01 — The Story
Raised in the cold. Forged in the breakdown.
“I am Iñupiaq. Every time I pull on the jersey I carry Anchorage with me.”
Jake Kinneeveauk grew up in Anchorage, Alaska — a long way from any rugby heartland. An Iñupiaq athlete with an unusual blend of size and speed, he found the sport at the University of Utah and never looked back, earning All-Conference honors in each of his final two seasons before graduating in 2024.
The Chicago Hounds selected him in the second round of the 2024 MLR Draft. His professional debut came in Week 10 against the Seattle Seawolves — seven minutes, two tackles, and a statement of intent. A contract extension followed, then a Midwest Premiership title with the Chicago Lions in the fall.
In 2026 he featured in nine matches as the Hounds went unbeaten, dismantled Old Glory 59–22 in the semi-final, and lifted the Major League Rugby Shield at SeatGeek Stadium. Nine wins, zero losses, one champion from the 61st parallel.
- Breakdown work
- Tackle rate
- Ball carrying
- Lineout option
- Versatile 6 / 7 / 8