J. Reynolds Chicago Fire FC Defender 36 Strengthens Backline in 2025 Season
Justin Reynolds is starting to make his mark as a young defender for Chicago Fire FC, wearing number 36. Since joining the club in 2023, Reynolds has brought a burst of energy and grit to the back line.
At just 20 years old, standing 5’10” and weighing 170 pounds, he made his MLS debut in 2024. That debut really kicked off a new chapter in his career, and you can feel the excitement around him.
Fans have noticed those tough tackles and the way he holds his ground on defense. You can see his confidence growing every time he steps out there, and the coaches clearly trust him more and more.
For a team looking for consistency in defense, Justin Reynolds is quickly becoming a name to circle for the future. He’s not flashy, but he gets the job done.
| Name | Club | Position | Number | Age | Height | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Justin Reynolds | Chicago Fire FC | Defender | 36 | 20 | 5’10” | 170 lbs |
Contents
Player Profile
Justin Reynolds is a rising defender for Chicago Fire FC. He’s built a reputation for reliability and hustle every time he takes the field.
Age and Date of Birth
Born on April 8, 2004, Reynolds is 21 years old as of June 2025. Pretty wild to think he’s already locked down a spot on the Fire’s roster at such a young age.
He started his professional journey early, which says a lot about his talent and how hard he’s worked. Around the league, people talk about how quickly he’s adapted to the pace and physicality of Major League Soccer.
Reynolds joined the senior squad in 2023 after working his way up through the Fire’s youth academy. Those early years in the system gave him a solid base and set him up for regular first-team action.
If you’re following his story, his age means he’s got plenty of time to keep growing.
Quick Facts
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Age | 21 years |
| Date of Birth | April 8, 2004 |
| Jersey Number | 36 |
Physical Attributes
Reynolds stands about 5’11” and usually lines up as a right-back. He leans on his speed and strength, which really helps in those one-on-one battles.
He’s right-footed, letting him make those overlapping runs and defend the flank with confidence. His build gives him balance against bigger attackers and keeps him steady when the pressure’s on.
Scouts and coaches have pointed out his quick feet, high work rate, and knack for turning defense into attack. He doesn’t just depend on his size—his awareness and positioning set him apart.
These qualities let him match up against all sorts of forwards. His fitness is top-notch, so he’s always up and down the field, helping out wherever he’s needed.
Physical Stats
| Attribute | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Height | 5’11” (180 cm) |
| Preferred foot | Right |
Birthplace and Background
Chicago, Illinois is home for Justin Reynolds. He grew up in the city, working his way through local youth systems before signing with Chicago Fire FC II.
You can really see his loyalty to the club and the city every time he plays. Growing up in Chicago’s competitive soccer scene shaped his approach and attitude.
Reynolds is a homegrown player—he climbed up the Fire’s academy ranks before breaking into the first team. That connection to the city is a big part of his story, and you can tell he’s proud to represent his hometown.
If you want more details on his journey, check out his player profile.
Club Career
Justin Reynolds is turning heads as a young defender, moving up through Chicago Fire FC’s system and stepping up when the team needs him most.
He’s even picked up some experience overseas and played key roles with the development squads.
Chicago Fire FC
Reynolds kicked off his pro career by signing as a Homegrown Player with Chicago Fire FC in 2022. He made the jump to the first team before the 2023 season and debuted on July 20, 2024, against Inter Miami.
He’s shown his versatility by filling in at both right-back and left-back, especially when injuries hit the squad. In 2024, Reynolds made nine appearances across all competitions.
Chicago Fire FC First Team Stats (2024):
| Season | Appearances | Goals | Assists | Position |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 9 | 0 | 0 | Right, Left Back |
The Fire’s focus on homegrown talent is clear, and Reynolds is a great example. Wearing No. 36, he’s won over the coaching staff by consistently stepping up when called upon.
Loan to FC Lugano
A big step for Reynolds came with a loan move to FC Lugano in the Swiss Super League on March 12, 2024. The club sent him to Europe to get a taste of a new environment and sharpen his skills, following a growing MLS trend.
In Switzerland, Reynolds had to adjust to a more physical and tactical style of play. The competition for minutes was fierce—exactly what a young defender needs to raise his game.
He didn’t rack up a ton of appearances, but the experience gave him a fresh perspective and helped him grow. Sometimes that’s just as important as the minutes on the pitch.
MLS NEXT Pro and Chicago Fire FC II
Before making the first team, Reynolds logged serious minutes with Chicago Fire FC II in MLS NEXT Pro. Facing top young talent, he sharpened his skills at right back and proved he was ready for the next step.
His steady play and defensive instincts made him stand out at that level. Chicago Fire FC II counted on him to mark the other team’s top attackers, and he delivered.
That consistency made a real difference and helped him earn his shot with the senior squad.
Achievements with MLS NEXT U-19 Championship
Reynolds can point to a big youth highlight: winning the MLS NEXT U-19 Championship with Chicago Fire. He played a central role on that U-19 team, showing leadership and technical ability.
That title run boosted his confidence and prepared him for the pro game. It also sent a message—Reynolds knows how to step up in big moments.
Playing Position and Style
Justin Reynolds is a homegrown guy for Chicago Fire FC, mainly playing right-back. He’s known for his speed and tackling, and those are the traits that set him apart.
Defender Role
Reynolds lines up at right-back, which is no easy gig in today’s game. He’s been with Chicago Fire since joining the academy in 2014.
When he got promoted to the senior team, the coaches started relying on him for defensive work on the right. He’s responsible for tracking wingers, intercepting passes, and winning those one-on-one battles.
He doesn’t just sit back—he’ll push forward to support the attack if the moment’s right. Reynolds is comfortable on the ball, which helps the team build from the back.
He wears number 36, and after years with the academy and second team, he finally made his MLS debut in 2024. His contract runs through 2026, so the club clearly believes in his potential.
Position Table
| Position | Primary Role | Jersey Number | Years with Chicago Fire |
|---|---|---|---|
| Right-back | Defender | 36 | Since 2014 |
Player Strengths and Skills
People rave about Reynolds’ speed and defensive awareness. He covers ground fast and can recover against even the quickest attackers.
Tackling is a real strength—he’s not afraid to step in and break up plays. When he’s got the ball, he likes to keep it simple with short passes, making sure the team keeps possession.
He’s always looking to overlap and help out the midfield, adding another dimension to the attack. You can see his academy background in the way he stays disciplined and reads the game.
Coaches appreciate how he anticipates plays and positions himself well. Even though he’s not the tallest, he competes hard in the air and rarely backs down.
Those qualities make him a great fit as a homegrown player, and he’s become a valuable piece of the Chicago Fire defense.
For more stats and info, take a look at his Chicago Fire FC profile and MLS player page.
National and International Experience
Justin Reynolds has been quietly building his reputation with Chicago Fire FC and through his time with U.S. youth teams. Those national team appearances gave him a taste of high-level competition and helped shape his game.
US Youth International Appearances
Reynolds has pulled on the U.S. jersey at youth international levels, showing reliability and discipline at the back. He first got noticed while playing for the Fire Academy, and those call-ups paved the way for his pro career.
Here’s a quick look at his U.S. youth international record:
| Year | Team Level | Caps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | U-19 | 3 | 0 |
| 2022 | U-20 | 2 | 0 |
He usually played right back for those teams, staying focused on defensive duties and working for the group. He didn’t score, but coaches valued his effort and consistency.
These experiences helped make him a more dependable option for both club and country.
Contract and Roster Details
Justin Reynolds has a contract with Chicago Fire FC that runs through the 2026 MLS season. His homegrown status and place on the supplemental roster shape his role and opportunities.
Homegrown Player Status
Reynolds signed with the Fire as a homegrown player after coming up through the academy. This path lets the club sign local talent directly, skipping the MLS SuperDraft and giving Chicago an edge in developing their own.
He’s one of several homegrown contract signings for the Fire and actually shares the roster with his brother, Andre Reynolds II. Homegrown deals are structured a bit differently, giving the club more flexibility and helping players develop.
For Reynolds, this contract keeps him in the organization through at least 2026. The deal runs four years starting in 2023, with a club option for one more.
That’s a nice reward for his hard work in the academy and his potential at the next level. If you want to dig deeper, you can check his signing details.
Supplemental Roster Category
All right, folks, let’s talk about Justin Reynolds and his spot on the supplemental roster with Chicago Fire FC. In MLS, teams use this category for young talent and homegrowns—sort of a clever way to stay under the salary cap while still betting on the future.
This roster placement gives Reynolds a little job security and a solid shot to keep growing with the first team. Teams love this setup because players on the supplemental roster don’t always count fully against the salary budget. That makes it easier for clubs to hold onto and promote their own academy products.
You can check out Reynolds’s current contract details on MLS contract databases, and it’s locked in from 2023 through 2026.
Reynolds’s Roster and Contract Stats
| Year | Contract Type | Roster Spot | Salary | Club Option |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Homegrown | Supplemental | $138,761 | No |
| 2024 | Homegrown | Supplemental | $138,761 | No |
| 2025 | Homegrown | Supplemental | $138,761 | No |
| 2026 | Homegrown | Supplemental | $138,761 | Yes |
So for Reynolds, this means he can fight for minutes, give the Fire some cap flexibility, and help the club build depth without breaking the bank.
Family and Connections
Justin Reynolds has really built his soccer career on Chicago roots. His family legacy runs deep in local soccer, and he’s got a pretty close connection to another pro player.
Andre Reynolds II
Here’s a fun fact—Andre Reynolds II, Justin’s older brother, also plays professional soccer. Both of them have worn the Chicago Fire badge, which brings a real family vibe to the roster.
They’ve both come up through the same system, showing just how much family and environment can shape a player.
Quick facts:
- Both played for Chicago Fire FC
- Both signed as Homegrown Players
- Positions: Andre (Defender), Justin (Defender)
- Justin joined the academy in 2014
The Reynolds brothers give fans a cool storyline—siblings pushing each other, both on and off the field. Their rise really shows how family support and shared experiences can mold athletic talent.
When Justin signed, it definitely got attention. He joined a roster that already had his big brother, and that just underlines the Reynolds family’s growing legacy with the Chicago Fire FC organization.
Noteworthy Matches
Justin Reynolds has started to make a name for himself with Chicago Fire FC. He’s earned key minutes and looks like a reliable defender in the making.
His first real test against tough MLS competition set the tone for his season.
Debut Against Philadelphia Union
Reynolds made his big debut against Philadelphia Union. This wasn’t just any game—it was MLS Pro Decision Day, with playoff implications on the line.
Chicago Fire coaches put their trust in Reynolds and started him. That says a lot about how ready he looked all season.
He played right-back and had his hands full with Philly’s fast wingers. Reynolds racked up several clearances and blocked crosses, holding his own in one-on-one battles.
Match Stats Table:
| Category | Stat |
|---|---|
| Minutes | 90 |
| Tackles | 3 |
| Clearances | 4 |
| Fouls | 1 |
| Cards | 0 |
His performance helped the Fire get a crucial result, pushing them closer to a home playoff match. For a young defender, that’s a heck of a first step.
If you want to dive deeper, check out the full 2024 season review.
Off-Field Aspects
Justin Reynolds stands out for his journey through the Chicago Fire academy and his move up to the first team.
Off the field, his story is about sticking with it and learning to handle pressure—something every young player faces, right?
Personal Challenges
Let’s talk about Reynolds. The kid came up through the Chicago Fire system starting way back in 2014, and by 2022, he inked that Homegrown deal—pressure was on. He had to step up as a dependable defender and prove he could handle the jump from youth soccer to the big MLS stage.
Off the field, Reynolds juggled personal growth with team duties. When injuries hit the squad, he got called up for more minutes, and he didn’t shy away from the challenge. He worked hard to stay physically sharp and mentally locked in.
You won’t find any headlines about addiction or controversy with Reynolds—he’s kept his nose clean, stayed focused, and let his play do the talking. That professionalism? It’s been a huge part of his steady climb with the club.
Curious for more about his journey in Chicago? Check out his official MLS profile.
