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Chicago, IL
September 11-14, 2025
Every year the Effzeh USA community hosts a meetup to get together, watch an 1. FC Köln match, and take in a local soccer match. Follow @effzehusa.com on Bluesky for up-to-date info during the meetup. This year we are taking the FC Meetup to Chicago, Illinois: September 11-14. We hope to see you again this year in Chicago!
Welcome to Chicago!
We're so excited to be visiting Chicago this year for the Effzeh USA meetup. Chicago is the largest local fan club in the United States, so we're expecting this to be our largest meetup yet! Please fill out this form to join our 1. FC Köln USA Supporters Discord server and become a member. It's the best way to stay up to date on the meetup and other stuff going on in the world of 1. FC Köln.
Everyone coming to the meetup will have access to a group Signal chat. We will use that to update everyone with any last minute changes, moves, notices, etc. We hope you'll accept the Signal invite when it goes out.
We also have a Google Doc you can utilize. This will be updated on the fly if we have any last minute changes since the website is a little slower to update. Our full schedule will be continuously updated on the Google Doc with all necessary info. Here's the basic sample outline we have! Come join us for all or part of the meetup!
THURSDAY Evening:
German dinner at Laschet's. PLEASE Email us if you plan on attending so we have the proper number for the reservation.
FRIDAY Evening:
Meetup kickoff with the Red Line Supporter Group at Weeds Tavern
SATURDAY
Morning: FC Match at AJ Hudson's (8:00 arrival, 8:30 kickoff)
Midday: Pregame
Evening: Chicago Fire Game (7:30PM vs. NYC)
SUNDAY
Morning: Brunch location TBD
Midday: Chicago Stars Game (2:00PM vs. Portland)
more details coming soon!
Thursday Dinner
We'll be meeting up at Laschet's on Thursday evening for dinner for anyone who is in town early. A head count will be needed, so please RSVP to this specifically if you're going to make it!
Friday Night Drinks
The main kickoff with be at Weeds Tavern with the Red Line Supporters Group! RLSG is generously hosting us at their home bar. This should be a great oportunity to meet fellow FC fans as well as Chicago Fire fans,
1. FC Köln Watch Party
Come to AJ Hudson's for the match against VfL Wolfsburg on September 13. Kickoff is at 8:30am central time, and we recommend getting there are 8:00 to make sure you get a seat.
Prematch Activities
Join us after the Köln match and before the Chicago Fire match! After the watch party we will move around to other bars before going to the game. Make sure to download Signal and join our chat to know our exact spot if you do separate from the group. At 5:30pm we'll be in the South Lot to tailgate with the Chicago Fire fans before marching to the stadium.
Chicago Fire Match
Join us at Soldier Field for their match against New York City FC at 7:30pm! We'll be in the Fire supporters' section. If you are a New York City fan, you are welcome to stay in the visiting end and meet up with us for all of the other events!
Sunday Brunch
Before everyone heads home, join us for a group breakfast/brunch! We'll have more details about a specific location and time in the coming weeks. Some of us will also be going to the Chicago Red Stars match at 2pm local time vs the Portland Thorns. There is no ticket code, but we will be in the supporters section for the match.
FAQs
Q: Do we buy tickets to the Chicago Fire match, or should I get my own?
A: We'll forward everyone information about ticket purchases closer to the event. If you already have tickets to the game, you don't need to purchase in our group. If you are a NYCFC fan, you are welcome to join us for everything else, but we ask that you don't buy tickets in the Chicago Fire supporters' section if you are rooting for the other team.
Q: I already have tickets. Should I still RSVP?
A: Yes! We need to make sure we have accurate counts for all of our events. We'll also email everyone updates who RSVPs.
Q: I'm not sure if I can go or not. Should I still RSVP?
A: Yes. We'll keep you updated on deadlines to purchase tickets. There is an option to say you might attend.
Q: Is the event family friendly?
A: Yes! Almost everything is family friendly. Children will be able to enter all of the events with a parent or guardian. Late nights are bars will likely be limited to those 21+, but if you plan on bringing kids with you, we just ask you let us know so we can clarify the policy at each location. Friday at Weeds Tavern will be 21+ unless you have a parent or guardian with you.
Q: I don't know much about the team. Is that ok?
A: Of course! Everyone started somewhere with their Effzeh fandom. Some of us were born into it, others adopted it just this year. We really hope you'll feel welcome regardless of your background. You don't have to be a diehard fan to join us.
Q: You really didn't answer my question. How do I contact you?
A: You can email us at fckoeln.us at gmail dot com, or message us on Bluesky at @effzehusa.com. We're happy to answer any questions you might have!
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