Coach: A look at Northbrook's newest training center

Hersey High School grad and Illinois Wesleyan football star Chase Bandolik didn't think he was taking too much of a chance when he decided to open up his new Northbrook training facility.

Despite myriad athletic training centers now open in the North suburban area, Bandolik feels good about what he has to offer.

"I had already built up some clientele through my previous work, so I felt confident they would come with me over to the new location, and then hopefully the word would spread," said Bandolik.

A chancy endeavor? No question. Again, as is evidenced by just about every passing strip mall, there is competition and previously established training locations dotting our Glenview and Northbrook communities and surrounding suburban areas as well.

But this is the same Chase Bandolik who ran over bigger opponents in his days as a star running back for the Hersey Huskies, and the same Bandolik who, in college playing defensive back, would not hesitate to come up and make tackles on larger opponents, so this is a young man not afraid to meet the challenge head on.

Notice, by the way, how I didn't describe Bandolik's opponents as "stronger," just bigger, because Bandolik was a weight room junkie in his high school and college days, and few were stronger than him, despite his slightly smaller frame.)

Talking to Chase, one thing is evident. His dream of building a top-notch athletic training facility will not die for lack of passion or hard work. He is absolutely dedicated to making it a success and providing the best in service and product for his clients.

"Oh, yeah," said Bandolik, "I really enjoy it. What I like the most, and I think maybe what separates me from some of the others, is my dedication to the clients. I really go out of the way to get to know them and to then cater specific training programs for each one."

Bandolik's journey into the personal training profession is an interesting one. As a junior at Illinois Wesleyan, while still in school, the opportunity opened up to do some strength and conditioning work with some of the other Wesleyan sports teams.

He became a de facto coach for the other programs, even while still competing on the football team.

He liked it a lot and, more importantly, the school athletics office saw how good he was at it. So, after completing his senior year, they offered him the full-time job. So, there Chase was, barely out of school, and he was the head strength and conditioning coach for one of the top Division III sports programs in the country.

Not too shabby for 21-year-old just starting out in life.

"It wasn't exactly a career goal that I always had in mind," said Bandolik, "but more just an opportunity that came my way, and then I found out that I really enjoyed it."

Bandolik did this for two years, but when the pandemic hit and closed down the sports programs, he made the decision to leave the school and return home.

He worked for awhile at The Athletic Barn in Wheeling, doing his newfound love of personal training. But, at this point, he had "caught the bug" and was looking for a place he could open on his own.

After much searching, he found the spot that was perfect: 1912 Raymond Drive, Northbrook, in the industrial area across from Glenbrook North High School.

"Just what I was looking for," said Bandolik. "I didn't need a retail location, because costs are much higher and I already had a starting clientele of loyal customers."

Chase Bandolik Training offers the full gamut of programs. From online programs, to personal training, to group programs, to in-house training and all points in between. They have state-of-the-art equipment, and with Bandolik being of the younger generation, is there any doubt they have all the bells and whistles of the latest technology?

Interestingly, he has not yet delved into the high school or youth sports markets in Northbrook and Glenview, but that certainly is coming. Right now, his main customers are previous connections from past work and word-of-mouth.

He does have some clients who grew up in Glenview, and he has a strong Winnetka connection from his recent days as a substitute teacher at New Trier and from his brother Cole, who is a student there.

"But I definitely want to get into the Northbrook and Glenview communities, from high school all the way down to some of the youth programs."

Currently, he works with the York High School sports programs, as another brother, Brock, is a coach there. And he is also signed on to help with the Wheeling Park District sports camps this summer.

So the arrow is pointing up. Way up.

I asked Chase, what happens when the business expands (and with his knowledge and love of the game, I have no doubt that it will) and it becomes too much for just him to run.

"I have thought about that," said Bandolik, "and I guess it means I will just have to find other people who care as much as I do and are willing to go above and beyond for their clients."

Good thought. In fact, maybe I should have titled this column "Above and Beyond." Seems like that is where he is headed.

For information about Chase Bandolik Training, visit chasebandoliktraining.com.

• Jon Cohn of Glenview is a coach, retired PE teacher, sports official and prep sports fan. To contact him with comments or story ideas, email jcsportsandtees@aol.com.