HERRIMAN, Utah (Wednesday, September 2, 2026) - Real Salt Lake has acquired striker Jason Shokalook from Chicago Fire FC in exchange for up to $200,000 in General Allocation Money (GAM divided between $50,000 in 2026 and $100,000 in 2027), plus an additional $50,000 GAM if certain performance-based incentives are met. Shokalook (pronounced SHOOK-uh-look) now calls the Wasatch Front home through December, 2026, with Club options for the 2027 and 2028 calendar years, with Chicago retaining a percentage of future trade / transfer.
“As a younger guy, coming to a Club with a reputation for giving young players the opportunity to play, that’s exciting to me to come here, work hard and be ready,“ said Shokalook, who will wear jersey No. 13 for RSL this season.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to work with Pablo (Mastroeni); his track record of making the playoffs every year, him being a former player, his understanding of what we face every day - that brings a certain level of excitement to me and to the whole locker room. Everyone around here senses it, from what I've heard around here since my first day yesterday.”
Shokalook, 23, joins Real Salt Lake with 10 Major League Soccer appearances under his belt, notching two assists. The Erie, Pennsylvania native made his MLS Fire debut on June 7, 2025, as an MLS NEXT Pro short-term callup from Chicago Fire II against D.C. United in a dominant 7-1 Fire win.
"Jason’s talent was clear during his time in Chicago," said Real Salt Lake Chief Soccer Officer Kurt Schmid.
"RSL gives him the opportunity to highlight his natural finishing ability while taking the next step in his overall development."
Prior to signing his first-team deal ahead of the 2026 MLS season, Shokalook finished the 2025 MLS NEXT Pro season as an MVP candidate, after securing the MLS NEXT Pro Golden Boot, scoring 20 goals in his 22 NEXT Pro appearances. Shokalook also notched four assists last year en route to being awarded MLS NEXT Pro Best XI honors.
After scoring 26 goals in 59 matches at the University of Akron, Shokalook was drafted with the 35th overall pick in the 2024 MLS SuperDraft to the Fire. In his final year at Akron, Shokalook was named a Second-Team All-American, First-Team All-East honoree, BIG EAST Offensive player of the Year and selected to the ALL-BIG EAST First-Team.
TRANSACTION: On Sept. 2, 2026, Real Salt Lake acquires FW Jason Shokalook from Chicago Fire FC in exchange for up to $200,000 in General Allocation Money ($50,000 in 2026 GAM, plus $100,000 in 2027 GAM, with the potential for an additional $50,000 GAM if certain performance-based incentives are met), with the player signed through December, 2026, and Club options for the 2027 and 2028 calendar years.
Jason Shokalook - #13
Position: Forward
Height: 6’1”
Weight: 160 lbs.
Date of Birth: Sept. 30, 2002
Hometown: Erie, Pa.
Birthplace: Erie, Pa.
Citizenship: USA
Last Club: Chicago Fire FC
RSL now hosts Western Conference rival Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) this Saturday, Sept. 5, with kickoff scheduled for 7:30 p.m. MT on Apple TV. Four of RSL’s next six matches during the month of September will be played at America First Field, where RSL owns a 10-2-2 (W-L-T) record across all competitions this year, with a dominant 18-5-4 (W-L-T) mark in Sandy since June 1, 2025. Tickets for all RSL and Utah Royals FC (NWSL) events are available at www.RSL.com/tickets.
RSL Next Match: 9/5 @ America First Field
Premier League star Son Heung-Min comes to America First Field as RSL takes on LAFC.
