September 4, 2026
The Chicago Union have announced their intention to relocate to Elmhurst University for home games beginning with the 2027 season. The team played in Evanston for the past three seasons - the first two at Northwestern's Martin Stadium, and the most recent at Evanston Township High School. The move to Elmhurst is expected to develop into a multi-year relationship with Elmhurst University.
“We’ve loved playing in Evanston, and we’ll continue to offer youth programs in the schools and summer camps on the North Shore, but it’s also important for the team and our fans that we find a long-term home,” said CJ O’Brien, team owner and president.
“The Chicago Union are a perfect fit to play at Langhorst Field, and we’re excited to welcome them back here starting next season—hopefully for many more seasons to come,” said Elmhurst University’s president, Troy VanAken. “Their team will engage with the community and bring positive attention to campus, which creates an opportunity for us to show off our world-class facilities to a truly worldwide audience.” The Union have also drawn added exposure this season, with plays featured on SportsCenter Top 10 in addition to the docuseries that showcased their home stadium.
“We’re really excited about the move to Elmhurst,” said O’Brien. “The conversations with university leadership about a long-term partnership were extremely positive, and there's so much to build on from when the team played there previously from 2019 to 2021.” The university’s recent stadium renovations feature new turf, scoreboard, and a southwest grandstand. The stadium seats 1,200 with additional standing room and premium seating options as needed.
Currently, the Union run half of their summer youth camps in the west suburbs, and the team plans to grow those programs now that their home stadium sits closer to that effort. “We’re doubling down on growing boys’ and girls’ ultimate in the west suburbs,” O’Brien said. “Two-thirds of the youth ultimate teams in Illinois are based out of Chicago’s west suburbs, but some teams are struggling with getting enough players each year, or coaches and parent volunteers. We can shift more of our focus in that direction to help support the youth ultimate pipeline while maintaining the momentum we’ve built in Evanston.” The Union currently run summer camps, beginner leagues, academy programs in the fall/winter/spring, and an overnight camp in Evanston - all of which are planned to expand to Elmhurst as soon as next year.
The Union's move west comes on the heels of an eventful Championship Weekend in Madison, Wisconsin, where the Oakland Spiders capped the 2026 season by claiming the title at Breese Stevens Field. More details on the Union’s 2027 schedule, ticket packages, and youth programming in Elmhurst will be announced in the coming months. Fans can stay up to date by visiting watchufa.com/union and signing up for the team’s email list.
About Elmhurst University
Located just west of Chicago, Elmhurst University is a leading four-year institution of higher education that combines a well-rounded academic experience with a focus on practical, hands-on learning. Elmhurst University is a 48-acre arboretum campus with comprehensive academic, athletic and event facilities. In our inclusive community, students gain the knowledge, skills and confidence to go far and do well.
