In a city as passionate about sports as Chicago, trophies aren’t just mementos — they’re badges of honor. From neighborhood Little League tournaments to competitive high school championships, local rec leagues to intramural college play, the Windy City is always buzzing with competition. And with competition comes recognition.
Sports awards do more than sit on shelves. They tell stories. They boost morale, reward hustle, and immortalize the grind. They’re the fist-bumps that last longer than a post-game handshake — a reminder of effort, teamwork, and excellence. And whether you’re recognizing kids just learning the game or veterans still lacing up for the love of it, you need awards that feel worthy of the moment.
Thankfully, Chicago has no shortage of trophy providers — but not all are created equal. From local family-run shops to well-oiled national chains with local outlets, we’ve rounded up the best places to get sports awards in the Chicago area. These are businesses that understand the meaning behind every medal and every engraving, and they go the extra mile to make sure your awards do too.
1. Viking Awards – The Go-To Source for Premium Sports Awards
📍 10405 W Cermak Rd, Westchester, IL 60154
🔗 Visit Viking Awards
Right in the heart of River North, Viking Awards blends decades of experience with a forward-thinking approach to award design. They’ve built a strong reputation in Chicago for offering high-end, personalized trophies and medals with quick turnaround times and exceptional craftsmanship.
What makes Viking stand out is their versatility. They cater to everyone from youth teams to professional leagues, offering everything from traditional column trophies and plaques to sleek acrylics and elegant crystal pieces. They’re also known for detailed custom engraving, full-color logo printing, and a collaborative design process that helps bring even the most niche visions to life.
Need 50 MVP trophies for a regional tournament by Friday? They’ve done it. Want a crystal plate engraved with your varsity football team’s slogan? No problem. Local pickup means you avoid shipping delays, and their in-store team is always ready to guide you toward the right choice for your budget and event type.
Viking isn’t just a store — it’s a partner in celebration. They’re as invested in your league’s success as you are.
2. Chicago Trophy – Best for Bulk Orders and Customization
📍 4019 W Irving Park Rd, Chicago, IL 60641
🔗 Visit Chicago Trophy
If you’re organizing a youth league, travel team, or multi-sport school season, Chicago Trophy is the shop that makes mass personalization simple. Located on the Northwest Side, this family-run business has served the local sports scene for over 30 years.
Chicago Trophy offers a deep catalog of affordable trophies, medals, ribbons, and plaques for every sport imaginable — from the classics like baseball and basketball to more specialized activities like fencing or cheer. But their real specialty is bulk orders. Coaches and event planners can walk in with a handwritten team roster, and the Chicago Trophy staff will handle engraving every individual player name, team name, and position with accuracy and care.
Their customization services are flexible and quick, with pricing tiers that reward larger quantities. Their turnaround is fast, their communication is consistent, and their attention to detail is on point. They’ve become a reliable name across Chicago Public Schools and local park district programs for good reason — they know how to handle volume without sacrificing quality.
3. Crown Trophy – Big Selection, Smooth Ordering
📍 103 W North Ave, Villa Park, IL 60181
🔗 Visit Crown Trophy Villa Park
Located just outside city limits in Villa Park, Crown Trophy brings the perks of a large national brand to local teams and organizations. Their massive inventory means you can find awards for virtually any sport, activity, or theme — and with customizable design templates, creating something personal is easy even on short notice.
Crown Trophy has become a staple for Chicagoland athletic directors, youth organizations, and private sports clubs who appreciate the ability to handle everything online. Their website allows for end-to-end trophy creation: choose your base, select your sport topper, add your engraving, and submit for local pickup or fast delivery.
Their awards range from budget-friendly plastic trophies for peewee soccer all the way to polished plaques and glass keepsakes for end-of-season banquets. The ability to mix and match materials, sizes, and styles makes Crown a flexible option for programs with tiered recognition needs (e.g. MVPs, Coaches’ Picks, Team Spirit Awards, etc.).
Their staff is responsive, and their Villa Park location makes local logistics easy if you’re based in the western suburbs or don’t mind a quick drive from the city.
4. Trophy Depot – Online Convenience, Nationwide Reliability
📍 Ships to Chicago from their central warehouse
While Trophy Depot isn’t headquartered in Chicago, they’ve become a popular option for local coaches and event organizers who need reliable shipping and fast service. Their streamlined online platform makes it easy to order sports awards in bulk, with hundreds of customizable designs for youth leagues, adult rec leagues, and school events.
Trophy Depot offers discounted pricing on larger orders, plus rush production options that are a lifesaver during the peak of tournament season. You’ll find everything from small participation medals to full-size championship cups. For customers who need things done without the in-person touch, their platform strikes a balance between ease and customization.
They also offer free engraving and quick turnarounds on most orders — two features that have earned them a loyal national customer base. If you’re based in Chicago but need flexibility beyond what a physical store offers, Trophy Depot is worth a look.
5. Awards International – For Premium Crystal and Glass Awards
📍 2000 W Carroll Ave, Chicago, IL 60612
For those planning a more formal athletic banquet or end-of-season celebration, Awards International brings a level of elegance to sports recognition. They specialize in crystal and glass awards, which are perfect for varsity MVPs, athletic scholarship honorees, or coaches retiring after decades of service.
Located near the West Loop, this provider blends old-school craftsmanship with modern laser engraving to produce awards that feel like works of art. While they aren’t the go-to for budget plastic trophies, they shine when your event calls for prestige. You’ll find beautiful beveled plaques, diamond-shaped crystal awards, and etched-glass commemorative pieces that elevate the recognition experience.
They also offer consultation and design services, helping teams create a unique presentation piece to mark career milestones or historic seasons.
Why Chicago Teams Take Their Awards Seriously
In a city as competitive and community-driven as Chicago, recognizing athletes isn’t just tradition — it’s essential. Whether it’s a Little League team’s first trophy or a college club’s end-of-season award night, these moments stick. They build confidence, reinforce commitment, and give young players something to strive toward. For older athletes, they’re proof that the work didn’t go unnoticed.
More importantly, sports awards help build a culture — one where effort matters, leadership is celebrated, and wins (big or small) are acknowledged. These trophies and plaques live on shelves, in trophy cases, and sometimes even in the backseat of a proud coach’s car, reminding everyone of what they achieved together.
That’s why choosing the right provider matters. You’re not just buying a plastic figure — you’re investing in memories.
Choosing the Right Award for Your Chicago Sports Event
Here’s what to consider when picking the best trophy shop or award type:
- Budget vs. Presentation: Need 100 small medals or one standout championship cup? Decide whether quantity or visual impact matters most.
- Event Type: End-of-season banquet? Youth tourney? Adult league playoffs? Match the formality and quality of the award to the tone of the event.
- Customization Needs: Some events need quick, simple engraving; others need full-color logos, player names, or team mottos. Know what your shop can handle.
- Local Pickup or Shipping: If your timeline is tight, go local. Many Chicago shops offer same-day pickup or rush engraving.
Final Thoughts
From the South Side to the suburbs, Chicago is full of athletes chasing greatness — and the trophies they earn tell that story. Whether you’re running a single game or a citywide tournament, the right sports award can elevate the moment and turn a game into a memory.
For teams, coaches, and event organizers, local Chicago award shops like Viking Awards, Chicago Trophy, and Awards International offer not just quality products but a level of service and community connection you won’t find online. Recognize the hustle, honor the heart, and choose an award provider that matches the energy your athletes bring to the game.
Let me know if you’d like this turned into a downloadable PDF or repurposed for another city next.
