A study by Niche ranks the top 25 Illinois high schools for athletes in 2026, based on various factors including state championships and student participation. Illinois continues to produce elite athletes and schools with strong athletic programs.
Key points
Niche study ranks top 25 Illinois high schools for athletes in 2026
Ranking based on student feedback and athletic performance
Illinois has a history of producing elite athletes
Factors include state championships and sports participation
Illinois high school sports has held the spotlight for decades, creating origin stories for legends like Olympians Jackie Joyner-Kersee and Bonnie Blair as well as NFL Hall of Famer Dick Butkus.
To this day, from the greater Chicago area and beyond, Illinois has produced top-tier schools and athletes. That next wave of greats who are creating a new chapter for high school athletics across the Prairie State.
Which Illinois high schools are considered the best for athletes in 2026?
According to one study conducted by Niche, which accounts for survey feedback from students and parents—accounting for "reviews of athletics, number of state championships, student participation in athletics, and the number of sports offered at the school"—and data from the U.S. Department of Education, these are the top 25.
Hononegah's Jordan Dimke (33)heads towards the basket during a sectionals game on Feb. 20, 2024 at McHenry High School.
Hononegah's Jordan Dimke (33)heads towards the basket during a sectionals game on Feb. 20, 2024 at McHenry High School.
25. Lake Zurich High School
Total number of sports: 22
24. Libertyville High School
Total number of sports: 31
23. Sacred Heart-Griffin High School (Springfield)
Total number of sports: 23
22. Barrington High School
Total number of sports: 29
21. John Hershey High School (Arlington Heights)
Total number of sports: 32
20. Prairie Ridge High School (Crystal Lake)
Total number of sports: 21
19. Lemont Township High School (Lemont)
Total number of sports: 26
18. Evanston Township High School (Evanston)
Q&A
What are the top 25 high schools for athletes in Illinois for 2026?
The top 25 high schools for athletes in Illinois for 2026 are ranked based on student feedback and athletic performance metrics.
How does Niche rank Illinois high schools for athletics?
Niche ranks schools based on survey feedback from students and parents, including reviews of athletics, state championships, and the number of sports offered.
Who are some famous athletes from Illinois high schools?
Illinois high schools have produced legendary athletes like Olympians Jackie Joyner-Kersee and Bonnie Blair, as well as NFL Hall of Famer Dick Butkus.
What factors contribute to a high school's ranking in athletics?
Factors include the number of state championships, student participation in athletics, and the variety of sports offered at the school.
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Total number of sports: 34
17. New Trier Township High School (Winnetka)
Total number of sports: 38
16. Neuqua Valley High School (Naperville)
Total number of sports: 24
15. Naperville North High School (Naperville)
Total number of sports: 27
14. York Community High School (Elmhurst)
Total number of sports: 28
13. Whitney M. Young Magnet High School (Chicago)
Total number of sports: 25
12. Fenwick High School (Oak Park)
Total number of sports: 31
11. Benet Academy (Lisle)
Total number of sports: 25
Blake Fagbemi of Benet Academy leads a break in a quarterfinal game at the 93rd Pontiac Holiday Tournament.
Blake Fagbemi of Benet Academy leads a break in a quarterfinal game at the 93rd Pontiac Holiday Tournament.
10. St. Rita of Cascia High School (Chicago)
Total number of sports: 15
9. Maine South High School (Park Ridge)
Total number of sports: 27
8. Homewood-Flossmoor High School (Flossmoor)
Total number of sports: 29
7. St. Charles North High School (Saint Charles)
Total number of sports: 31
6. Nazareth Academy (La Grange Park)
Total number of sports: 23
5. Glenbard West High School (Glen Ellyn)
Total number of sports: 28
Apr 6, 2019; Arcadia, CA, USA; Katelynne Hart of Glenbard West poses with her medal after winning the girls 3,200m in 9:59.57 during the 52nd Arcadia Invitational at Arcadia High.
Apr 6, 2019; Arcadia, CA, USA; Katelynne Hart of Glenbard West poses with her medal after winning the girls 3,200m in 9:59.57 during the 52nd Arcadia Invitational at Arcadia High.
4. Marist High School (Chicago)
Total number of sports: 30
3. Lincoln-Way East High School (Frankfort)
Total number of sports: 24
2. Mount Carmel High School (Chicago)
Total number of sports: 17
1. Loyola Academy (Wilmette)
Total number of sports: 35
Loyola Academy's Marco Maldonado (4) breaks free on a touchdown run against Rochester in the first half at Hoerster Field in Wilmette, Ill., Saturday, September 4, 2021.
Loyola Academy's Marco Maldonado (4) breaks free on a touchdown run against Rochester in the first half at Hoerster Field in Wilmette, Ill., Saturday, September 4, 2021.