CHICAGO (Feb. 23, 2024) - Chicago Fire FC II today announced that the Club has signed forward Jason Shokalook to an MLS NEXT Pro contract. Shokalook, who was selected by the Fire with the No. 35 overall pick in the 2024 MLS SuperDraft, is under contract through the 2025 season. Per Club policy, financial terms were not disclosed.
“We are very happy to welcome Jason to Chicago Fire FC II,” said Chicago Fire FC II General Manager Alex Boler. “We have followed his successful college career for a while and believe he has all the qualities to make an impact in this Club. He is a striker that has a high soccer IQ and is driven to compete and improve every day.”
Shokalook, 21, joins the Fire after a four-year career at the University of Akron. As a member of the Zips, Shokalook was voted the 2023 BIG EAST Offensive Player of the Year after making 17 appearances and leading the team in goals (14) and assists (five). Over the course of his career in northeast Ohio, the young forward played in 59 matches (41 starts) and scoring 26 goals and 17 assists during his tenure with Akron.
“Jason was excellent on both sides of the ball at the collegiate level,” said Chicago Fire FC II Head Coach Ludovic Taillandier. “He has a great mentality, and we feel that his leadership, along with his ability to find the back of the net will positively impact our roster as we head into the 2024 regular season. We are excited to welcome him to Chicago.”
Before Akron joined the BIG EAST Conference in 2023, Shokalook shined when the university played in the Mid-American Conference (MAC). During his junior year, he earned First Team All-MAC honors, as well as a second team All-Region selection in the United States Coaches poll in 2021.
Prior to his time at Akron, Shokalook was a member of the Internationals Academy in the U.S. Development Academy. As a member of the Internationals, he was voted as the No. 12 best forward by TopDrawerSoccer.com in 2020.
Transaction: Chicago Fire FC II signs forward Jason Shokalook to an MLS NEXT Pro contract through the 2025 season.
Name: Jason Shokalook
Position: Forward
Height: 6’1
Weight: 160
Date of Birth: Sept. 30, 2002
Hometown: Erie, Pa.
Birthplace: Erie, Pa.
Citizenship: USA
Last Club: University of Akron (NCAA)
