Suburban native to compete in skateboarding world championship

The city of Chicago is just a big playground for 21-year-old professional skateboarder Chaz Ortiz.

Having grown up in the suburbs, it's where he and his friends would spend days cruising through the city streets on their skateboards. It's where he decided to move recently after spending some time living in Los Angeles. It's where he tries out new tricks and skates with kids - some of whom are aspiring skateboarders - at Grant Skate Park.

It's also where Ortiz will compete Sunday among eight of the top skaters in Street League Skateboarding for the Super Crown World Championship title.

"It's crazy to compete with the best in the world," he said. "To do it in my hometown is super cool."

Ortiz, who formerly lived in Carpentersville, then West Dundee, has been skateboarding since he was 6. He would mess around with his older cousins and practice new tricks with his friends. Then, when he was 9, his dad took him to his first competition.

"We kind of realized that maybe this could be something," he said.

Realizing his passion for the sport, Ortiz started practicing every day - if you could call it that. To him, skateboarding is too much fun to ever seem like work. But that doesn't mean he ever took skateboarding or his responsibilities lightly.

"He really cares about perfecting his craft," said Ben Oleynik, the brand manager for Zoo York who has worked with Ortiz for eight years. "To watch him grow and progress from a little kid to an adult who skates with power and finesse - it's been so rewarding."

On Sunday, Ortiz will perform his best and hardest tricks, as well as showcase his style and tricks in 45-second runs throughout a course.

"It's kind of like a game of chess," he said. "You have to play it strategically."

Ortiz, who has been sponsored since he was 14, has never won a Street League Skateboarding stop, but league President Brian Atlas thinks he's close.

"Since day one, (Ortiz) has been a young superstar in SLS. He has always come so close to winning," he said. "He beyond deserves a win, and it would be amazing if he can do it in his backyard."

For Ortiz, this weekend's competition is about more than winning. This being the first time the world championship will be held in Chicago, Ortiz is most excited for his friends and family to be able to watch him - especially because he largely credits his family for his success.

"My mom and dad took me everywhere when I was younger," Ortiz said. "I wouldn't be where I'm at now without them."

It's easy for a professional skateboarder to lose sight of what got him there, but Oleynik said Ortiz has always stayed humble. Family-oriented and generous, Ortiz tries to give back to both his community and his loved ones, Oleynik said.

Every day, Ortiz sees kids skateboarding at Grant Skate Park. Some are new faces, while others will show up every day.

It warms Ortiz's heart to see kids trying new tricks, staying out of trouble and pursuing a passion. So, as often as he can, he shows up to skate with them and help them advance their skills.

"It's just fun to see kids doing what they love and having fun," he said. "Giving back inspires me."

Between advancing his own career and helping others, does he ever get tired?

"When all my work is coming together and I'm finally done, it's just a relief," Ortiz said. "But I'm always thinking of how I could take my skating to the next level. It's the feeling that I get that inspires me to keep going."