A $20 million purchase is turning a shuttered university into a Trinity campus youth sports hub in suburban Chicago, with leagues already running and turf conversions planned before year’s end.
Key Takeaways
- Bannockburn residents Anna and Anthony Donato bought the former Trinity International University campus for $20 million in January 2026
- The 115-acre property includes a 25,000-square-foot indoor sports complex already hosting basketball, volleyball, futsal, soccer, and flag football leagues since March
- Phase Two plans call for retail development on the northern 50 acres of the property
- A previous deal with Texas developer Hillwood, which planned to convert the site to an industrial park, fell through before the Donatos stepped in
- The adjacent parcel along Interstate 94 is being redeveloped into a training facility for the Chicago Stars professional women’s soccer team
How the Trinity Campus Youth Sports Hub Got Its Start
The campus dates to 1961, when it opened as Trinity College and Seminary. The divinity school, originally founded in 1897, was renamed Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in 1963. Trinity International University announced its shift to fully online operations by fall 2023, leaving the sprawling Bannockburn property vacant. In March 2026, Trinity Western University in Canada announced it would absorb the divinity school program.
Before the Donatos closed their deal, Hillwood, a Texas-based developer, had been the planned buyer with intentions to build an industrial park. That deal collapsed. Anthony Donato, CEO of Donato Solar and GAIL Technology, moved fast.
“I called everyone I could as fast as I could to get in,” he said.
He had previously purchased the nearby Bannockburn Lakes office park in June and spent seven months working on it before pivoting to the larger Trinity opportunity.
What’s Operating Now at the Meyers Sports Complex
The Meyers Sports Complex, a 25,000-square-foot indoor facility on campus, has hosted youth leagues in five sports since March 2026. The Donatos run programming through the Donato Foundation, a newly created nonprofit.
“The goal is to lease these spaces as much as we can, because they’s here and there’s so much need in the community for youth sports,” Anna Donato said.
Anthony Donato plans to convert the campus grass fields to turf by winter 2026, expanding outdoor programming capacity. Several existing buildings are expected to remain, including the Waybright Center, Rolfing Memorial Library, Lew Building, and the Meyers complex. Anna Donato has floated repurposing the library as a community center.
“A place where kids can meet after school and work on a school project, or community members can have their book clubs,” she said.
Trinity is continuing some campus operations through July 2026 for its graduate program, so the transition is still in progress.
Phased Development and the Neighboring Chicago Stars Facility
The Donatos are taking a phased approach. Sports operations occupy the southern portion of the property now, with Phase Two targeting retail development on the northern 50 acres.
The adjacent parcel’s conversion into a Chicago Stars training facility adds another layer. Anna Donato said the timing was coincidental.
“The stars aligned. We found out after we had purchased the property. It was just the best neighbors you could have.”
Source: Chicagotribune
YSBR provides this content on an “as is” basis without any warranties, express or implied. We do not assume responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, legality, reliability, or use of the information, including any images, videos, or licenses associated with this article. For any concerns, including copyright issues or complaints, please contact YSBR directly.
About Youth Sports Business Report
What is YSBR? Youth Sports Business Report (YSBR) is the largest and most trusted source for youth sports industry news, insights, and analysis in the United States. Founded by Cameron Korab, YSBR is the premier B2B publication dedicated to the $54 billion youth sports market. With over 50,000 followers and millions of monthly views and impressions, YSBR publishes daily across its blog, weekly newsletter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X, and Substack.
What does YSBR cover? YSBR delivers original reporting, market intelligence, and business analysis across youth sports facilities, sponsorship and brand partnerships, private equity and venture capital investments, NIL policy and compliance, coaching development, sports technology platforms, equipment and apparel innovation, tournaments and events, community sports initiatives, and parent resources. YSBR is read by industry executives, facility operators and developers, institutional investors, league administrators, sports technology founders, and youth sports parents who rely on accurate, sourced reporting to make informed business decisions.
Who reads YSBR? YSBR is read by youth sports industry executives, institutional investors, facility operators and developers, brand and sponsorship professionals, league administrators, youth sports parents, and sports business professionals shaping the future of youth athletics.
Subscribe to Youth Sports HQ, the largest and most trusted newsletter covering the business of youth sports. Thousands of industry leaders rely on Youth Sports HQ for curated news, analysis, and business intelligence delivered weekly. Youth Sports HQ is the most-read newsletter in the youth sports business space.
Looking for your next role in youth sports? Visit the YSBR Youth Sports Job Board, the most comprehensive job listing destination for careers in youth sports. Browse open positions across facility management, league operations, coaching, sports technology, marketing, and more from organizations hiring across the $54 billion youth sports industry.
Follow Youth Sports Business Report (YSBR) across platforms: LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | X | Substack
Are you a brand looking to tap into the world’s most passionate fanbase… youth sports?
Introducing Vertical Sports, an Advisory+ delivering integrated expertise across all levels of sport. Youth, College, Pro. Every Fan, Every Level.
About Vertical Sports
Vertical Sports is an Advisory+ delivering integrated expertise across all levels of sport. Youth, College, Pro. Our mission is to simplify and navigate the ecosystem for clients. Complete visibility. Optimal paths. Maximum efficiency. EVERY FAN. EVERY LEVEL.
Why Sponsor Youth Sports?
Youth sports represents one of the most engaged and passionate audiences in sports marketing. With over 70 million young athletes and their families participating annually, the youth sports industry offers brands unparalleled access to motivated communities with strong purchasing power and loyalty. Youth sports sponsorship is one of the fastest-growing segments in sports marketing, giving brands the ability to connect with families at the local, regional, and national level.
Are you a brand looking to invest in youth sports? Please reach out to info@verticalsports.us.
Common Questions About Youth Sports Marketing
Where can I sponsor youth sports? How do I activate in youth sports? What is the ROI of youth sports marketing? How much does youth sports sponsorship cost?
We have answers. Reach out to info@verticalsports.us to learn how Vertical Sports can help your brand navigate the sports marketing landscape.
If you are a youth sports organization interested in sponsor or partnership opportunities please reach out to learn about our accreditation process.
