February 18th, 2025
Article by Weldon Genies
Photography by Daniel Cohen
CHICAGO – The Chicago Union is gearing up for an exciting 2025 season, building on a strong foundation of success. Since 2021, the Union have won 70% of their games, a testament to their consistent performance in the Ultimate Frisbee Association (UFA). The Union is poised to make waves this year with a growing fanbase and increasing visibility.
Adding to the excitement, Chicago has made key international signings, including 2024 European Player of the Year Daan de Marrée and European Club Champion Sofiène Bontemps. The team will be led by co-head coaches Dave Woods and Charlie Furse, ensuring a strong leadership presence throughout the season. Fans can watch live games on WatchUFA.tv, with replays available on Marquee Sports Network, which also broadcasts Chicago Cubs games.
May 17th, 2025 | 6 P.M. | AWAY @ Minnesota Wind Chill
We kick off our season on the road against the defending UFA champions, Minnesota Wind Chill, in a highly anticipated rematch. Last year, in the Union's season opener, we had a season-low 33% huck percentage. The UFA defines a huck as 40+ yards play. So it will be fascinating to see how many big plays we can convert this match. The Wind Chill won the 2024 season series 2-1, with both teams winning on the road, making this a prime opportunity for Chicago to set the tone for the season.
May 31st, 2025 | 6 P.M. | HOME vs. Atlanta Hustle @ De La Salle Institute
The first-ever “Chicago Classic" occurs at De La Salle Institute, where the Union played their home games for the 2022 and 2023 seasons. Atlanta enters the season with one of the most demanding schedules in the UFA, making this non-divisional clash a valuable test for both teams. The Hustle finished 2024 with a strong 10-3 record and has consistently been among the league's top contenders.
June 8th, 2025 | 5 P.M. | HOME vs. Madison Radicals @ Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium
The Union's first home game at Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium in 2025 will be a heated divisional matchup against longtime rivals, the Madison Radicals. Last season, Chicago edged Madison at home in a thrilling 20-19 contest after trailing 10-11 at halftime. The Radicals, who will host the UFA Championship Weekend at Breese Stevens Field later this year, are always a tough matchup, making this an early-season game with significant playoff implications.
June 14th, 2025 | 6 P.M. | AWAY @ Indianapolis AlleyCats
The team will then travel to Indianapolis to face the AlleyCats. The Union split their two games 1-1 with the AlleyCats in 2024, losing a nail-biter 20-21 on the road but winning a 19-14 victory at home. If the Union can replicate their 97% completion percentage from last season's matchup against the AlleyCats, they have a strong chance for an away win.
June 20th, 2025 | 6 P.M. | HOME vs. Pittsburgh Thunderbirds @ Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium
Pittsburgh struggled to a 4-8 record last season but managed to upset the Union once in 2024. The Union had a season-low 87% completion percentage in their matchup against the Thunderbirds, so they must stay disciplined to secure the win at home.
June 28th, 2025 | 6 P.M. | AWAY @ Detroit Mechanix
The Union will face off against Detroit, a team they dominated in 2024 with a 24-14 home victory. This game presents another opportunity for Chicago to assert itself in the Central Division.
July 4th, 2025 | 4 P.M. | HOME vs. Minnesota Wind Chill @ Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium
One of the biggest home games of the season, this matchup follows Evanston's July 4th parade and is expected to bring a packed, high-energy crowd. Last year, the Wind Chill narrowly edged the Union in Chicago with a 17-16 victory. If Chicago can convert at a high clip in the red zone, just like their matchups against the Wind Chill, they will be in a prime position for revenge in front of their home fans.
July 5th, 2025 | 7 P.M. | AWAY @ Pittsburgh Thunderbirds
It is a quick turnaround for Chicago as they travel to Pittsburgh for their second matchup against the Thunderbirds. With Union playing the night before, depth and endurance will be key factors in this showdown.
July 19th, 2025 | 6 P.M. | HOME vs. Detroit Mechanix @ Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium
In the regular season final home game, the Union will have a chance to solidify their postseason positioning. Last year, the Union closed out their regular season at home by defeating Detroit 24-14. Fans can expect an electric atmosphere as the Union looks to close out their home schedule on a strong note.
July 20th, 2025 | 5 P.M. | AWAY @ Madison Radicals
It is a critical matchup to end the regular season, with potential playoff seeding on the line. Facing Madison on the road is never easy. Last season, the Union struggled in Madison, suffering a tough 13-21 loss during the regular season. Then, in the playoffs Madison defeated the Union at Breese Stevens 17-18 to advance in the playoffs.
With Madison set to host the UFA Championship, this game could impact potential playoff positioning heading into the postseason. Championship Weekend is set for August 22-23. Both semifinal games will be held on Friday, August 22, with the first one at 5 p.m. and the latter at 7 p.m. The 2025 UFA Championship Game is set for Saturday, August 23, in primetime at 7 p.m.
With a strong roster and a packed schedule, the Chicago Union is committed to making a championship push in 2025. The journey begins May 17 – do not miss a moment of the action!
Graphic by Caden Pedersen
