Fire sign MLS NEXT Pro standout Jason Shokalook

The Chicago Fire signed forward Jason Shokalook through the 2026 season Wednesday with options for 2027-28.

The 23-year-old claimed the MLS NEXT Pro league's Golden Boot in 2025 with 20 goals in 22 matches for Chicago Fire II.

Shokalook made that league's Best XI and was a finalist for MVP honors. He also made his MLS debut on June 7 against D.C. United, playing 14 minutes.

"Over the course of his time with Chicago Fire II, Jason has demonstrated not only his talent, but also his work ethic and willingness to challenge himself," said Gregg Berhalter, Chicago's director of football and head coach.

"As a young player, he still has a lot of potential, but he also has enough experience and quality to be a contributor in MLS and we're excited to welcome him officially to the Chicago Fire first team."

The Fire selected Shokalook in the second round (35th overall) of the 2024 MLS SuperDraft out of Akron, where he was the 2023 Big East Offensive Player of the Year and a second-team All-American.