Chicago FC United

Overview

Founded in 2003 as an elite youth soccer program based in Glenview, IL (north suburban Chicago). In 2016, merged with Chicago Magic Soccer Club (est. 1989), integrating facilities, coaching staff, and player pathways. Also operates Trevians Soccer Club.

Ownership

Owned by 3Step Sports since June 2022. 3Step acquired SMP Holdings (Sports Made Personal), led by founder/CEO Chad Gruen, which owned FC United. 3Step is the nation’s largest PE-backed youth sports platform (Juggernaut Capital, Ares Management, Fiume Capital).

3Step Sports is currently exploring a sale (Goldman Sachs retained, April 2026). Ownership transition could create uncertainty or opportunity for FC United's future.

League Affiliations

• MLS NEXT (Homegrown Division)
• Girls Academy (Mid-America Conference)
• ECNL-RL
• USL League Two (semi-professional men’s team)

Teams & Players

Boys and girls programs from U8 through U18. Total player count unknown.

Facilities

Primary operations in Glenview, IL. Specific facility details unknown.

SYNRGY Relevance

FC United is the primary 3Step Sports asset in the Illinois market. If 3Step sells or divests individual clubs, FC United + Chicago Magic could become available. The club holds valuable MLS NEXT and Girls Academy league slots. Monitoring the 3Step sale process is a priority.

Open Questions

• What is the combined FC United + Chicago Magic player count?
• Revenue and financial performance under 3Step ownership?
• What indoor/outdoor facilities does the club control?
• If 3Step sells, would individual club assets be available separately?