They’re minor league in name, but these Illinois minor league sports teams are major in excitement and talent.
You probably know the names of Illinois’ major league teams in the “big four” American sports of baseball, football, ice hockey and basketball. The Cubs, Sox, Bears, Blackhawks, Bulls – they’re larger-than-life names ingrained in the minds of everyone with even a passing interest in sport.
But there’s more to sport in Illinois than just the big names. Illinois’ minor leagues serve up top quality action every season. Often, they’re the place where the big stars get their start – so grab a ticket now to see a future star of the major leagues today!
![Full stands of spectators watch a baseball game being played](/assets/Images/Sports/Baseball-game-Peoria-Chiefs-Peoria__FocusFillWyIwLjAwIiwiMC4wMCIsOTYwLDYwMF0.jpg)
Minor League Baseball in Illinois
Illinois' minor league baseball scene features the Kane County Cougars and Peoria Chiefs in the Midwest League. Even more teams represent Illinois in the Frontier League, including the Joliet Slammers, Schaumburg Boomers, and Windy City ThunderBolts. Get to know the local culture and experience some community spirit by catching a game.
![A Rockford Icehogs ice hockey player being pursued by an opposing player on the ice](/assets/Images/Sports/Rockford-Icehogs-hockey-BMO-Center-Rockford__FocusFillWyIwLjAwIiwiMC4wMCIsOTYwLDYwMF0.jpg)
Minor League Hockey in Illinois
Illinois has a strong minor league hockey presence, with teams in both the American Hockey League and Southern Professional Hockey League. The Chicago Wolves and Rockford Icehogs play in the former, feeding directly into the NHL. In the latter, there's the Peoria Rivermen and Quad City Storm, delivering high-energy hockey action into each of their regions.
Other Minor League Teams in Illinois
Indoor Football: Quad City Steamwheelers - Moline, Illinois
The Quad City Steamwheelers started off with the Champions Indoor Football league in 2018. Though this team is still relatively new, the name should be familiar to area fans: they’re named after a Quad Cities team of the same name which played arena football between 2000 and 2009.
Soccer: Chicago Fire FC II - Bridgeview, Illinois
Chicago Fire FC II are the reserve team for Major League Soccer's Chicago Fire FC. They kicked off in 2022 in MLS Next Pro, providing a platform for emerging soccer talents to showcase their skills, and for soccer fans to get another fix. Catch the future stars in action at SeatGeek Stadium!
Basketball: Windy City Bulls - Hoffman Estates, Illinois
The Windy City Bulls play in the NBA G League, as the affiliate of Chicago’s NBA team Chicago Bulls. The Chicago Bulls also own and operate the team.
Ultimate Frisbee: Chicago Union - Evanston, Illinois
Chicago Union compete in the Ultimate Frisbee Association (UFA)™ Central Division, calling Northwestern University's Martin Stadium home. Since starting in 2013, they've made the Division playoffs seven out of ten seasons, winning in 2013, 2021, and 2022.