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- 🏟️ Chicagoland's $35M New Training Facility & More!
🏟️ Chicagoland's $35M New Training Facility & More!
Stay updated on Chicagoland's local trends, developments, and market insights.
Brandon Blankenship
January 16, 2026
Happy Friday!
The Chicago Stars FC is making moves. The team just announced plans to build a new training facility in Bannockburn—complete with lakeside views, indoor recovery rooms, and full-size pitches. It’s a major step in reshaping the club’s future after years of low attendance and last-place finishes. 🏟️
🌨️ Today’s weather:
Light snow with a high of 36°F. A 20% chance of precipitation, 75% humidity, and winds at 16 mph. Bundle up, it’s a wintry Friday out there.
📺 Ranking the Top Places to Live in Chicago From Best to Worst: In today’s video, I rank the best (and worst) neighborhoods in and around the city—based on vibes, value, and quality of life.
🍴 Check out The Foodie’s Guide for this week’s best eats, and scroll down for WHAT'S HAPPENIN' IN THE 'BURBS? — your weekend events roundup.
Let’s dive in!
—Brandon Blankenship, Founder of Living Chicago Suburbs / Realtor with Keller Williams Premiere Properties
Events
💭 WHAT'S HAPPENIN' IN THE 'BURBS?
This Weekend Events…
Indoor Sidewalk Sales – 2026!
Winter sidewalk sales are taking over downtown with major end-of-season deals. Bundle up, grab a shopping buddy, and score savings up to 70% off at dozens of local retailers.
📍 Location: Downtown Naperville Businesses
🗓️ Date & Time: Jan 16 – 19
🎟️ Tickets: Free
🔗 More Info
Murder Mystery Dinner: Good Riddance
Step into a totally rad 90s-themed whodunit where guests mingle, uncover clues, and solve the crime while enjoying an immersive dinner theatre experience. Come dressed in your best 90s look and become part of the story.
📍 Location: Le Jardin, Wheaton
🗓️ Date & Time: Jan 17 | 7 PM (doors open at 6:30 PM)
🎟️ Tickets: $75 per person plus tax and service fee | Adults 21+
🔗 More Info
Chicago Sinfonietta MLK Tribute Concert: Open Heart
An inspiring MLK tribute honoring compassion, courage, and community. The program features the Chicago premiere of a new film suite by Kathryn Bostic, Joel Thompson’s powerful breathe/burn: an elegy, and Dvořák’s Symphony No. 9 From the New World.
📍 Location: Wentz Concert Hall, Naperville
🗓️ Date & Time: Jan 18 | 4 PM
🎟️ Tickets: $45 – $65
🔗 More Info
Nothing in this section is sponsored, I will let you know when it's sponsored
News
🏟️ Bannockburn to Host Stars FC’s New Training Center
Driving the news: The Chicago Stars FC is investing in its future with plans to build a club-owned training facility in Bannockburn (its first since joining the NWSL).
Details:
Construction kicks off this spring, with a 2027 completion target.
The 10-acre site will feature two full-sized pitches, a specialized goalkeeper field, and a 45,000-square-foot indoor training hub.
The facility will include recovery areas, mental wellness rooms, and a weight room with outdoor access.
Architecture firm Populous is leading design; Marquee Development (owned by the Ricketts family) is managing development.
Why it matters: The facility signals a major shift for Stars FC, aiming to boost both performance and visibility. Bannockburn’s location offers proximity to Evanston (where the team will play in 2026) and leverages existing infrastructure for faster buildout. This could create stronger ties with suburban fans and elevate the team’s professional image.
The big picture: Since being purchased in 2023 for $35M, the Stars have been in rebuilding mode, on and off the field. Last in attendance and bottom of the league standings in 2025, the club sees this training center as key to changing its trajectory.
What’s next: The team continues searching for a permanent stadium solution while working to secure naming rights for the new training facility.
The bottom line: With this investment, the Stars are betting on stability, performance, and suburban access to revive their fortunes, and build a team Chicago can rally behind.
🎉JOIN THE FUN ON INSTAGRAM 🎉
Find us on Instagram @LivingChicagoSuburbs where 90,000+ people love the content! ⤵️
🍔 The Foodie's Guide
BREAKFAST
Chicago Waffles Oak Park (Oak Park)Chicago Waffles is a modern, welcoming café known for standout breakfast and brunch. With friendly service, a vibrant atmosphere, and a strong local feel, it’s a favorite spot for families, locals, and visitors looking to start the day right. |
LUNCH
New Village Gastropub (Northbrook)New Village Gastro Pub brings authentic Korean Pocha flavors to a warm, lively setting. Known for bold dishes made with fresh ingredients, it offers a true taste of Korean cuisine and a welcoming spot for friends and family to gather. |
DINNER
Wildfire (Glenview)Wildfire delivers a classic 1940s dinner club vibe with jazz, warm service, and a stylish atmosphere. Known for steaks, chops, seafood, and fresh salads, it offers a timeless dining experience at one of the Chicago area’s standout restaurants. |
Watch This
🎥 Ranking the Top Places to Live in Chicago From Best to Worst
📦 Moving to the Chicago Suburbs or thinking about buying or selling a home?
We’d love to help!
Just send us an email at [email protected] or fill out the form here!: https://livinginchicagosuburbs.com/contact/
Market
📊 Real Estate Insights
The real estate market in the Chicago suburbs (especially Naperville, Elmhurst, Wheaton, and Glen Ellyn) remains active and competitive. Whether you're planning to buy or sell, having the right local expert makes all the difference.
Thinking of selling? I’ll craft a strategic marketing plan and help you price your home to attract serious buyers and get the best return.
Ready to buy? With today’s interest rates and available inventory, now could be the perfect time to make your move. I’ll help you find the right home and navigate every step of the process with confidence.
🏠 Are you thinking of buying, selling, or investing in the Chicago Suburbs? We’d love to be your Real Estate Resource of Choice. Get started here!
Until next Friday, take care and stay curious!
—Brandon
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 | Brandon Blankenship Real Estate Broker The #1 Solo Agent with Keller Williams Premiere Properties call or text @ 630.923.9535 |