Union Names 32-Player Roster for the 2025 Season

March 24th, 2025

Article by Weldon Genies

Graphic by: Jake Runnion

The Chicago Union has announced its 32-player roster for the 2025 UFA season, featuring 23 returning players from last year’s squad and nine exciting newcomers. All four captains from the 2024 season are back, and they’ll be joined by a new addition to the leadership group: Andrew Sjogren. Throughout the 2024 season, Andrew—known by many as "Shrew"—consistently stepped up on and off the field. His impact didn’t go unnoticed, and the team felt he had more than earned a spot among the leaders heading into 2025.

The Union are bringing back all five team captains from last season: Andrew Sjogren, Jack Shanahan, Ben Preiss, Sam Kaminsky, and Dex Dremann. This core has been the foundation for Chicago over the past few seasons, consistently leading in total possessions and scores.

Reflecting on his role as captain, Kaminsky expressed gratitude toward his teammates and coaches and emphasized the team’s leadership structure. "One of the most important aspects of being a captain is caring more about the name on the front of the jersey than the one on the back," Kaminsky said. "It means a lot to have the trust of my teammates and coaches. I believe we’ve built a leadership structure that maximizes our strengths."

Kaminsky anticipates highly competitive practices this season as returners and newcomers integrate. "I expect practices to be some of the most competitive ultimate we play all season, as we translate our intensity, skills, and concepts to UFA matches," he said. "Reintegrating players from the 2021/22 teams along with welcoming newcomers is a challenge with great potential. If we can put the pieces together, this team has no ceiling."

Captain Ben Preiss reflected on the team's growth. "Seeing how much this program has grown in my three seasons with the Union is a testament to our hard work," Preiss said. "It’s a privilege to help lead such a talented roster. This is a great opportunity to continue improving and reach our full potential."

A major offseason signing was Daan de Marrée, the 2024 European Player of the Year with the Mooncatchers Ultimate Frisbee Club in Brussels, Belgium. Marrée led his squad to a 2024 European Cup championship and brings a strong winning background to Chicago.

Additionally, the Union signed Sofiène Bontemps, a four-time Belgium champion who won his latest title with the Mooncatchers. This duo brings valuable big-game experience, which will be beneficial in the postseason.

When asked about transitioning from Europe to the United States, Bontemps highlighted the increased physicality and the presence of referees. "The UFA fields are huge, so you have to play through contact to separate, and in U.S. club frisbee and the UFA, physicality is at another level," Bontemps said. "Also, playing with a ref is new to me, as I have never played with observers and referees before. Not having to think about the stall or make a call will be an adjustment early on."

Bontemps is excited to play for the Union and aims to help the team reach and win championship weekend. "Playing on a new team with people I don't know besides [Daan De Marrée and Paul Arters] in a new environment is exciting, in a place where ultimate is the main focus," Bontemps said. "Of course, helping the Union get back to championship weekend and winning it is the goal."

The Union also acquired Xavier Payne and William Wettengel from last year’s Indianapolis AlleyCats squad. Payne led the AlleyCats with 32 assists and has a natural ability to set up his teammates for key plays.

Payne is eager to join the Union, a team he has long admired. "The Union has always been a great organization, run well, and holding themselves to a high standard on and off the field," Payne said. "I’m excited to be part of this culture and look forward to the season."

Wettengel echoed Payne’s sentiments about the Union’s strong culture and competitive environment. "I'm excited to be part of the team culture here. I played club ultimate for Chicago Machine this past summer and enjoyed the competitiveness and camaraderie," Wettengel said. "I’m happy to be part of the Chicago ultimate community."

Other transfers include Brandon Van Deusen and Pawel Janas from the Los Angeles Aviators. Van Deusen was with LA for five years and was captain in 2023 and 2024. Janas, who previously played for Chicago from 2017 to 2022 before moving to California, returns to the Union this season. Simon Dastrup, a Chicago native, is back with the Union after playing for the the Salt Lake Shred last season. Dylan Nice joins from the Oakland Spiders, while Vic Luo, who was part of the Madison Radicals squad that defeated the Union in the 2024 playoffs, also joins Chicago for the 2025 season.

A notable loss for the Union is cutter John Lithio, who played a crucial role last season with 15 assists, 16 goals, and a 76% huck percentage. Though he spent only one season with Chicago, he became a key factor in the team’s success. Lithio will now serve as the Analytics & Efficiency Coordinator for the upcoming season.

This year’s Union squad combines strong veteran leadership with promising new talent. With summer fast approaching, the 2025 Chicago Union is poised for a stellar season.

Chicago Union 2025 Roster:

#0 Jesse Johnson

#1 Gabe Schoepke

#2 Ray Mauntel

#3 Dylan Nice

#5 Paul Arters

#10 Vic Luo