The Homegrowns keep coming: Alex Monis signs with Chicago Fire FC

When Georg Heitz took over as Sporting Director of Chicago Fire FC, he mentioned the importance of giving Academy players a shot to grow. The way this week is going, it seems he’s a man of his word.

The Fire announced today the signing of Academy forward Alex Monis to a Homegrown Player contract. With Monday’s signing of Brian Gutiérrez, and Javier Casas yesterday, it means the Fire now have nine Homegrowns on the roster: Monis, Gutiérrez, Casas, Djordje Mihailović, Nicholas Slonina, Gabriel Slonina, Andre Reynolds II, Jeremiah Gutjahr, and Mauricio Pineda.

Monis is under contract through the 2023 season, with a club option for 2024.

“We’re pleased to announce Alex as a Homegrown signing for the Chicago Fire,” Head Coach Raphael Wicky said in a news release. “Alex is a talented player and while this is a big step, we believe he is ready to develop within the first team environment and continue to sharpen his soccer abilities.”

Patrick McCraney

Monis is from Naperville, and has been with the Fire Juniors and Academy programs since 2015. In 19 appearances for the Academy, he scored ten goals and chipped in two assists.

He was also a key member of the U.S. U-16 Boys National Team that won the 2019 Nike Friendlies over Turkey. In the final match, Monis played a through ball to teammate Dante Sealy that resulted in the game-winning goal for the U.S.

Patrick McCraney