Chicago Fire FC Extends Contracts of Three Homegrown Players, Announce Stadium Construction Team
The Chicago Fire FC have announced the contract extensions of three Homegrown Players: goalkeeper Chris Brady, midfielder Sergio Oregel Jr., and midfielder Mauricio Pineda. These multi-year deals signify the Club's commitment to developing and retaining local talent. Furthermore, the team has selected a trio of Chicago-based firms—Pepper Construction, GMA Construction Group, and All Construction Group—to construct their new $650 million stadium at The 78.
Homegrown Players Commit to the Fire
Chris Brady is now under contract through the 2029 season, with a Club option for 2030. Brady, 21, has made 87 regular season appearances, posting 18 clean sheets. Sergio Oregel Jr., 20, signed through the 2028 season with a Club option for 2029. He's become a key midfielder, starting 24 games in 2025. Mauricio Pineda, 27, extended his contract through the 2027 season with a Club option for 2028. He has played 149 matches for the Fire.
“We are proud to have so many players on the field who were raised in Chicago and represent our city and local fans,” said Chicago Fire FC Director of Football and Head Coach Gregg Berhalter.
Chris Brady: A Rising Star in Goal
Brady, a Naperville native, originally signed as a Homegrown player in 2020. He has represented the U.S. Men’s National Team at various age levels and helped the U.S. qualify for the 2024 Olympic Games. His performance earned him the Golden Glove at the 2022 Concacaf U-20 Championship.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Name | Chris Brady |
| Position | Goalkeeper |
| Hometown | Naperville, Illinois |
| Contract Through | 2029 (Club Option 2030) |
Sergio Oregel Jr.: Breakthrough Midfielder
Oregel Jr. joined the Fire Academy in 2018 and was a key member of the U-19 team that won the MLS NEXT U-19 Championship in 2021. He was awarded the MLS NEXT U-19 Golden Ball. His breakout 2025 season has seen him start in nearly every game. He also represented the U.S. U-20 Men’s National Team.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Name | Sergio Oregel Jr. |
| Position | Midfielder |
| Hometown | Chicago, Illinois |
| Contract Through | 2028 (Club Option 2029) |
Mauricio Pineda: Veteran Presence
Pineda has been a consistent presence for the Chicago Fire since 2020, playing 149 matches. He was named 2020 Chicago Fire FC Defensive Player of the Year. Pineda also has international experience, representing the U.S. Men’s National Team at various youth levels.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Name | Mauricio Pineda |
| Position | Midfielder |
| Hometown | Bolingbrook, Illinois |
| Contract Through | 2027 (Club Option 2028) |
New Stadium Construction Team Announced
Pepper Construction, GMA Construction Group, and All Construction Group will build the Chicago Fire FC’s new $650 million stadium at The 78. Construction is expected to begin in early 2026, with completion scheduled for 2028.
“This project is more than building a new stadium,” said Cornelius Griggs, president and CEO of GMA Construction Group. “It’s a place where the people of Chicago are going to have an opportunity to express themselves.”
The 22,000-seat stadium will be privately financed and will feature a brick, steel and glass façade, a dedicated supporter section, and premium seating options.
