CJ BROWN

CJ is an accomplished American soccer coach and former player. Playing 13 years in Major League Soccer (MLS) for the Chicago Fire FC, CJ was a member of all six trophy-winning teams for the MLS club. A member of the Club's Hall of Fame, the Ring of Fire, CJ leads the team in all-time minutes played and games played. He's been the Club's captain and assistant coach and currently leads the Club's Discovery Centers, supporting the recruitment of young players into the Club's highly regarded Academy.

 

CJ also played 15 times for the US Men's National Team and has coached in MLS at the Chicago Fire, Real Salt Lake, Orlando City, and New York Red Bulls. In addition to a recent second term as the Chicago Fire's assistant coach, he was the inaugural head coach at Chicago House (NISA) and was an assistant with the US Men's National Team U-23s.  

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CJ believes in the power of play to teach, inspire, and bring communities together. In addition to being a father, husband, and coach, he is the Founder of the CJ Brown Foundation. Created in 2020 with only 20 players and a passion for giving back as a role model in Chicago's under-resourced communities, the Foundation focuses on teaching essential life skills and providing employment opportunities via after-school soccer programs and coaching partnerships. Growing to over 150 participants in 2024, CJ is just getting started as his after-school programs have expanded to a neighborhood recreational soccer league and a coaching education program.