Chicago

Favella FC - 3rd Annual Futsal Tournament

The Third Annual Favella FC Futsal Tournament featured 10 teams competing for the prize this year! It was an exciting afternoon, with a two-group format that brought together some of my favorite people from across the city’s soccer community. Pilsen’s Reyes Park on 19th hosted a mix of footballers, artists, musicians, designers, creators, mixologists, organizers, vendors, and sports medicine professionals ... Vida de favela!

Edgewater Castle Finale / Crossbar Syndicate Flag Collaboration

I went to the final game for Edgewater Castle this year with my friend Thad from Crossbar Syndicate. The team had clinched the title by then, so the atmosphere was great. We also got to see the first project the group had completed together—upcycled pennants and corner flags they had created for the team.

Chicago - Goru Kit Pop-Up

The Goru Kit pop-up was one of the best traveling displays I’ve seen in the city! Mitchell and Jeff were very helpful and knowledgeable. We talked about the unique specialties of the collection they had curated for Chicago. The display featured an impressive range of kits from Japan’s national teams as well as the J.League, but it also clearly had something for everyone.

Chicago FIFA League - Doubles Tournament @ Ignite Gaming Lounge

I attended the recent 2v2 tournament hosted by the Chicago FIFA League at Ignite Gaming Lounge in Chicago. The event was exciting, and I took some time to interview the organizer, Rizz, as well as a few of the players. Murtadha, who also played for Edgewater Castle, joined the conversation, and as a bonus we discussed the exciting conclusion to their season.

Chicago Fire FC (Kit Hunt Pt.2) - Wicker Park

In this second and final installment of “Kit Hunt” I finally came across a great piece at Layers Vintage. I also wanted to highlight the impressive collection on display at Saturday’s Football, which they’ve been showcasing since the third kit event this past winter.

Chicago Fire FC (Kit Hunt Pt.1) - Wicker Park

Wicker Park has some of Chicago’s best vintage shops. In June, I organized a vintage market for my non-profit group, the Wicker Park Committee. While recruiting vendors for that event, I was fortunate to connect with so many people in the neighborhood who contribute to the independent business ecosystem—and I learned that many of them also have some incredible footy kits.

Chicago: Top Kit - SoCo Expo

The SoCo Expo in Chicago is one of the largest soccer sports card and memorabilia conventions in the U.S. I knew the collectors there would have some truly unique and interesting football kits, given their passion for collectibles culture and the event’s international scope.

Chicago: Saturdays Football - Topps + Bundesliga

Topps, Bundesliga, and Saturday's Football Chicago teamed up for an event celebrating art, cards, and footy culture! Sergio (@farfanart) customized a Bayern Munich kit, while Zor (@zzzalwayz) live-painted an Eintracht Frankfurt goalie kit from the ’90s in her signature style. DJ Kraze (@krazemusic_) kept the music fresh as always and repped Dortmund with a signed kit. Danny Williams, former USMNT and Hoffenheim player among other squads, was in attendance, and the Chicago Fire’s own Kellan Acosta was also on hand.

Chicago Fire FC - Banda Roja Support Group Interview

I met with Flako from Banda Roja to discuss his history with Chicago Fire FC, his group's history with Sector Latino, his connection to the club, and the current climate amongst the Fire’s Latino fanbase—this video is a snippet from the full interview.

Chicago: Saturdays Football + Good Vibes John - MUFC Kitted Up Party

I went to the recent Manchester United Kitted UP party hosted by Good Vibes John at Saturday's Football. The event brought out several other MUFC social media personalities as well. It was fun to see the variety of kits the supporters wore. I think the general consensus was that the reversible 2001 van Nistelrooy kit was the best in show, though the 1995 grey kit was also high on my list. All in all, a great night in Chicago to celebrate the Devils—and Umbro!