Illinois Boxing or MMA Bond Overview
- Purpose: To hold boxing and full contact martial arts promoters responsible for financial and performance obligations
- Who Needs It: Professional and amateur boxing fighting event promoters
- Regulating Body: The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation — Athletic Unit
- Bond Requirement: $5,000 and $10,000 performance bond
- Minimum Price: $100 for a one-year term; credit-based
What Is an Illinois Boxing or FCMA Bond?
An Illinois boxing or full-body contact martial arts (FCMA) bond is a financial guarantee that fight contest promoters will follow state laws. The surety bond ensures events are run properly and participants are paid.
Who Needs a Boxing or MMA Bond?
The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) — Athletics Unit requires all professional and amateur FCMA and boxing promoters to have a $5,000 surety bond and a $10,000 performance bond.
Illinois legislation defines a “promoter” as a person who organizes or finances a contest. These bonds ensure they follow the Boxing and Full-Contact Martial Arts Act and are financially responsible for events.
Bond Coverage Requirements for Illinois FCMA or Boxing Promoters
Illinois promoters need two bonds with specific purposes.

How Much Do Boxing or MMA Bonds Cost in Illinois?
You need both the $5,000 surety bond and $10,000 performance bond to become licensed. Both bonds have a starting premium of $100 and require a soft credit check to determine your exact rate.
We also offer a 25% discount for the $5,000 promoter bond if you select a multi-year term. Get a free quote today!
SuretyBonds.com offers the lowest available rates from our nationwide provider network with no added fees.
How Does an Illinois Boxing or MMA Bond Work?
By purchasing Illinois boxing or MMA bonds, you enter a legal agreement with two other parties.
| Bond Party | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Principal | You, the FCMA or boxing promoter |
| 2. Obligee | The Department of Financial and Professional Regulation |
| 3. Surety | The issuing surety provider |
As the principal, you promise to fulfill your duties as an Illinois promoter. If you break contract terms, harmed parties can file a claim on the bond.
How Do I Get a Boxing or MMA Bond in Illinois?
To get your Illinois boxing promoter bonds, complete these three steps:
- Apply for a quote online
- Buy the bond online
- File the bond with the IDFPR
How Fast Can I Get My Bond?
You’ll get a bond quote within one business day or less. However, the DFPR requires you to file the physical bond form. We offer overnight, two-day and three-day shipping — just select your preference at checkout.
How Do I File My Bond?
File your bond by mailing it to the following address:
State of Illinois — Athletic Unit
555 West Monroe St., Ste 8-S
Chicago, IL 60661
Can I Get Bonded With Bad Credit?
You may still be able to get your promoter bond with a low personal credit score. We work with a variety of surety markets to approve 99% of applicants. If you’re worried about qualifying, read about our Bad Credit Bonding Options.
How Do I Renew My Bond?
Illinois fight promoter bonds expire annually. We’ll start sending reminders 90 days before the expiration date. Just view your quote and pay the invoice.
Call 1(800)-308-4358 if you have any questions.
How Do I Update My Bond Information?
If you need to fix basic information like name and address, your bond forms can often be updated with a bond rider. If you need to make bigger updates, a Customer Care Representative will help issue a new bond form.
How to Become a Boxing Promoter in Illinois
First, log in or create an account with the IDFPR online licensing system, CORE. Then, submit the following materials to get your promoter license:
- License application form
- Copy of government-issued ID
- SSN or TID, as appropriate
- A passport-style photo
- Payment for the application fee*
- A $5,000 surety bond
- A $10,000 performance bond
*Note: Amateur promoter applications cost $300 and professional FCMA/boxing applications cost $1,000.
Learn more about Boxing Promoter and FCMA Promoter license qualifications.
License Renewal
Illinois promoter licenses expire on September 30 of every odd numbered year. You can renew your license in August by maintaining your surety bonds, paying the $500 renewal fee, and submitting required forms.
Learn more about IDFPR Online License Renewals here.

