The “Ring of Fire” tribute began in 2003 in an effort to honor members of the Chicago Fire who have made the team a successful organization and who displayed the qualities the club embodies: leadership, dedication and integrity. The Fire’s unique Hall of Fame – the first created by a Major League Soccer club – began in 2003, when Fire midfielder and captain Peter Nowak became the inaugural member. The Chicago Fire, in consultation with the current “Ring of Fire” members, select the next honoree.
Nowak chose a hometown hero to be added into the select group in 2004 by nominating Fire forward and Chicago native Frank Klopas. Former Fire defender Lubos Kubik was then bestowed the honor in 2005, while in 2006 the award went full circle with the induction of Peter Wilt. In 2007, former head coach Bob Bradley was selected to join former Fire alumni in recognition for being the club's winningest coach of all time. In 2009, the Fire inducted MLS Original, 1998 MLS Cup Winner and seven-time MLS All-Star Chris Armas into the “Ring of Fire.” The club then inducted the its longest tenured player and winner of six domestic championships C.J. Brown in 2012, and most recently added Ante Razov's jersey to the group in 2015.
In honor of each inductee, a banner with each member’s name have been hung prominently behind the south goal at Soldier Field.