COLE

Owner, Coalition Strength & Conditioning

You can find more details about him here.

Credentials: ACSM Certified Exercise Physiologist (ACSM-EP), Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT), Master of Science | Applied Exercise Science - Strength & Conditioning, Master of Science | Sport & Exercise Psychology, Gray Institute Certified in Applied Functional Science (CAFS), USA Weightlifting (USAW) Level 1

Craig

Craig has been involved in fitness and sports from the very beginning. He comes from a family of successful wrestlers, so his dream was to become a multi-time state champion. He received scholarship opportunities to wrestle at Division 1 schools, but sadly lost them due to a major injury. Craig moved on to run track & field, finding success and later running at Western Illinois University. After college, he did a heavy rotation in competitive weightlifting and powerlifting.

While studying exercise science, Craig was able to work closely with all types of athletes to better help his understanding of specified training and fitness. He is the owner of a boutique fitness studio located in Lake Forest, focusing largely on general population clients. Now his passion is to help fellow athletes become fit, strong, intelligent and well-rounded in their said sport.

Credentials: Bachelor of Science | Exercise Science Western Illinois University, ACSM Certified Personal Trainer (ACSM-CPT), ACSM Special Populations, USA Weightlifting (USAW) Level 1, USA Track & Field

EDDY

After participating in track and cross country, Eddy knew he needed something else that would challenge him…then he found CrossFit. He started CrossFit his freshman year of college and hasn’t looked back - he knew he found his niche. From that point on, Eddy realized that he enjoys helping others achieve their goals, leading him to pursue a career in coaching.

He began coaching CrossFit in 2019 and has continued to find ways to better develop his skills in order to provide the best service possible. Outside of Eddy’s commitments with coaching, the gym is his life so you will most likely find him working out in his free time. Other than that, he enjoys hanging out with friends and family on special occasions.

Credentials: Bachelor of Science | Exercise Science, USA Weightlifting (USAW) Level 1, CrossFit Level 1, CrossFit Gymnastics, CrossFit Aerobic Capacity

Eric

Eric is the Director of Strength & Conditioning at George Washington University, having previously been a Strength & Conditioning Coach at UIC from 2013-2021. In his time at UIC, he had experience working with all of UIC’s sports - giving him a diverse experience to draw from. An Iowa native, he played football at the University of Iowa from 2007-2011. In 2012, he was an undrafted free agent with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Following football and moving to Chicago he needed a competitive outlet. Enter weightlifting. His first competition was in the Fall of 2014 at the Chicago Open held at Coalition. He now supports our Oly programming remotely as the Assistant Athletics Director/Director of Strength & Conditioning for George Washington University.

Eric enjoys the process of helping athletes improve. He is committed to designing programs that emphasize consistent improvement through accumulation of quality repetitions, developing better technique and resilience through variations and accessory work, and most importantly improving strength qualities to support weightlifting success.

Credentials: Masters of Science | Kinesiology, NSCA Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), CSCCa Strength & Condtioning Coach Certified (SCCC), Reflexive Performance Reset (RPR) Level 2 

Henry

Originally from Los Angeles, this California transplant has been doing CrossFit since 2012. His athletic background stems from a history of gymnastics and swimming. After doing CrossFit for so long as an athlete he felt his next step was to begin passing on his knowledge and experience to others through coaching. He has a passion for helping others and seeing people meet their goals and succeed in life. When he's not coaching you can find him at his full-time job as a Housing Counselor for a local non-profit called LUCHA, rock climbing, biking, cooking, or just hanging out with friends. 

Credentials: CrossFit Level 1

Melanie

Melanie started her CrossFit journey after stepping into a box having only mentally prepared to observe a class. The owner said she was dressed to work out so there was no reason why she couldn’t just jump in. Petrified and reluctant, she completed her first CrossFit workout and survived. Within three days, she was signed up for an unlimited membership…that was in May 2012.

Melanie has chondromalacia in both knees and has had surgeries for both. Leverage her as a resource for various modifications of movements involving the lower half of the body.

When Melanie isn’t working her day job, she’s at the gym.

Credentials: CrossFit Level 1

MELISSA

Born and raised in the Chicagoland area and attended the University of Illinois. While in school, Melissa was the captain of the women’s club rowing team. She found CrossFit as a way to stay in shape for rowing and never looked back. Eventually, while living in Seattle, Melissa became a coach so that she could help other athletes find their confidence and strength in the gym. She loves the energy of a CrossFit class and the feeling of truly giving it your all.

Credentials: USA Weightlifting (USAW) Level 1, CrossFit Level 1

Nash

Originally from a small town in Wisconsin and recent University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee graduate. Nash moved to Chicago in May 2021 for work, but has been a CrossFit coach for the last 4 years. He was a competitive Powerlifter all throughout college and has competed at 3 different national championships. He loves working with people in a class setting, as well as, individual setting to help people achieve their goals - and is super excited to have made this gym home!

Credentials: CrossFit Level 1

rudy

Born and raised in the heart of Chicago, Rudy embarked on his fitness journey at 18, weighing 287lbs. Driven by determination, he embraced clean eating and daily workouts, shedding over 100lbs.

Teaming up with a personal trainer, Rudy discovered his love for CrossFit, a passion that has fueled his journey for over 5 years. Recognizing the power of guidance, he ventured into coaching, finding joy in helping others achieve their goals both in and out of the gym.

Known for his boundless energy, friends often remark, "He’s always working!" Whether it's his primary job, side projects, or new endeavors, Rudy thrives on staying productive.

Outside of his commitment to fitness and design, you'll frequently find Rudy behind a camera, capturing life's snapshots. He's a dedicated comic book enthusiast and loves delving into discussions about all things related to the magical realm of Harry Potter.

Credentials: CrossFit Level 1

SADIE

Assistant Manager, Coalition Strength & Conditioning

Sadie has been an athlete her whole life, her first love being soccer. After graduating from the University of Florida she needed to find another outlet besides soccer to satisfy her need to move her body and challenge herself. In 2013 Sadie discovered Olympic Weightlifting and fell in love…in 2015 she began coaching those around her in the sport. Sadie loves helping people feel strong and powerful, both physically and mentally.

When Sadie is not in the gym you can find her doing yoga, riding her bike, playing soccer, reading books, and exploring the city with friends.

Credentials: IoM Applied Health and Human Performance Specialist (AHHPS), NASM Certified Exercise Specialist (CES), USA Weightlifting (USAW) Level 1, Precision Nutrition Level 1, Girls Gone Strong Level 1 Coach