GoRockford and the Rockford Park District are excited to announce that the Chicago Bears NFL FLAG Regional Tournament will make its debut in Rockford on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at the new Clarence Hicks Sports Complex (2004 Ogilby Road, Rockford), a facility of the Rockford Park District. Clarence Hicks Sport Complex features a full-size artificial turf field, 8-lane running track, and special warm-up zone donated by the Chicago Bears made from turf that had previously been used in the Walter Payton Center, the official indoor practice facility of the Chicago Bears.
This is the first tournament to be held at the expanded Clarence Hicks Sports Complex, welcoming over 1,000 players, coaches, and fans to Rockford. The tournament si expected to generate an estimated economic impact of $467,509 for the local community.
Hosted by NFL Flag, this invite-only competition is expected to bring 50 teams from across the Midwest, including Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, Iowa, and others. Boys’ and girls’ teams will compete across 11 divisions, with ages ranging from 8U–14U for boys and 10U through high school for girls.
“We’re thrilled to welcome NFL Flag athletes and families from across the Midwest to the Clarence Hicks Sports Complex for this historic first major tournament. This is exactly the type of event we envisioned when making major improvements to create a premier venue where young athletes can showcase their talents, build lasting memories, and unite communities through the power of play,” said Lamont Jones, Manager of Clarence Hicks Sports Complex.
Flag football continues to grow at an unprecedented pace and will officially make its debut at the 2028 Olympic Games. It also recently became an IHSA (Illinois High School Association) sanctioned sport.
The Chicago Bears have also been instrumental in advancing flag football, especially girls' flag football for area high school. Recently, the Chicago Bears presented a $50,000 check to the Rockford Park District to start an inaugural middle school league and offer opportunities for 6th-grade girls and 8th-grade girls.
“Bringing the Chicago Bears NFL FLAG Regional Tournament to Rockford is a big step in growing the game across Illinois. This community has embraced football development programs like our Mini Monsters Clinics and Girls Flag Football from the very beginning, showing a true commitment to creating opportunities for future athletes. Now young athletes from across the Midwest will have the chance to compete at a first-class venue while families and fans enjoy everything Rockford has to offer. Moments like this not only elevate the sport but also create opportunities that lead to long-term impact on both the athletes and the community,” said Gustavo Silva, Director of Football Development for the Chicago Bears.
This year marks both the first time the event has been held in Rockford and the second annual edition of the Bears’ regional competition. Champions from Rockford will earn a spot in the prestigious NFL FLAG Summer Championships in July 2026.
EVENT DETAILS Chicago Bears NFL FLAG Regional Tournament
Date: Saturday Oct. 25
Games start at 9 a.m., with championship games in the afternoon, and the event concludes around 5 p.m.
Location: Clarence Hicks Sports Complex 2004 Ogilby Road Rockford
Admission: Free; Team Registration $399 (closes on September 29)
