CHICAGO — In the most unusual kit reveal in the franchise’s twelve-year history, The Chicago Red Stars released a new custom jersey honoring their beloved city with “The Neighborhood Kit.“ 

Chicago unveiled its secondary jersey for the 2020 National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) season completely virtually to a record 1,000 attendees. Supporters came together with Red Stars players and staff for a unique digital experience designed to unite the group around the city and team they love. In addition to being the first people to see the new kit, participants heard from Owner and CEO Arnim Whisler as well as Red Stars 2019 World Cup champions Julie Ertz, Alyssa Naeher, Morgan Brian, and Tierna Davidson. The evening ended on a high note as attendees re-lived some of the most epic moments in Red Stars history. 

“Last year’s jersey was recognized as one of the best designs in the country and one of the top-selling jerseys in the league,” Whisler said. “This year’s design tips a hat to all Chicagoans who know that it’s the neighborhoods that truly define Chicago – not its iconic tourist destinations. We’ve achieved a design that’s immediately recognizable as Chicago from a distance, but up close it reveals what truly makes up this great city. We hope it speaks to both fans of soccer and Chicago alike.” 

The Red Stars are always honored to call Chicago their home. The franchise donned the colors of the city’s flag throughout their history, and last season’s Elevated Kit featured the entire Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) ‘L’ train. The Red Stars continue this tradition with another pattern designed in-house by former Communications and Marketing Director Justyne Freud and former Graphic Designer Anthony Guagliardo.  

The names of the 77 neighborhoods in Chicago are featured on the stripe design.

The names of all 77 neighborhoods that make up the Chicagoland area create the iconic blue stripes that sandwich the famous stars across the kit’s chest. The blue stripe design was resurrected following positive fan feedback.  

“After last year’s Elevated Kit, we knew we had to continue the strong tradition of a Chicago-centric jersey for the Red Stars,” Guagliardo said. “Justyne [Freud] came up with the overarching concept, and I was able to add my own spin to it and take the design to the next level. Including all of the Chicago neighborhoods on one jersey isn’t something that has been done before. I hope this jersey will be loved not only by Red Stars fans but also fans of Chicago who want to represent their city and their team.” 

The iconic Chicago Skyline returns to the back of the jersey.

The entire Chicago skyline graces the back of the jersey again, this time made up of the 77 unique and diverse neighborhoods that make Chicago one of the greatest cities on earth. 

The Neighborhood Kit will be Chicago’s secondary jersey for the 2020 NWSL season. The Neighborhood Kits are available to purchase via Soccer2000 here.