Chicago North

Chicago had a number of neighborhood teams throughout the early 20th century. Five fully professional teams were part of the Great Lakes Soccer League along with Third Ward in Milwaukee and joined America League in 1930. Those teams and a variety of other teams both semi-pro and amateur dotted the greater Chicagoland area. By the late 60s, most of the teams had gone dark with only the 5 struggling America League teams remaining. In 1970 a merger was discussed to split Chicago into 2 teams: Chicago North and Chicago South. Later this would become known as “The Great Chicago Merger.” Chicago North was built out of Gold Coast SC, Ravenswood, and Logan Square. They took on the colors of the Chicago flag and mascot of the most successful of the 3 teams: Ravenswood SC. Their stadium is Ravenswood Park and they are of course rivals with Chicago South. The single star on their badge came with some controversy amongst other opposing fanbases. Chicago North "earned" the star by combining championships from the 3 now defunct teams plus the 2 they’ve won as Chicago North. To go along with their 5 championships, they also have 4 Open Cups and 2 League Cups. The legendary Johann Cruyff laced up his boots for Chicago North from 1977-1984 helping Chicago North be the only team in league history to win a Premier Championship, Open Cup, and League Cup in the same season in 1981. The kits are made by adidas and feature the Chicago Flag on the chest. The team has struggled to keep primary kit sponsors because of this feature but stand their ground as they see it as a source of pride with Chicago residents. The home kit is light blue, and the change kit is white.