Former West Ham United striker Marlon Harewood joined members of the Chicago Hammers Official Supporters’ Club to cheer on Graham Potter’s team from across the Pond for Saturday’s 1-1 Premier League draw with Everton.
Harewood was in Chicago as the Irons began the countdown to the Premier League Summer Series, which will see us take on Manchester United, Everton and Bournemouth in the United States of America in late July and early August.
West Ham will face Everton in Chicago on 30 July, and with the east Londoners also going head-to-head with the Toffees at the weekend, it was the perfect time to spread the Claret and Blue word in the Windy City.
Harewood, who scored 56 goals in 170 games in West Ham colours between 2003 and 2007, made the early start to meet the Hammers who packed out AJ Hudson’s Public House for the 10am CDT (3pm GMT) kick-off.
There, they saw Tomáš Souček stroke the visitors into a second-half lead, and although Jake O’Brien found a last-gasp leveller, the Claret and Blue Army gathered Stateside relished the opportunity of having a Club legend join them for their regular match viewing.
Matt Gregory, Vice-Chair of Chicago Hammers, said: “To have West Ham come back and visit Chicago again shows how much the Club recognise the passionate and dedicated support of fans here in the US. You can see from the photos the loyalty and commitment that Hammers here in Chicago have for West Ham, and if Saturday was anything to go by, we'll have tremendous support for the team when they visit us in the summer.
“It was great to share what our matchday experience is like with Marlon and representatives of the Club. Having been a Season Ticket Holder for a long time when I was living back in England, I was so pleased that the Club got to see first-hand just how much West Ham United means to our group here in Chicago.
“This supporters' group has grown and grown over the years. From five of us huddled around a laptop in a bar to packing the pub and having Marlon join us on Saturday is an incredible journey. St. Patrick's weekend is a big deal in Chicago, and seeing Marlon chat to fans and recognise some of the people who have worked so hard to get the Chicago Hammers to where it is today was a really special moment."
John Novick Jr, Chicago Hammers Vice-Chair, added: “When it comes to Premier League football, Chicago is a West Ham town, and the Chicago Hammers are great hosts.
“Irons supporters over land and sea should get here this summer for the 30 July match against Everton. What a legendary night that promises to be at Soldier Field.”
AJ Hudson’s with the @ChicagoHammers and @Mazer_9 on a sunny Saturday WHAT A VIBE 😎⚒️
Summer Series incoming… pic.twitter.com/2jtsDHawQm— West Ham United US (@WestHam_US) March 17, 2025
Harewood said: “It was amazing to head to AJ Hudson’s on Saturday morning to meet the Chicago Hammers and cheer on the boys against Everton. It is truly outstanding to see first-hand the passion, culture and love there is for the Club in all four corners of the world, but in particular when we visit our fans in the USA.
“The atmosphere was electric in Chicago on Saturday, I can only imagine what it will be like with our fans packed into Solider Field when we face Everton in the Premier League Summer Series on 30 July.”
Chicago Hammers is one of our most engaged and passionate Official Supporters’ Groups around the world. Formed in 2011 and boasting hundreds of fervent supporters as members, they gather for every matchday at AJ Hudson’s, offering a home from home for Hammers in the American Midwest.
Wherever you are in the world, being part of an Official Supporters' Club (OSC) is a great way to come together to show your support for West Ham United in your local area and to meet fellow Hammers who share the same passion as you for the Claret and Blue Army. With over 130 registered Official Supporters’ Clubs from every corner of the globe, you’re sure to find one near you. Click HERE to find out more.
Saturday’s match viewing came after a busy Friday, in which Harewood was joined by Club mascot Hammerhead to give away 137 pizzas to Chicago locals - exactly 137 days before we are due to play Everton at the city’s iconic Soldier Field stadium.
Linking up with legendary Chicago pizzeria Lou Malnati’s - Chicago is home to the world-famous deep dish pizza - the duo handed out the West Ham-branded pizzas at landmark sites throughout the city. You can read more about that by clicking HERE.
Tickets for the Premier League Summer Series are on General Sale now! Click HERE to book your place to see us take on Manchester United, Everton and AFC Bournemouth in the United States this July and August.
