Player Pathway

One Network.One Pathway.

Every Chicago Rush player has a place — and a path. From your first local camp to national showcases, our connected network of clubs gives you a clear path forward at every age and level.

Find Tryouts → See the Pathway

The Ladder

Where Players Compete

Opportunities for every player — all the way up to the highest levels of competition in the country.

Tier 01 · National Top

GA Aspire

National · Top Tier

Our highest girls platform, competing in the Girls Academy Aspire league with regional play, national showcases, and a national championship at season's end.

Tier 01 · National Top

Elite Academy · National

Our highest boys platform — Elite Academy competition with national exposure and the opportunities for college recruitment.

Tier 02 · National League

DPL

National · Regional Platform

Development Player League — high-level league play managed by GA, with structured competition and a direct stepping stone toward GA Aspire.

Tier 02 · National League

New Comp / NPL

National · Regional Platform

National Premier League competition — our second-tier boys platform offering competitive league play and a path up to Elite Academy.

Tier 03 · Club

Club Teams

Full Club · Composite

The foundation of every Rush affiliate. Local club teams competing in regional leagues, with composite teams pulled from across the network for select events.

Tier 03 · Club

Club Teams

Full Club · Composite

The foundation of every Rush affiliate. Local club teams competing in regional leagues, with composite teams pulled from across the network for select events.

The Elite Umbrella

Rush Select.

Everything above club travel sits under Rush Select — our identification and representation program for players competing at the highest levels. Select is how players get seen, evaluated, and earn their place on regional and national rosters.

Open to All Levels Identification & Representation National Reach

Rush Fest & Local Camps

All Players Welcome

Open to every Chicago Rush player. Rush Fest is a national U12/U13 program in Colorado each summer. Local programs run year-round for all age groups.

Select ID Events

Higher-Level Players

Geared toward top players and composite team builds. High-level training and identification — Rush Select staff begin formally evaluating players for the next level.

Select Regional

By Nomination

Top performers nominated to Rush Regional teams. Compete at the International Rush Cup representing Chicago Rush at the regional level.

Select National

By Invitation

Best regional players earn invitations to Rush National teams. PDP and national college showcases with coaches from across the country.

Three Ways to Play

Team Structures

Type 01

Club Travel Team

A single-club roster from one Rush affiliate. Your player's home team, training and competing together all season.

Type 02

Composite Team

The best of our network — players selected from across multiple Rush affiliates to form one elite roster for league or event play.

Type 03

Select Pool

An identification group, not a fixed roster. Players are chosen for events, showcases, and Regional/National team opportunities.

Common Questions

For Parents

How do I know which tier is right for my player?

Tryouts are the answer. Every player is evaluated by Rush coaches and placed on a team that matches their current level — and there's room to move up as they develop. If you're new to Rush, the best first step is to attend a tryout in your area.

What's the difference between a Club Team and Rush Select?

Club Teams are your player's regular season team — practices, league games, tournaments. Rush Select is a parallel pathway focused on identification and elite representation. Players in any tier can be invited into Select. The two run alongside each other.

Can my player move between tiers during their time at Rush?

Yes — that's the point of the pathway. Players move up as they earn it, and our coaches communicate openly about development goals. Movement between affiliates within the network is also possible to find the right fit.

What ages does the pathway cover?

The full pathway runs from youth through U19. Younger ages typically begin in Club Team play, with Rush Fest available at U12/U13 nationally. Tier-one platforms (GA Aspire, EA) generally run U13–U19.

How does the network of Rush affiliates work?

Chicago Rush is a connected network of affiliated clubs across Chicagoland — including Rush North, Rush South, and Rush Oswego. Players train at their local affiliate but share access to the same elite pathway, composite teams, and Select opportunities.