Chicago State Football Welcomes Student-Athletes to Campus Ahead of Historic Inaugural Season

CHICAGO, Ill.  (May 22, 2026) – Today marks another significant milestone in the history of Chicago State Football as the Cougars officially welcome both incoming and returning student-athletes to campus for summer workouts and preparation ahead of the program’s inaugural season in 2026.

The arrival of the student-athletes signals the next chapter in building Chicago State University’s first-ever football program, which will make its historic debut on August 29, 2026, when the Cougars take on Roosevelt University.

“We are excited to welcome our student-athletes back to campus and officially greet our newest Cougars,” said Head Football Coach Bobby Rome II. “This is a special day for our program. These young men are making history as members of Chicago State’s inaugural football team, and we are eager to continue building a culture centered on excellence in the classroom, competition on the field, and service to the community.”

The move-in process brings together a blend of returning student-athletes who completed the Spring 2026 semester and newcomers arriving for Summer Session I. Together, they will begin a busy summer that includes strength and conditioning, team development activities, academic preparation, and football training as the countdown to kickoff continues.

As Chicago State continues to build toward its first season, excitement surrounding the program continues to grow throughout the university community and the City of Chicago.

The Cougars are less than 100 days away from making history and taking the field for the first football game in program history.

Join Us for History

Chicago State Athletics encourages alumni, students, faculty, staff, and fans across Chicago to support the Cougars during this historic inaugural season. Season tickets are available now, and fans can secure their seats and learn more about Chicago State Football by visiting gocsucougars.com/tickets.

For the latest football news, roster updates, schedules, and ticket information, visit gocsucougars.com and follow Chicago State Athletics on social media.