Loyola Park Dolphins and Kelvyn Park Hurricanes Face Off in the Mum Bowl October 25; Chicago Park Public Schools Girls' Flag Football All-Stars Compete
CHICAGO— Soldier Field, the Stadium in a Park, will host the 76th Annual Junior Bear Football Championship between the Loyola Park Dolphins and the Kelvyn Park Hurricanes on Saturday, October 25, 2025. Parking and entry to Soldier Field will be free and gates open at 10:30 a.m. Prior to the Championship Game, the Chicago Public Schools Girls Flag Football All-Stars will compete in an All-Star game from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Then, Junior Bear Football players will honor their parents and guardians with the chrysanthemum ceremony at 11:30 a.m. The Mum Bowl will kickoff at 12:00 p.m. At halftime, each Junior Bear Football team nominates a player to be recognized for the Walter Payton award for leadership.
Over 450 players ages 11 to 13, including 20 young women, were rostered across 15 Junior Bear varsity teams. Over 70 girls participated as cheerleaders. Many of these players will be in the stands at Soldier Field to cheer on their peers. This is the Loyola Park Dolphins’ inaugural year in the league.
“I am so proud that young athletes, who have already made history in their community parks. Now they will have the opportunity to leave a legacy at Soldier Field, Chicago’s largest stage,” said General Superintendent and CEO Carlos Ramirez-Rosa. “This is an event about family, sportsmanship, and neighborhood pride. We’re thrilled to welcome stadium visitors from across the city to celebrate Chicago’s young football players.”
The Junior Bear Football program is made possible through support from Bears Care, the philanthropic arm of the Chicago Bears.
ENTRY TO SOLDIER FIELD
Entry to Soldier Field via gate 0, located at 1410 Special Olympics Dr., will be free for spectators, and free parking is available in the Waldron lot, located at 458 E. 18th Dr. Concessions will be available for purchase, and general admission seating will be offered in sections 101 through 145.
MUM BOWL RUN OF SHOW
10:30 A.M.- CPS Girls Flag Football All-Star Game
11:30 A.M.- Chrysanthemum Ceremony (See Description Below)
12:00 P.M.- Mum Bowl Championship Kickoff
APPROX. 1:00 P.M. - Halftime: Walter Payton Award Ceremony (See Below)
APPROX. 1:20 P.M. - Mum Bowl Championship Play Resumes
MUM BOWL TRADITIONS
Chrysanthemum “Mum” Ceremony
The Mum Bowl is named for the Chrysanthemum flower. Starting at 11:30 a.m., all players from each team will lineup, and have their name called one by one to present a Chrysanthemum Flower to their mother or guardian as a gesture of gratitude for their support throughout the season.
Walter Payton Award
The Walter Payton Award is an honor that recognizes exemplary leadership, integrity, and academic achievement. Coaches from each Junior Bear team nominate one player from their roster who will be recognized by name at centerfield during the halftime break. Among the 15 nominees, one player will be awarded the distinction.
CHAMPIONSHIP-CALIBER STAFF
Marlenni Laureano, who serves as Senior Project Manager at the Chicago Park District, is the first female commissioner of Junior Bear Football in its 76-year history. This is Laureano’s fourth season as commissioner and her 15th year with the Chicago Park District. She was a cheerleader for 6 years on the Kelvyn Park Hurricanes.
For more information, visit Junior Bear Football.