Chicago Union Schedule Preview – All You Need to Know Before the 2026 Season
April 28th, 2026
Written by Elise Gan
Photography by Noah Moell
CHICAGO – After an exhilarating 12-0 regular season in 2025, the Chicago Union are back and ready for action, kicking off the 2026 season on May 2nd on the road in Minnesota. Last summer’s undefeated run was an exciting time for Union fans across the Chicagoland area. The Union’s recently released docuseries, recapping the success of the 2025 season, provides fans with a thrilling view behind the scenes at the players and coaches who were integral to the team’s success.
Fans can watch live games on WatchUFA.TV, with replays available on Marquee Sports Network.
Game 1 – Saturday, May 2nd @ 6PM
Chicago Union @ Minnesota Wind Chill
The Union will open their season in Minnesota, facing the ever-so-familiar Minnesota Wind Chill. The rivalry between the two teams continues to be one of the fiercest in the UFA Central Division, as both teams have battled for a top spot in the division for the past several years. In May of 2025, the Union defeated the reigning champion Wind Chill 16-11, igniting their undefeated season run. The two teams met again mid-season in a thrilling 4th of July battle, where Chicago added another win to its perfect record, defeating the Wind Chill by the lopsided score of 25-15. Minnesota’s upset victory over the Union in the 2025 Division Championship game will only add fuel to the competitive fire for their 2026 matchups.
Game 2 – Saturday, May 16th @ 6PM
Chicago Union vs. Minnesota Wind Chill
There can never be enough of a good rivalry match-up. The Union and Wind Chill will be back at it again in Chicago’s second week of play, this time on the Union’s home turf. The Union will be playing all 2026 home games at Evanston Township High School’s Lazier Field.
Game 3 – Friday, May 29th @ 6PM
Chicago Union @ Indianapolis AlleyCats
In the final weekend of May, the Union will travel to Indiana to face the Indianapolis AlleyCats. The two teams faced off twice in 2025 with Chicago taking both wins with ease. This year will likely feature a more competitive battle as the AlleyCats signed away several of the 2025 Union stars in the off season.
Game 4 – Friday, June 5th @ 7PM
Chicago Union vs. Madison Radicals
The fourth game of the Union’s season brings excitement to Chicago, as the Union host the Madison Radicals, in what has been referred to as the “I-94 Series”. In 2025, Chicago defeated Madison in each of their matchups, including a decisive victory in July to close out their perfect season.
Game 5 – Sunday, June 14th @ 1PM
Chicago Union @ Pittsburgh Thunderbirds
In mid-June, the Union will travel to Pittsburgh to take on the Pittsburgh Thunderbirds. The Thunderbirds have a history of disrupting the Union’s Championship plans, upsetting them in both 2015 and 2019. Despite the difficult early series history, the Union have had the upper hand recently, defeating the Thunderbirds twice last summer, both at home and away.
Game 6 – Saturday, June 20th @ 5PM
Chicago Union @ Indianapolis AlleyCats
The Union will next face the Indianapolis AlleyCats for the second time of the season, once again in Indianapolis. This will be the first game of the Union’s two-game weekend schedule.
Game 7 – Sunday, June 21st @ 6PM
Chicago Union vs. Madison Radicals
To finish out the weekend doubleheader, the Union will return to Chicago to face the Madison Radicals for their second matchup. At this point in the season, the game could be a potential battle for a top spot in the division.
Game 8 – Friday, July 3rd @ 7PM
Chicago Union @ Minnesota Wind Chill
In this now familiar matchup, the Union will take on the Wind Chill for the third time this season to begin the holiday weekend doubleheader. Game 8 against the 2024 league champions should be an important test for each team’s 2026 playoff hopes.
Game 9 – Sunday, July 5th @ 4PM
Chicago Union vs. Indianapolis AlleyCats
The Union will host the Indianapolis AlleyCats to complete their holiday weekend doubleheader. Last season, the Union’s second win over the AlleyCats solidified their status as the Central Division favorites, boosting them to the playoffs.
Game 10 – Friday, July 10th @ 7PM
Chicago Union vs. New York Empire
This may be one of the biggest games of the Union’s 2026 schedule. UFA star Daan De Marrée will be returning to Chicago, but in a visitor’s uniform. De Marrée was the 2025 UFA Rookie of the Year and was a finalist for league MVP before his off season move to the Empire. Although not divisional foes, the Union and Empire have a competitive history. The two teams met in the 2022 Championship Game, with New York defeating Chicago 22-14 to finish their own undefeated season. This year, the Union will seek to avenge that tough loss.
Game 11 – Friday, July 17th @ 7PM
Chicago Union @ Madison Radicals
The Union will play their final away game in Madison, taking on the Radicals one more time in the regular season. This will be their third match-up of the summer and could determine who wins the overall 2026 series between these division rivals.
Game 12 – Saturday, July 18th @ 6PM
Chicago Union vs. Pittsburgh Thunderbirds
To close out the regular season, the Union will host the Pittsburgh Thunderbirds in Evanston. This will be the first time the Thunderbirds will travel to Chicago this summer.
After a stellar 2025 season, the Union will take the field for 2026 with a new head coach and several new players, along with a strong complement of returning stars. The team’s 8-episode docuseries, Union: The Ultimate Series airs on Watchufa.TV and Marquee Sports Network. The first episode can be viewed for free on YouTube.
Union fans can still buy season ticket packs and Union gear. Browse season ticket pack options at gochicagounion.com.
