
| [[Carlos de los Cobos]]
| {{flagu|Mexico}}
| January 1, 2010&nbsp;– May 30, 2011
|-
| [[Frank Klopas]] ''(interim)''
| {{flagu|United States}}
| May 30, 2011&nbsp;– November 3, 2011
|-
| [[Frank Klopas]]
| {{flagu|United States}}
| November 3, 2011&nbsp;– October 30, 2013
|-
| [[Frank Yallop]]
| {{flagu|Canada}}
| October 31, 2013&nbsp;– September 20, 2015
|-
| [[Brian Bliss]] ''(interim)''
| {{flagu|United States}}
| September 20, 2015&nbsp;– November 24, 2015
|-
| [[Veljko Paunović]]
| {{flagu|Serbia}}
| November 24, 2015&nbsp;– November 13, 2019
|-
| [[Raphaël Wicky]]
| {{flagu|Switzerland}}
| December 27, 2019&nbsp;– September 30, 2021
|-
| [[Frank Klopas]] ''(interim)''
| {{flagu|United States}}
| September 30, 2021&nbsp;– November 7, 2021
|-
| [[Ezra Hendrickson]]
| {{flagu|Saint Vincent and the Grenadines}}
| November 24, 2021&nbsp;– May 8, 2023
|-
| [[Frank Klopas]] ''(interim)''
| {{flagu|United States}}
| May 8, 2023&nbsp;– December 5, 2023
|-
| [[Frank Klopas]]
| {{flagu|United States}}
| December 5, 2023&nbsp;– October 19, 2024
|-
| [[Gregg Berhalter]]
| {{flagu|United States}}
| October 20, 2024&nbsp;– Present
|}

===Club presidents===
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! style="background:#FF0000; color:#000; border:2px solid #7CCDEF;" scope="col"|Name
! style="background:#FF0000; color:#000; border:2px solid #7CCDEF;" scope="col"|Tenure
|-
| Robert Sanderman
| 1997–2000
|-
| [[Peter Wilt]]
| 2001–2005
|-
| [[John Guppy (businessman)|John Guppy]]
| 2005–2008
|-
| Javier León (interim)
| 2008 
|-
| Dave Greeley
| 2008–2010
|-
| Javier León (interim)
| 2010
|-
| Julian Posada
| 2010–2012
|-
| Nelson Rodríguez
| 2018–2021
|-
| Ishwara Glassman-Chrein
| 2021–2022<ref>{{Cite web |title=Chicago Fire FC Names Ishwara Glassman Chrein President &#124; Chicago Fire FC |url=https://www.chicagofirefc.com/news/chicago-fire-fc-names-ishwara-glassman-chrein-president |website=chicagofirefc |access-date=September 12, 2021 |archive-date=September 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210912201940/https://www.chicagofirefc.com/news/chicago-fire-fc-names-ishwara-glassman-chrein-president |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
|Dave Baldwin
|2023-Present
|}

===Sporting Directors===
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! style="background:#FF0000; color:#000; border:2px solid #7CCDEF;" scope="col"|Name
! style="background:#FF0000; color:#000; border:2px solid #7CCDEF;" scope="col"|Tenure
|-
| [[Peter Wilt]]
| 1997–2005
|-
| Nelson Rodríguez
| 2015–2019
|-
| Georg Heitz
| 2019–2024
|-
| [[Gregg Berhalter]]
| 2024–present
|}

===Chief Operating Officer (General Manager)===
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! style="background:#FF0000; color:#000; border:2px solid #7CCDEF;" scope="col"|Name
! style="background:#FF0000; color:#000; border:2px solid #7CCDEF;" scope="col"|Tenure
|-
| John Urban
| 2018–2024<ref name="Management moves">{{Cite web |title=Chicago Fire Soccer Club Announces Executive Leadership Moves &#124; Chicago Fire FC |url=https://www.chicagofirefc.com/news/chicago-fire-soccer-club-announces-executive-leadership-moves |website=chicagofirefc |access-date=September 12, 2021 |archive-date=September 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210912202644/https://www.chicagofirefc.com/news/chicago-fire-soccer-club-announces-executive-leadership-moves |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
|Zayne Thomajan
|2024-Present
|}

===Technical directors===
* [[Frank Klopas]] (2008–2011)<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 3, 2011 |title=Fire Names Frank Klopas Head Coach |url=http://www.chicago-fire.com/post/2011/11/03/fire-names-frank-klopas-head-coach |access-date=December 11, 2016 |website=Chicago Fire |archive-date=August 7, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160807072803/http://www.chicago-fire.com/post/2011/11/03/fire-names-frank-klopas-head-coach |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[Brian Bliss]] (December 6, 2013&nbsp;– January 5, 2016)<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 6, 2013 |title=RELEASE: Chicago Fire appoints Brian Bliss Technical Director |url=http://www.chicago-fire.com/news/2013/12/release-chicago-fire-appoints-brian-bliss-technical-director |publisher=chicago-fire.com |access-date=January 27, 2014 |archive-date=May 8, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140508135736/http://www.chicago-fire.com/news/2013/12/release-chicago-fire-appoints-brian-bliss-technical-director |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[Sebastian Pelzer]] (December 28, 2019–November 23, 2024)<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 28, 2011 |title=Fire continue building soccer staff, add Sebastian Pelzer as technical director |url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/2019/12/28/21040365/chicago-fire-continue-building-soccer-staff-add-sebastian-pelzer-as-technical-director-georg-heitz |access-date=December 28, 2019 |website=Chicago Sun-Times |archive-date=December 28, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191228171519/https://chicago.suntimes.com/2019/12/28/21040365/chicago-fire-continue-building-soccer-staff-add-sebastian-pelzer-as-technical-director-georg-heitz |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Directors of player personnel===
* [[Mike Jeffries (soccer)|Mike Jeffries]] (2010–2012)<ref>{{Cite web |title=Technical Staff |url=http://www.chicago-fire.com/team/technical-staff |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140625170436/http://www.chicago-fire.com/team/technical-staff |archive-date=June 25, 2014 |access-date=May 25, 2013 |publisher=Chicago Fire}}</ref>

===Assistant coaches===
{{Div col}}
* [[Denis Hamlett]] (1998–2007)
* [[Mike Jeffries (soccer)|Mike Jeffries]] (1998–2000, 2008–2009)
* [[Frank Klopas]] (2000)
* [[Daryl Shore]] (2000–2009)
* [[Tom Soehn]] (2001–2003)
* [[Craig Reynolds (soccer)|Craig Reynolds]] (2004–2007)
* [[Chris Armas]] (2008–2009)
* Alvaro Briones (2010)
* Larry Sunderland (2010–2011)
* Mike Matkovich (2009–2010, 2012–2013)
* [[Leo Percovich]] (2011–2013)
* Aron Hyde (2010–2015)
* [[C. J. Brown]] (2013–2014)<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 1, 2014 |title=New York City FC Adds CJ Brown to Coaching Staff |url=http://www.nycfc.com/post/2014/12/01/new-york-city-fc-adds-cj-brown-coaching-staff |publisher=nycfc.com |access-date=December 1, 2014 |archive-date=July 1, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160701214008/http://www.nycfc.com/post/2014/12/01/new-york-city-fc-adds-cj-brown-coaching-staff |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[Clint Mathis]] (2014–2015)<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 31, 2014 |title=Chicago Fire Soccer Club Adds Clint Mathis to Coaching Staff |url=http://www.chicago-fire.com/news/2014/01/chicago-fire-soccer-club-adds-clint-mathis-coaching-staff |publisher=chicago-fire.com |access-date=January 31, 2014 |archive-date=August 30, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140830054426/http://www.chicago-fire.com/news/2014/01/chicago-fire-soccer-club-adds-clint-mathis-coaching-staff |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[Marc Bircham]] (2015)<ref>{{Cite web |title=Chicago Fire Announce Two Additions to Technical Staff |url=http://www.chicago-fire.com/news/2015/02/chicago-fire-announce-two-additions-technical-staff |access-date=June 30, 2015 |website=Chicago Fire |archive-date=June 27, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150627135006/http://www.chicago-fire.com/news/2015/02/chicago-fire-announce-two-additions-technical-staff |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[Marko Mitrović (footballer, born 1978)|Marko Mitrović]] (2015–2019)
* [[Eric Gehrig]] (2017–2019)<ref>{{Cite web |date=February 15, 2017 |title=Retired Chicago Fire defender Eric Gehrig hired by club as assistant coach |url=http://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2017/02/15/retired-chicago-fire-defender-eric-gehrig-hired-club-assistant-coach |publisher=mlssoccer.com |access-date=February 16, 2017 |archive-date=February 18, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170218060155/http://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2017/02/15/retired-chicago-fire-defender-eric-gehrig-hired-club-assistant-coach |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[Frank Klopas]] (2020–2023)<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 21, 2021 |title=Ezra Hendrickson's staff filled top to bottom with MLS experience |url=https://www.chicagofirefc.com/news/terens-ezra-hendrickson-s-staff-filled-top-to-bottom-with-mls-experience |publisher=mlssoccer.com |access-date=December 21, 2021 |archive-date=December 21, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211221142706/https://www.chicagofirefc.com/news/terens-ezra-hendrickson-s-staff-filled-top-to-bottom-with-mls-experience |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[David Zdrillic]] (2020–2021)
* [[Adin Brown]] (2020–2022)
* [[Junior Gonzalez (soccer)|Junior Gonzalez]] (2022–2023)
* [[C. J. Brown]] (2022–2023)
* [[Zach Thornton]] (2022–)
* [[Paulo Nagamura]] (2024–)
* [[Carlos García (footballer, born 1984)|Carlos García]] (2024–)
{{Div col end}}

==Honors==

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! colspan="4"|National<ref>{{Cite web |title=Trophies by MLS club &#124; MLSsoccer.com |url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/history/trophies/trophies-by-mls-club |access-date=September 12, 2021 |archive-date=March 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308200042/http://www.mlssoccer.com/history/trophies/trophies-by-mls-club |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
! style="width:260px"|Competitions
! style="width:80px"|Titles
! style="width:380px"|Seasons
|-
! style="text-align:center"|[[MLS Cup]]
! 1
| style="text-align:left"|[[MLS Cup 1998|1998]]
|-
! style="text-align:center"|[[Supporters' Shield]]
! 1
| style="text-align:left"|[[2003 Major League Soccer season|2003]]
|-
! style="text-align:center"|[[U.S. Open Cup]]
! 4
| style="text-align:left"|[[1998 U.S. Open Cup|1998]], [[2000 U.S. Open Cup|2000]], [[2003 U.S. Open Cup|2003]], [[2006 U.S. Open Cup|2006]]
|}

* '''Individual club awards'''
**'''[[MLS Fair Play Award|MLS Team Fair Play Award]]''': 2009

=== Minor Awards ===
* [[MLS Wooden Spoon]]: 2015, 2016<ref>{{Cite web |last=SC |first=Independent |date=December 9, 2021 |title=Keepers of the Spoon |url=https://www.officialisc.com/single-post/keepers-of-the-spoon |access-date=September 9, 2024 |website=officialisc |language=en}}</ref>

==Records==
===Most Appearances===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
|-
! style="background:#FF0000; color:#000;" scope="col"|#
! style="background:#FF0000; color:#000;" scope="col"|Name
! style="background:#FF0000; color:#000;" scope="col"|Career
! style="background:#FF0000; color:#000;" scope="col"|MLS
! style="background:#FF0000; color:#000;" scope="col"|Playoffs
! style="background:#FF0000; color:#000;" scope="col"|Open Cup
! style="background:#FF0000; color:#000;" scope="col"|CCL
! style="background:#FF0000; color:#000;" scope="col"|SL/LC
! style="background:#FF0000; color:#000;" scope="col"|Total
|-
|-
|1
|align="left"|{{flagicon|USA}} [[CJ Brown]]
|align="left"|1998–2010
|align="center"|295
|align="center"|35
|align="center"|8
|align="center"|6
|align="center"|6
|align="center"|350
|-
|2
|align="left"|{{flagicon|USA}} [[Logan Pause]]
|align="left"|2003–2014
|align="center"|286
|align="center"|14
|align="center"|9
|align="center"|4
|align="center"|4
|align="center"|317
|-
|3
|align="left"|{{flagicon|CRC}} [[Gonzalo Segares]]
|align="left"|2005–2009;<br>2010–2014
|align="center"|231
|align="center"|13
|align="center"|9
|align="center"|0
|align="center"|3
|align="center"|256
|-
|4
|align="left"|{{flagicon|USA}} [[Chris Armas]]
|align="left"|1998–2007
|align="center"|214
|align="center"|29
|align="center"|6
|align="center"|5
|align="center"|0
|align="center"|254
|-
|5
|align="left"|{{flagicon|USA}} [[Zach Thornton]]
|align="left"|1998–2006
|align="center"|215
|align="center"|31
|align="center"|6
|align="center"|1
|align="center"|0
|align="center"|253
|-
|6
|align="left"|{{flagicon|USA}} [[Jesse Marsch]]
|align="center"|1998–2005
|align="center"|200
|align="center"|31
|align="center"|8
|align="center"|2
|align="center"|0
|align="center"|241
|-
|7
|align="left"|{{flagicon|USA}} [[Patrick Nyarko]]
|align="left"|2008–2015
|align="center"|196
|align="center"|5
|align="center"|13
|align="center"|0
|align="center"|5
|align="center"|219
|-
|8
|align="left"|{{flagicon|USA}} [[Chris Rolfe]]
|align="left"|2005–2009; 2012–2014
|align="center"|178
|align="center"|15
|align="center"|7
|align="center"|0
|align="center"|5
|align="center"|205
|}

===Top goalscorers===
{{Updated|August 18, 2019|<ref>{{Cite web |title=Stats |url=https://www.chicago-fire.com/stats |access-date=August 11, 2019 |website=Chicago Fire |archive-date=July 4, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190704141600/https://www.chicago-fire.com/stats |url-status=live }}</ref>}}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
|-
! style="background:#FF0000; color:#000;" scope="col"|#
! style="background:#FF0000; color:#000;" scope="col"|Name
! style="background:#FF0000; color:#000;" scope="col"|Career
! style="background:#FF0000; color:#000;" scope="col"|MLS
! style="background:#FF0000; color:#000;" scope="col"|Playoffs
! style="background:#FF0000; color:#000;" scope="col"|Open Cup
! style="background:#FF0000; color:#000;" scope="col"|CCL
! style="background:#FF0000; color:#000;" scope="col"|Total
|-
|1
|align="left"|{{flagicon|USA}} [[Ante Razov]]
|align="left"|1998–2000<br />2001–2004
|76
|10
|6
|2
|'''94'''
|-
|2
|align="left"|{{flagicon|HUN}} [[Nemanja Nikolić (footballer, born 1987)|Nemanja Nikolić]]
|align="left"|2017–2019
|50
|0
|5
|0
|'''55'''
|-
|3
|align="left"|{{flagicon|USA}} [[Chris Rolfe]]
|align="left"|2005–2009<br />2012–2014
|48
|4
|3
|0
|'''55'''
|-
|4
|align="left"|{{flagicon|USA}} [[Josh Wolff]]
|align="left"|1998–2002
|32
|0
|6
|1
|'''39'''
|-
|5
|align="left"|{{flagicon|GHA}} [[David Accam]]
|align="left"|2015–2017
|33
|0
|5
|0
|'''38'''
|-
|6
|align="left"|{{flagicon|UKR}} [[Dema Kovalenko]]
|align="left"|1999–2002
|22
|5
|3
|5
|'''35'''
|-
|7
|align="left"|{{flagicon|POL}} [[Piotr Nowak]]
|align="left"|1998–2002
|26
|3
|0
|0
|'''29'''
|-
|8
|align="left"|{{flagicon|JAM}} [[Damani Ralph]]
|align="left"|2003–2004
|22
|1
|4
|1
|'''28'''
|-
|9
|align="left"|{{flagicon|USA}} [[Mike Magee (soccer)|Mike Magee]]
|align="left"|2013–2015
|22
|0
|5
|0
|'''27'''
|-
|10
|align="left"|{{flagicon|BUL}} [[Hristo Stoichkov]]
|align="left"|2000–2002
|17
|4
|3
|0
|'''24'''
|}

===Year-by-year===
{{Main|List of Chicago Fire FC seasons}}
This is a partial list of the last five seasons completed by the Fire. For the full season-by-season history, see [[List of Chicago Fire FC seasons]].
{| class="wikitable" style="font-size:90%; text-align:center;"
|- style="background:#f0f6ff;"
!rowspan=2|Season
!colspan=11|[[Major League Soccer|League]]
!colspan=2|Position
!rowspan=2|[[MLS Cup Playoffs|Playoffs]]
!rowspan=2|[[U.S. Open Cup|USOC]]
!rowspan=2 colspan=2|[[CONCACAF|Continental]] / other
!rowspan=2|[[Major League Soccer attendance|Average <br> attendance]]
!colspan=2|Top goalscorer(s)
|-
!Div
!League
!Pld
!W
!L
!D
!GF
!GA
!GD
!Pts
!PPG
!Conf.
!Overall
!Name(s)
!Goals
|-
|'''[[2019 Chicago Fire season|2019]]'''
| rowspan=5 | 1
| [[2019 Major League Soccer season|MLS]]
| 34
| 10
| 12
| 12
| 55
| 47
| +8
| 42
| 1.24
| 8th
| 17th
| rowspan=5 | DNQ
| [[2019 U.S. Open Cup|R4]]
| [[Leagues Cup]]
| [[2019 Leagues Cup|QF]]
| 12,324
|align="left" | {{flagicon|HUN}} [[Nemanja Nikolić (footballer, born 1987)|Nemanja Nikolić]]
| 13
|-
|'''[[2020 Chicago Fire season|2020]]'''
| [[2020 Major League Soccer season|MLS]]
| 23
| 5
| 10
| 8
| 33
| 39
| −6
| 23
| 1.00
| 11th
| 22nd
| [[2020 U.S. Open Cup|NH]]
| [[MLS is Back Tournament]]
| [[MLS is Back Tournament|GS]]
| 0
|align="left" | {{flagicon|SLO}} [[Robert Berić]]
| 12
|-
|'''[[2021 Chicago Fire season|2021]]'''
| [[2021 Major League Soccer season|MLS]]
| 34
| 9
| 18 
| 7
| 36
| 54
| −18
| 34
| 1.00
| 12th
| 22nd
| [[2021 U.S. Open Cup|NH]]
| colspan=2 rowspan=2| DNQ
| 10,703
|align="left" | {{flagicon|SLO}} [[Robert Berić]]
| 8
|-
|'''[[2022 Chicago Fire FC season|2022]]'''
|[[2022 Major League Soccer season|MLS]]
|34
|10
|15
|9
|39
|48
| −9
|39
|1.15
|12th
|24th
|[[2022 U.S. Open Cup|R3]]
|15,848
|align="left" | {{flagicon|COL}} [[Jhon Durán]]
|8
|-
|'''[[2023 Chicago Fire FC season|2023]]'''
|[[2023 Major League Soccer season|MLS]]
|34 
|10 
|14 
|10 
|39 
|51 
|−12 
|40 
|1.18 
|13th 
|24th
|[[2023 U.S. Open Cup|QF]] 
|[[Leagues Cup]] 
|[[2023 Leagues Cup|R32]] 
|18,170 
|align="left" | {{flagicon|SUI}} [[Maren Haile-Selassie]]
|6 
|}
<small>{{note|1}}1. '''Avg. attendance''' include statistics from league matches only.</small><br/>
<small>{{note|2}}2. '''Top goalscorer(s)''' includes all goals scored in League, [[MLS Cup Playoffs]], [[U.S. Open Cup]], [[MLS is Back Tournament]], [[CONCACAF Champions League]], [[FIFA Club World Cup]], and other competitive continental matches.</small>

==Team awards==
[[File:Piotr Nowak in 2016.jpg|thumb|upright|[[Piotr Nowak]]]]
{{Updated|October 25, 2024|<ref>{{Cite web |title=Honors &#124; Chicago Fire |url=http://www.chicago-fire.com/history/honors |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120503120914/http://www.chicago-fire.com/history/honors |archive-date=May 3, 2012 |access-date=October 27, 2011}}</ref>}}
{|class="wikitable"
|-
!rowspan=2 style="background:#FF0000; color:#000; text-align:center;"|Year!! rowspan=2 style="background:#FF0000; color:#000; text-align:center;"|Team MVP!! colspan=2 style="background:#FF0000; color:#00; text-align:center;"|Golden Boot!! rowspan=2 style="background:#FF0000; color:#000; text-align:center;"|Defender of the Year
|-
! style="background:#FF0000; color:#000; text-align:center;"|Winner
! style="background:#FF0000; color:#000; text-align:center;"|Goals
|-
|1998||{{Flagicon|POL}} [[Piotr Nowak]]||{{Flagicon|USA}} [[Ante Razov]]||style="text-align:center;"|10|| {{Flagicon|CZE}} [[Luboš Kubík]]
|-
|1999||{{Flagicon|CZE}} [[Luboš Kubík]]||{{Flagicon|USA}} [[Ante Razov]]||style="text-align:center;"|14|| {{Flagicon|CZE}} [[Luboš Kubík]]
|-
|2000||{{Flagicon|POL}} [[Piotr Nowak]]||{{Flagicon|USA}} [[Ante Razov]]||style="text-align:center;"|18|| {{Flagicon|USA}} [[Carlos Bocanegra]]
|-
|2001||{{Flagicon|POL}} [[Piotr Nowak]]||{{Flagicon|USA}} [[Eric Wynalda]]||style="text-align:center;"|10|| {{Flagicon|USA}} [[Zach Thornton]]
|-
|2002||{{Flagicon|USA}} [[Zach Thornton]]||{{Flagicon|USA}} [[Ante Razov]]||style="text-align:center;"|14|| {{Flagicon|USA}} [[Zach Thornton]]
|-
|2003||{{Flagicon|USA}} [[Chris Armas]]||{{Flagicon|USA}} [[Ante Razov]]||style="text-align:center;"|14|| {{Flagicon|USA}} [[Carlos Bocanegra]]
|-
|2004||{{Flagicon|USA}} [[Henry Ring]]||{{Flagicon|JAM}} [[Damani Ralph]]||style="text-align:center;"|11|| {{Flagicon|USA}} [[Jim Curtin]]
|-
|2005||{{Flagicon|HON}} [[Iván Guerrero]]||{{Flagicon|USA}} [[Chris Rolfe]]||style="text-align:center;"|8|| {{Flagicon|HON}} [[Iván Guerrero]]
|-
|2006||{{Flagicon|CRC}} [[Andy Herron]]||{{Flagicon|CRC}} [[Andy Herron]]||style="text-align:center;"|9|| {{Flagicon|USA}} [[CJ Brown]]
|-
|2007||{{Flagicon|MEX}} [[Cuauhtémoc Blanco]]||{{Flagicon|USA}} [[Chad Barrett]]||style="text-align:center;"|7|| {{Flagicon|CRC}} [[Gonzalo Segares]]
|-
|2008||{{Flagicon|USA}} [[Jon Busch]]||{{Flagicon|USA}} [[Chris Rolfe]]||style="text-align:center;"|9|| {{Flagicon|Mali}} [[Bakary Soumaré]]
|-
|2009||{{Flagicon|USA}} [[Brian McBride]]||{{Flagicon|USA}} [[Brian McBride]]||style="text-align:center;"|7|| {{Flagicon|COL}} [[Wilman Conde]]
|-
|2010||{{Flagicon|USA}} [[Logan Pause]]||{{Flagicon|GUA}} [[Marco Pappa]]||style="text-align:center;"|7|| {{Flagicon|USA}} [[CJ Brown]]
|-
|[[2011 Chicago Fire season|2011]]||{{flagicon|GHA}} [[Dominic Oduro]] ||{{flagicon|GHA}} [[Dominic Oduro]]||style="text-align:center;"|12|| {{flagicon|USA}} [[Cory Gibbs]]
|-
|[[2012 Chicago Fire season|2012]]||{{flagicon|USA}} [[Chris Rolfe]] ||{{flagicon|USA}} [[Chris Rolfe]]||style="text-align:center;"|8|| {{flagicon|GER}} [[Arne Friedrich]]
|-
|[[2013 Chicago Fire season|2013]]||{{flagicon|USA}} [[Mike Magee (soccer)|Mike Magee]]  ||{{flagicon|USA}} [[Mike Magee (soccer)|Mike Magee]]||style="text-align:center;"|15|| {{flagicon|USA}} [[Sean Johnson (soccer)|Sean Johnson]]
|-
|[[2014 Chicago Fire season|2014]]||{{flagicon|USA}} [[Sean Johnson (soccer)|Sean Johnson]]  ||{{flagicon|USA}} [[Quincy Amarikwa]]||style="text-align:center;"|8|| {{flagicon|USA}} [[Sean Johnson (soccer)|Sean Johnson]]
|-
|[[2015 Chicago Fire season|2015]]||{{flagicon|GHA}} [[David Accam]]  ||{{flagicon|GHA}} [[David Accam]]||style="text-align:center;"|10|| {{flagicon|USA}} [[Eric Gehrig]]
|-
|[[2016 Chicago Fire season|2016]]||{{flagicon|GHA}} [[David Accam]]  ||{{flagicon|GHA}} [[David Accam]]||style="text-align:center;"|9|| {{flagicon|NED}} [[Johan Kappelhof]]
|-
|[[2017 Chicago Fire season|2017]]||{{flagicon|HUN}} [[Nemanja Nikolić (footballer, born 1987)|Nemanja Nikolić]]  ||{{flagicon|HUN}} [[Nemanja Nikolić (footballer, born 1987)|Nemanja Nikolić]]||style="text-align:center;"|24|| {{flagicon|NED}} [[Johan Kappelhof]]
|-
|[[2018 Chicago Fire season|2018]]||{{flagicon|GER}} [[Bastian Schweinsteiger]]  ||{{flagicon|HUN}} [[Nemanja Nikolić (footballer, born 1987)|Nemanja Nikolić]]||style="text-align:center;"|15|| {{flagicon|GER}} [[Bastian Schweinsteiger]]
|-
|[[2019 Chicago Fire season|2019]]||{{flagicon|USA}} [[C.J. Sapong]]  ||{{flagicon|USA}} [[C.J. Sapong]]||style="text-align:center;"|13|| {{flagicon|GER}} [[Bastian Schweinsteiger]]
|-
|[[2020 Chicago Fire FC season|2020]]||{{flagicon|SLO}} [[Robert Berić]] ||{{flagicon|SLO}} [[Robert Berić]]||style="text-align:center;"|12|| {{flagicon|USA}} [[Mauricio Pineda (soccer, born 1997)|Mauricio Pineda]]
|-
|[[2021 Chicago Fire FC season|2021]]||{{flagicon|ARG}} [[Federico Navarro]] ||{{flagicon|SLO}} [[Robert Berić]]<br>{{flagicon|SER}} [[Luka Stojanović]] ||style="text-align:center;"|8*|| {{flagicon|SVK}} [[Boris Sekulić]]
|-
|[[2022 Chicago Fire FC season|2022]]||{{flagicon|SUI}} [[Xherdan Shaqiri]] ||{{flagicon|COL}} [[Jhon Durán]] ||style="text-align:center;"|8|| {{flagicon|GER}} [[Rafael Czichos]]
|-
|[[2023 Chicago Fire FC season|2023]]|| {{flagicon|USA}} [[Brian Gutiérrez]] ||{{flagicon|SUI}} [[Maren Haile-Selassie]] ||style="text-align:center;"|6|| {{flagicon|USA}} [[Chris Brady (soccer)|Chris Brady]]
|-
|[[2024 Chicago Fire FC season|2024]]|| {{flagicon|BEL}} [[Hugo Cuypers]] || {{flagicon|BEL}} [[Hugo Cuypers]] ||style="text-align:center;"|10|| {{flagicon|USA}} [[Chris Brady (soccer)|Chris Brady]]
|-
|}

<small>''Golden Boot is the team leader in goals (regular season games only). * Indicates a season where two players tied for the Golden Boot award.''</small>

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
*{{Official website}}
*[https://www.mlssoccer.com/clubs/chicago-fire-fc/ Chicago Fire FC] at MLS

{{Chicago Fire FC}}
{{Navboxes
|titlestyle = background:#FF0000; color:#000; {{box-shadow border|a|#7CCDEF|2px}}
|list1 =
{{Chicago Fire squad}}
{{Chicago Fire managers}}
{{Chicago Fire Soccer Club matches}}
{{Major League Soccer}}
{{MLS Cup Winners}}
{{MLS Conference Champions}}
{{Supporters' Shield Winners}}
{{USOC winners}}
{{Chicago sports}}
{{Illinois Sports}}
}}
{{Portal bar|Association football|Chicago|Illinois}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Chicago Fire (Soccer)}}
[[Category:Chicago Fire FC| ]]
[[Category:1997 establishments in Illinois]]
[[Category:2018 mergers and acquisitions]]
[[Category:Association football clubs established in 1997]]
[[Category:Major League Soccer teams]]
[[Category:Soccer clubs in Chicago|Fire]]
[[Category:Soccer clubs in Illinois|Fire]]
[[Category:U.S. Open Cup winners]]