Top Rated Youth Soccer Clubs in Kankakee, Illinois
For families living in or near Kankakee, finding a club that balances high-level player development with reasonable commute times is critical. This directory lists the competitive youth soccer organizations headquartered specifically within the Kankakee metropolitan area and surrounding suburbs.
These clubs offer programs for various age groups, typically starting at U6 and progressing through U19 college showcase teams. The listings below include detailed data on field locations, tryout dates, and league affiliations to help you compare local options side-by-side.
Find the Best Soccer Club in Kankakee, Illinois for you.
Select a pin on the Map, Browse by City, League, or view all clubs in Illinois.
Filter by League
Soccer Clubs Near Kankakee, Illinois (18)
Chicago Inter Soccer Club is a youth soccer organization primarily serving the Chicagoland Southwest Suburbs, including Homer Glen, Illinois. The club has been established for several years, demonstrating a consistent presence in competitive youth soccer. It offers programs for a wide range of age groups, from U6/U7 through U19, including a Youth Academy and Summer Skills Camps. Chicago Inter Soccer Club is dedicated to providing a unique opportunity for youth players, fostering good sportsmanship, teamwork, and the development of competitive soccer skills. The club's teams compete in prominent leagues and programs, including ECNL, ECNL-RL, and the US Youth National League Midwest Conference. They also participate in the Illinois Youth Soccer Association (IYSA), CIYSL, YSSL, and IWSL. Chicago Inter was promoted to the ECNL for the 2023-24 season, highlighting their competitive success. The club's teams have achieved notable results, including winning state cups and reaching semifinals at USYS Nationals. Chicago Inter also supports player advancement, with a focus on college commitments for its athletes.
Leagues: ECNL Girls | ECNL RL Girls | ECNL RL Boys | Pre-ECNL | Pre-ECNL
Evolution Soccer Club (Evolution SC) is a youth soccer organization primarily operating in Naperville and Oswego, Illinois. The club focuses on developing young athletes through various soccer programs. Evolution SC offers programs for a wide range of youth age groups, including high school boys and girls teams. A notable feature is its affiliation with MLS Go, providing a pathway for youth soccer development. The club also distinguishes itself through a partnership with Brusfa Futsal, offering elite futsal training. Evolution SC teams compete in prominent leagues such as the ECNL-RL and has participated in USL-Y programs. The club utilizes the Evolution Soccer Complex at Aaranmore for its activities. Evolution SC is committed to providing a comprehensive soccer experience for its players.
Leagues: ECNL RL Girls | Pre-ECNL | NPL | USYS-NL
Galaxy Soccer Club (Galaxy SC) is a youth soccer organization based in Naperville, Illinois, serving the greater Naperville area. The club was established in 1998 as a parent-coached organization, evolving to utilize nationally licensed professional coaches. Galaxy SC is dedicated to creating a positive soccer experience and providing high-quality soccer education for developing athletes. The club offers programs for youths aged 18 and under, including an Academy program for younger players. Their vision is to be recognized as the elite soccer club in Northern Illinois and Region II for excellence in program and player development. Galaxy SC emphasizes developing smart players who value teamwork and sportsmanship. The club competes in top-tier leagues and programs, including the Girls Academy League, Boys Elite 64, and USL-Youth.
Leagues: ECNL RL Boys | Pre-ECNL | Girls Academy | MLS Next 2 | USYS-NL
Barça Academy Chicago is the official FC Barcelona soccer academy in Chicago, Illinois. The academy develops youth soccer players, both boys and girls, from the ages of 5 to 18. A unique feature of the club is its exclusive annual training program based on the renowned Barça style and methodology, which has produced world-class players like Messi, Iniesta, and Piqué. Official FC Barcelona coaches and technical directors are present year-round to conduct training sessions and implement this successful approach. The academy's mission is to teach the specific technical and tactical aspects of soccer according to the FC Barcelona methodology while also transmitting the club's core values of Humility, Effort, Ambition, Respect, and Teamwork (HEART). The competitive program is for players aged 7 to 17, with teams participating in leagues and tournaments under US Club Soccer and USYS sanctioning. Specifically, the club competes in the Young Sportsmen's Soccer League (YSSL). This structure provides players a supportive and positive environment to learn team play and achieve common goals.
Leagues: NPL | USYS-NL
Bolingbrook Soccer Club (BSC) is a youth soccer organization providing programs for players in Bolingbrook, Illinois, and the surrounding Chicago area. Established in 1978, BSC is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization focused on developing skills, promoting sportsmanship, and allowing players to compete at their desired level. The club offers both a recreational program for ages 4 to 18 and a competitive travel program, the Raiders, for ages U7 to U19. BSC prides itself on being an affordable and community-oriented club, offering a financial assistance program to ensure no child is denied the opportunity to play due to financial hardship. A unique feature is its referee program, which provides job opportunities and skill development for teenage members. The club's Raiders Travel Soccer is the competitive division, with teams led by experienced, certified coaches and professional trainers. These teams compete in several leagues, including the Illinois Youth Soccer League (IYSA), Young Sportsmen's Soccer League (YSSL), and the Illinois Women's Soccer League (IWSL). Through its partnership in the United Elite Soccer Club Alliance, BSC provides players a pathway to higher-level competition in leagues such as the Elite Academy (EA), Development Player League (DPL), and the National Premier Leagues (NPL).
Leagues: NPL
Cadence SFC is a youth soccer and futsal club operating in Joliet and Oak Brook, Illinois. The club provides both competitive and recreational programs for players from U6 to U19. A unique feature of the club is its player development methodology, which is based on Futsal. In April 2025, Cadence SFC merged with Wizard Oak Brook FC to form a new entity, WCOB. The club offers year-round training programs for its players. Their top academy teams participate in competitive leagues such as the National Academy League (NAL) and the Elite Academy League (EAL). Cadence SFC is committed to providing comprehensive player development and experiences for all its participants. The club also hosts events like the Cadence Cares Futsal Tournament.
Leagues: NPL
Chicago Blast Soccer Club is a youth soccer organization based in the Chicagoland area of Illinois, with practice and game locations in Hinsdale, Westmont, Oakbrook, Lemont, and Burr Ridge. The club focuses on player development through high-level coaching and technical refinement, serving boys and girls from ages 6 to 18. It operates as a community-based program, drawing players from across Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana. The club emphasizes transforming beginning and average players into higher-level performers, achieving a 65%-85% improvement rate through systematic training. Unique features include the Soccer Made in America (SMIA) methodology, which provides consistent technical and tactical education across all levels, and customizable playing options to match individual aspirations. Chicago Blast offers seven distinct playing levels, from developmental to advanced academy teams that prioritize vertical and horizontal play. Teams compete in the Northern Illinois Soccer League (NISL), Young Sportsmen's Soccer League (YSSL), and Illinois Women's Soccer League (IWSL). The program has a proven track record of success, including national championships and pathways for players to advance to collegiate, professional, U.S. National Team, and Olympic levels. Coaching staff consists of former Division 1, professional, and elite amateur players who foster technical precision and game management skills. The club supports holistic player growth, addressing nutrition, sleep, and off-field well-being alongside competitive preparation.
Leagues: NPL
FC Hickory Hills is a youth soccer organization based in the Chicago suburbs of Illinois, specifically serving the Hickory Hills and surrounding southwest regions. Established in 1975, the club operates as a non-profit dedicated to fostering soccer development and community engagement through structured programs. They provide training and competition opportunities for boys and girls across age groups from U4 to U19, emphasizing skill progression from recreational to elite levels. Unique features include integrated character-building initiatives, partnerships with local schools for after-school programs, and a focus on inclusive coaching certifications to support diverse player backgrounds. The club offers pathways into competitive youth soccer through participation in leagues such as NPL, USYS National League, and DPL, providing exposure to regional and national tournaments. Their programs prioritize player safety with specialized injury prevention training and nutritional guidance tailored to youth athletes. FC Hickory Hills has produced numerous players who advance to collegiate soccer, with alumni competing at Division I and II levels. The organization hosts annual showcase events that attract college scouts, enhancing recruitment opportunities for top talents.
Leagues: NPL
Gio's Lions SC is a youth soccer organization founded in the East Side of Chicago. Established in 2017 by Savino Leon, the club serves young men and women from the East Side and Southside of Chicago, the South Chicago suburbs, and Northwest Indiana. The club's mission is to provide developmental soccer opportunities to youth regardless of their socioeconomic background. Originally named Lions S.C., the club was renamed in 2020 in memory of the founder's son, Gio. This deeply personal history is a core part of the club's identity, with the motto \"We Play for Gio!\". The club provides a pathway for players to compete at a high level. Their top men's team competes in the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL). This structure offers a platform for player development and exposure.
Leagues: NPL
Illinois Magic F.C. is a youth soccer organization based in the Chicagoland area of Illinois. The club focuses on competitive youth soccer development in the region. It serves boys' teams across birth years 2006 through 2015, covering age groups from approximately U10 to U19. Illinois Magic F.C. emphasizes high-level training and player growth through structured sessions and competitive play. The club draws on coaching expertise from former professional players to guide talent development. Players commit to a code of conduct that promotes honesty, professionalism, and maximum potential on and off the field. Illinois Magic F.C. provides tryout opportunities for aspiring players to join its programs. The organization operates with a dedication to inspiring youth athletes in the Illinois soccer community.
Leagues: NPL
Roadrunners Soccer Club is a premier youth soccer organization based in the Chicagoland area, serving communities such as Downers Grove, Woodridge, and Romeoville, Illinois. The club is home to over 800 players annually, with programs designed for children from ages four to nineteen, as well as a U-23 program for young adults. Roadrunners SC is committed to a \"Player First\" development model, focusing on creating players of character who learn respect and commitment. The club provides programs for all skill levels, from beginners to some of the top teams in the country. A unique feature is its \"Roadrunner University\" for the youngest players, which utilizes the \"Belgium model\" to foster a love for the game through player-centered coaching and small-sided games to maximize ball touches. This approach focuses on building confidence and encouraging competitiveness from an early age. For older players, the club offers travel teams that compete against other local clubs. Roadrunners SC works to place all players in an environment where they can develop, have fun, and achieve success.
Leagues: NPL
South Suburban Soccer Academy is a community-based, volunteer-run soccer club. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, its mission is to teach boys and girls valuable life skills through soccer. The club focuses on instilling teamwork, physical fitness, and discipline in its players. They strive to provide a positive activity for the youth in their community. The academy's philosophy is that commitment, dedication, and effort lead to success in all areas of life. While fostering personal growth and camaraderie, the club also aims to compete at the highest level possible. Their motto is \"Fe, familia, futbol\" (Faith, family, soccer). The club provides opportunities for players to compete in international tournaments, such as the USA Cup in Minnesota.
Leagues: NPL
Team Chicago Soccer Club is a premier youth soccer organization based in Naperville, Illinois, serving the greater Chicago area. Founded in 1981, the club has built a strong reputation for fostering talent through structured development pathways. It caters to boys and girls across a wide range of age groups, from U8 through U19, emphasizing skill progression and competitive play. The club's academy program provides foundational training for younger players, focusing on technical proficiency and game understanding. Team Chicago distinguishes itself with a performance-oriented approach that integrates professional coaching and periodized training to maximize player potential. Their teams compete in elite youth leagues, including MLS Next for top-tier boys' programs and ECNL for girls, alongside NPL and USYS National League participation. The club offers a clear pathway to professional soccer, highlighted by their recent entry into the USL Youth League starting in Summer 2025. Team Chicago boasts a robust college placement record, with numerous alumni advancing to NCAA Division I programs and beyond. Their commitment to holistic development includes college advisory services to guide players toward scholarships and higher education opportunities.
Leagues: NPL | USYS-NL
LG Celtics is a premier youth soccer club based in La Grange, Illinois, serving the greater Chicago area. Established over two decades ago, the club has built a strong reputation for player development and competitive success. It caters to boys and girls across a wide range of age groups, from U7 through U19, including recreational, travel, and elite teams. The club emphasizes a unified curriculum focused on technical fundamentals, confidence-building, and holistic player growth at every level. A key distinguishing feature is its commitment to caring for every player's development, creating a supportive environment that fosters improvement regardless of competitive tier. LG Celtics offers pathways from local travel teams to elite First XI squads, with a focus on nurturing talent through structured training and matches. The club's top competitive programs include participation in the National Premier Leagues (NPL), where teams have achieved runner-up finishes and championships. Accomplishments highlight consistent success in regional leagues like IWSL and CISL, contributing to a track record of players advancing to higher levels of competition.
Leagues: NPL
Tinley Park Bobcats is a youth soccer organization based in Tinley Park, Illinois, serving the local community and surrounding areas. The club operates as a non-profit, all-volunteer organization dedicated to promoting soccer through recreational and competitive programs. It provides recreational soccer with spring and fall seasons from April to June and August to October, including uniforms and requirements for shin guards. Summer programs feature week-long skills camps led by professional trainers, culminating in all-star games and tournaments at the end of each season. The travel soccer program targets players seeking advanced development, emphasizing skill, teamwork, and tactical growth in a supportive environment at affordable costs. Travel teams compete in top regional leagues such as the National Premier Leagues (NPL), Illinois Women's Soccer League (IWSL), Youth Soccer League (YSSL), and the Midwest Conference. Additional competitions include the State Cup, Presidents Cup, and local winter leagues to ensure year-round engagement. The club distinguishes itself through strategic partnerships, including one with the Village of Orland Hills for enhanced facilities and community integration. It also maintains a focus on holistic player development, offering advanced training camps in summer and winter to build technical proficiency. Overall, the Tinley Park Bobcats fosters a pathway for youth players to elevate their game within structured, competitive youth soccer frameworks.
Leagues: NPL
Evolution Soccer Club is a youth soccer organization operating in the Naperville, Aurora, Plainfield, and Oswego areas of greater Chicagoland. The club provides elite programming for boys and girls from ages 4 to 18. Evolution SC is committed to challenging and nurturing its players to achieve their full soccer potential in a competitive and positive learning environment. The club's philosophy is centered around its 'HEART' values of Humility, Effort, Ambition, Respect, and Teamwork. A key feature of their approach is the motto 'where development never ends', which applies to both players and coaches. The club focuses on enjoyment, empowerment, and competition to develop self-confidence and a desire for improvement. Evolution SC teams compete in various leagues, including MLS Go, ECNL-RL, and USL-Y. The club's vision is to be an elite organization that consistently produces players and teams capable of competing at the highest levels and creates collegiate and professional pathways for its members.
Leagues: USYS-NL
Chicago Empire FC is an elite youth soccer organization operating in the Chicagoland suburbs. Established in 2016, the club was founded by soccer professionals and employs a full-time coaching staff holding national and international licenses. The club aims to provide the premier youth soccer development program in the area, focusing on technical proficiency, tactical understanding, and mental toughness. Chicago Empire FC serves a wide range of age groups for both boys and girls, with teams from U7 through U19. A key feature of the club is its commitment to developing athletes with strong character, integrity, and a desire to compete. The club has grown to include over 1100 players across two locations. For its elite platforms, the girls' program participates in the E64 and DPL, while the boys compete in the E64 RL. The organization's stated goal is to develop players to reach their athletic goals at the high school, college, and professional levels.
Leagues: DPL
Chicagoland United Soccer Club (CUSC) is a youth soccer organization operating in the southern and southwestern suburbs of Chicago, including Orland Park, Frankfort, and Bourbonnais, Illinois. The club received its tax-exempt status in June 2022. CUSC provides a range of soccer programs for boys and girls from ages 7 to 19 years old, with recreational programs starting as young as 3 years old. The club's mission is to offer well-organized soccer instruction that fosters player development in a competitive and supportive environment, aiming to develop players from grassroots levels through to college. Chicagoland United SC offers various levels of play to accommodate different commitment and skill levels, including Premier Travel, Select Travel, and Recreational soccer. A notable feature of the club is its structured pathway for player advancement. Their top competitive teams participate in national and regional leagues, providing exposure to high levels of competition. For its elite players, Chicagoland United SC competes in the USYS National League, offering a platform for teams to compete against other top clubs. Additionally, the club participates in the USL Youth league, which provides a competitive summer season for continued player development against elite competition in the Midwest Region. This allows players the opportunity to compete for a National Championship.
Leagues: DPL
Player Development Pathways in Kankakee
The youth soccer culture in Kankakee is driven by a mix of non-profit community associations and private academies. Many of the clubs listed here utilize local facilities, including municipal parks and school district stadiums.
How to Compare:
We recommend reviewing the 'Competitive Level' tag on each profile. Some clubs in Kankakee focus on recreational play and foundational skills, others are designated as 'High Level', or 'Local/State Level Competitive' requiring regional travel or to nearby cities for league matches, while 'Elite' teams often travel across states and nationally.