Summer is right around the corner in Chicago, bringing some of the year’s top athletic showdowns. In a city known for its legendary sports teams, these exhilarating competitions are sure to be can’t-miss events this summer. Come watch racing boats slice through Lake Michigan, see top volleyball teams battle it out on the sand, and feel the roar of the engines at the first-ever NASCAR street race. 

Here are some of the summer’s top sporting events in Chicago this year.

United States Sail Grand Prix

June 16 – 17, 2023 at Navy Pier

U.S. Sail Grand Prix returns to the Chicago lakefront for an exhilarating weekend of racing in the city’s skyline stadium. During this two-day spectacle, national teams will fly across the waterfront on high-speed catamarans, reaching speeds of over 60 miles per hour. For the best views of all the action, get tickets to the stadium seating on Navy Pier or on the official spectator boat.
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NASCAR Chicago Street Race Weekend

July 1 – 2, 2023 in Grant Park
A historic first is coming to Grant Park this summer. NASCAR Chicago Street Race Weekend will bring NASCAR’s first-ever street race to Chicago’s scenic lakefront during this action-packed weekend event. Tickets will get you access to live street races featuring rising stars and some of the biggest names in racing, full sets from top music artists like The Chainsmokers and Miranda Lambert, driver autographs and Q&As, and so much more.
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Major League Rugby Championship

July 8, 2023 at Seatgeek Stadium
Major League Rugby teams across North America have been competing for a chance to play in the annual championship — and now it’s time to crown a winner. The Major League Rugby Championship will bring the continent’s best teams to Seatgeek Stadium in Bridgeview for a sensational final match. Leading up to the game, fans can attend an all-day block party with local food and drinks and live music.
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Nike Tournament of Champions

July 7 – 10, 2023
The Nike Tournament of Champions is coming back to Chicago’s McCormick Place for its 25th anniversary. Known as the world’s most prestigious and competitive girls basketball event, this year’s tournament will be the largest in history with the capacity for more than 1,000 elite youth teams from around the country. Check back for spectator information.

Chelsea vs. Dortmund

Aug. 2, 2023
Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind chance to see two of Europe’s biggest soccer clubs face off inside iconic Soldier Field. The first stop of Chelsea’s summer tour across America, the Chelsea FC vs. Borussia Dortmund match will bring some of soccer’s best players to Chicago’s lakefront stadium for an unforgettable matchup.
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Chicago Bulls Fest

Aug. 19 – 20, 2023 at United Center
The Chicago Bulls are one of the most legendary teams in sports. Come celebrate their legacy while getting your game on at Bulls Fest this summer. The city’s largest interactive basketball experience will take place outside the United Center and will feature a large-scale 3v3 tournament for children and adults of all skill levels. Winners will receive special prizes, Bulls tickets, and on-court experiences.

AVP Gold Series Chicago Open

Sept. 1 – 3, 2023 at Oak Street Beach

The Gold Series Chicago Open is a long-standing tradition that draws volleyball fans from all over the world for this Labor Day weekend event. The best professional beach volleyball players attend this prestigious annual showdown to compete for prize money and bragging rights. And the stadium can’t be beat — set on the sands of Oak Street Beach, players and spectators are surrounded by views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline.
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More sporting events in Chicago this summer: