Chicago Hounds Overview
The Chicago Hounds are a professional rugby union team based in the Chicago metropolitan area that competes in Major League Rugby as part of the Eastern Conference. Founded in 2022, the organization began competitive play in 2023 and quickly made its mark on American rugby. The team plays its home matches at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview, Illinois, a venue with a seating capacity of 20,000 spectators. The Hounds are co-owned by a group of investors led by majority owner Peter Bernick, with Matt Satchwell and Phil Groves serving as part-owners. All three owners have deep roots in Chicago rugby and brought their expertise and passion to the franchise. James English serves as the chief executive officer, providing strategic leadership for the organization. Under head coach Chris Latham, the team has developed a competitive roster featuring captain Lucas Rumball and several standout players who have contributed to the team’s rapid rise in the league.
In a remarkable achievement during the 2026 Major League Rugby season, the Chicago Hounds became the first team in league history to complete a perfect season, finishing with a 10-0-0 record. The campaign culminated in a 35-17 victory over the California Legion in the MLR Championship Final, securing the franchise’s first league title. This accomplishment established the Hounds as a powerhouse in American rugby and demonstrated the organization’s ability to build a championship-caliber program in a relatively short time.
Founding and Organizational Origins
The Chicago Hounds were officially announced on November 17, 2022, when Major League Rugby introduced the franchise as its newest expansion team. The announcement came following the discontinuation of MLR franchises in Austin and Los Angeles, creating an opportunity for the league to expand into the Chicago market. The founding group, led by majority owner Peter Bernick, brought together individuals with extensive experience in both business and rugby. Matt Satchwell and Phil Groves, who joined as part-owners, were longtime participants in Chicago’s rugby community, lending credibility and local expertise to the venture.
The decision to establish the Hounds reflected growing interest in professional rugby across the United States and the potential for the sport to thrive in major American cities. Chicago, with its large population and strong sports culture, represented an ideal location for MLR expansion. The founding team focused on securing appropriate facilities, recruiting coaching staff, and assembling a competitive roster capable of representing the city at the highest level of American rugby.
From the outset, the organization prioritized building connections within the local rugby community while also attracting talent from across the country and internationally. The ownership group’s understanding of the sport’s unique demands and culture helped shape the team’s identity and operational approach from the earliest stages of development.
Growth Into Major League Rugby Competition
The Chicago Hounds entered Major League Rugby competition in 2023, marking the beginning of their inaugural season in the professional league. Their first-ever match was played on February 18, 2023, against Old Glory DC, a contest that represented the franchise’s debut on the national rugby stage. The team faced the typical challenges of a first-year expansion franchise, including integrating new players, establishing tactical systems, and adapting to the speed and physicality of professional competition.
Head coach Chris Latham played a central role in shaping the team’s playing philosophy and development trajectory during these early stages. His leadership helped establish clear expectations for performance and culture within the organization. Captain Lucas Rumball emerged as a key figure both on and off the field, providing stability and direction for the squad as it navigated its inaugural campaign.
The franchise also worked to establish important broadcast and media partnerships during its launch phase. Games were broadcast on Fox Chicago Plus, ensuring that fans across the region could follow the team’s progress. This media presence helped build the team’s fan base and establish its identity within the Chicago sports landscape.
Chicago Hounds Competitive Journey
The Chicago Hounds have experienced a rapid trajectory of success since their founding, progressing from an expansion franchise in 2023 to championship winners by 2026. The organization has demonstrated a consistent commitment to building a competitive roster, developing tactical excellence, and establishing itself as a respected contender within Major League Rugby. This journey reflects the strategic vision of the ownership group and the coaching staff’s ability to maximize player performance at every stage of the team’s evolution.
Early Seasons and Development (2023)
The Chicago Hounds played their inaugural 2023 season with a roster designed to compete immediately while also building for the future. The team competed 16 games during the regular season, with home matches played at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview. The franchise’s first-ever regular season victory came on March 18, 2023, when the Hounds defeated the Dallas Jackals in what would become a defining rivalry matchup.
The competition against the Dallas Jackals developed into a notable rivalry known as the Dog Bowl, adding an extra layer of intensity to the matchups between the two teams. The Hounds claimed two of their three total wins that season against the Jackals, establishing an early competitive dynamic that resonated with fans. Despite the challenges typical of a first-year franchise, the team demonstrated promise and competitive spirit throughout the campaign.
At the conclusion of the 2023 season, the Hounds finished ranked fifth among the six teams in their conference and ninth overall among the twelve teams then participating in Major League Rugby. While the record reflected the difficulties of an expansion team’s debut season, the foundation was established for future growth and improvement.
Breakthrough in Major League Rugby (2024-2026)
The Chicago Hounds experienced significant progression during the 2024 and 2025 seasons, steadily climbing the standings and developing into a legitimate championship contender. The roster continued to develop under Chris Latham’s guidance, with key players emerging as difference-makers in critical moments. The team’s training infrastructure and operational systems matured, enabling more consistent performance week to week.
The 2026 Major League Rugby season represented the pinnacle of the Hounds’ competitive journey to that point. The team completed a perfect 10-0-0 regular season record, becoming the first franchise in MLR history to finish an entire campaign without a loss or draw. This remarkable achievement showcased the team’s depth, tactical sophistication, and mental fortitude throughout the grueling schedule.
The championship final saw the Chicago Hounds face the California Legion in a decisive match at the end of the season. The Hounds delivered a dominant performance, defeating their opponents by a score of 35-17 to claim their first MLR championship title. Luke Carty emerged as a crucial contributor throughout the campaign, finishing as the team’s top scorer with 127 points. Dylan Fawsitt distinguished himself as the club’s most prolific try scorer with 23 touchdowns. Maclean Jones led the team in appearances with 49 caps, demonstrating exceptional durability and commitment throughout the season.
Modern Program and Current Direction (2026-Present)
Following their championship victory, the Chicago Hounds have established themselves as a premier franchise within Major League Rugby. The organization’s success has strengthened its reputation and positioned the team as a destination for elite rugby talent. The ownership group continues to invest in infrastructure, player development, and community engagement to sustain the program’s competitive advantage.
Head coach Chris Latham remains at the helm, providing continuity and leadership for the franchise’s ongoing development. The coaching staff works to refine tactical approaches, integrate new players effectively, and maintain the standards that drove the championship campaign. The front office, led by CEO James English, focuses on strategic planning, partnership development, and ensuring the organization operates at the highest professional standards.
The team’s current roster features a blend of experienced veterans and emerging talent, creating depth across all positions. Captain Lucas Rumball continues to provide leadership and stability for the squad. The organization maintains its commitment to developing American rugby players while also attracting international talent that enhances the team’s competitive capabilities.
Philosophy and Competitive Strengths
The Chicago Hounds have built their program on principles of disciplined execution, physical intensity, and tactical adaptability. The coaching staff emphasizes a structured approach to both attack and defense, ensuring that players understand their roles and responsibilities within the team’s systems. The squad’s fitness levels and conditioning allow for consistent performance throughout matches, particularly in the closing stages when opponents may tire.
Key Milestones and Major Moments
The Chicago Hounds’ history includes several landmark moments that have defined the franchise’s identity. The team’s first victory on March 18, 2023, against the Dallas Jackals marked the beginning of the rivalry that would become known as the Dog Bowl. The 2026 perfect season represented an unprecedented achievement in MLR history, demonstrating the program’s ability to execute at the highest level consistently. The championship final victory over the California Legion provided the ultimate validation of the organization’s vision and the team’s competitive development.
Chicago Hounds Achievements and Results
The Chicago Hounds have accumulated significant accomplishments in a relatively short period of existence. From their founding in 2022 through the 2026 season, the franchise has transformed from an expansion team into a championship organization. The team’s achievements reflect the commitment of the ownership group, the expertise of the coaching staff, and the dedication of the players who have contributed to the program’s success.
Major League Rugby Achievements
The Chicago Hounds’ most significant achievement came in the 2026 Major League Rugby season when the team captured its first championship title. Finishing the regular season with a perfect 10-0-0 record, the Hounds became the first team in MLR history to complete an unbeaten campaign. The championship final victory over the California Legion by a score of 35-17 capped a remarkable season of dominance. Luke Carty contributed 127 points as the team’s leading scorer, while Dylan Fawsitt crossed the try line 23 times to lead the squad in touchdowns.
Conference Achievements
Competing in the Eastern Conference of Major League Rugby, the Chicago Hounds have established themselves among the region’s top teams. The franchise’s championship in 2026 automatically positioned them as the conference’s premier representative in national competition. The team’s consistent performances throughout the regular season translated into strong positioning for playoff contention.
Divisional and Series Achievements
While the Hounds compete within the Eastern Conference structure of Major League Rugby, the franchise has focused its achievements at the league championship level. The organization’s rapid rise from expansion franchise to championship winner demonstrates the effectiveness of its operational approach and competitive philosophy.
