CHICAGO – Chicago House Athletic Club is the name of Chicago’s newest professional soccer club, its President and CEO Peter Wilt announced Tuesday.
The club will compete in the National Independent Soccer Association and will kick off its inaugural season in August 2021 at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview, IL.
The name, voted on by fans, was revealed Tuesday, along with the club’s logo, colors and unique sporting structure. Chicago House defeated Point Chicago by a 2-to-1 margin in the final round of the three-month long “Moniker Madness” fan-driven name selection promotion. The contest began in October with 68 finalists set-up in brackets for fan voting.
Fans submitted more than 400 team name entries along with proposed color schemes as well. Chicago Athletic Club was one of the names that was suggested by fans, but eliminated in the Elite Eight round of voting. This name ultimately made a comeback as an addition to “Chicago House.” As an important part of the club’s brand, Chicago House AC plans to add affiliated teams in a variety of sports to become a true Athletic Club in the image of professional Athletic Clubs around the world such as Atlético de Madrid, Club Atlético River Plate and FC Barcelona.
“True Athletic Clubs structured with multiple sports teams competing alongside a parent soccer or football club are common in Europe and Latin America,” Wilt said in a statement. “Chicago House AC plans to align ourselves with individual, recreational, competitive, Esports and Parasports teams to make the ‘House’ a genuine Athletic Club. We will work with the public to identify appropriate sports as well as teams that share our values and extend the Chicago House AC mission throughout Chicagoland.”
Chicago House AC’s name was submitted by fan Brian Costin.
“Chicago House music has always been about peace, love, and acceptance, and has influenced music culture all over the globe,” he said. “But it’s not just music and fun, the name “House” also recognizes the societal contributions of the Chicago House charity serving the LGBTQ community, Jane Addams’ Hull House, and the U.S. Soccer House headquartered in Chicago. The accomplishments of these individuals and organizations can act as an aspirational guide for how Chicago House AC can make a positive impact off the pitch as well. I am excited about how Chicago House music will contribute to the club culture and the gameday experience of Chicago House AC.”
