Huntley High grads open Warhouse Barbell strength training facility

Brothers and Huntley High School graduates, Dimitrios (DJ) and Anthony Yatos, have opened a strength training facility in Huntley after years of hosting athletes in their basement.

After launching a soft opening a month ago, Warhouse Barbell hosted its grand opening events on Saturday, July 30, with the formal ribbon cutting ceremony with the Village of Huntley and Huntley Area Chamber of Commerce at noon.

The brothers began strength training at commercial gyms in the area along with some of their friends about six years ago. However, commercial gyms didn't fit the type of atmosphere they were looking for.

DJ and Anthony found used and free equipment for sale and began working out in their home basement with a couple of friends. Word got around with friends and Yatos Basement was established on social media as a private basement gym in 2016.

Soon after, this group went on to compete as "Team Yatos Basement" in powerlifting competitions smashing record, after record, winning Overall Best Team in Illinois. Inquiries for membership to the "basement" were coming one after another. A waitlist had to be generated to secure a spot to come and workout. As members left off for college, new members were able to join.

Running out of space in the basement, Yatos Basement began looking for a bigger location in all the surrounding Huntley areas. They realized they were more than just a "basement gym". There was a much-needed outlet for strength training, mentoring, confidence building and belonging for our community.

After a lengthy search, they found the perfect location, a warehouse located right in Huntley on the corner of Algonquin and Route 47. They have gone from 800 square feet of space in their basement, to a state-of-the-art 6,000-square-foot facility.

Visit www.warhousebarbell.com.