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    • HOME
    • ABOUT 
      • COACHES
      • FACILITY & EQUIPMENT
      • FAQs
      • CONTACT US
      • ABOUT STARTING STRENGTH
    • OPEN HOUSE
    • MEMBERSHIP 
      • PRICING
      • FIRST TIMERS
      • ONLINE COACHING
    • STORE
    • SIGN IN
    GET STARTED
    • HOME
    • ABOUT 
      • COACHES
      • FACILITY & EQUIPMENT
      • FAQs
      • CONTACT US
      • ABOUT STARTING STRENGTH
    • OPEN HOUSE
    • MEMBERSHIP 
      • PRICING
      • FIRST TIMERS
      • ONLINE COACHING
    • STORE
    • SIGN IN
    • …  
      • HOME
      • ABOUT 
        • COACHES
        • FACILITY & EQUIPMENT
        • FAQs
        • CONTACT US
        • ABOUT STARTING STRENGTH
      • OPEN HOUSE
      • MEMBERSHIP 
        • PRICING
        • FIRST TIMERS
        • ONLINE COACHING
      • STORE
      • SIGN IN
      GET STARTED
      • MEET YOUR STARTING STRENGTH COACHES

        The Starting Strength Coach Credential is the Most Advanced in the Industry

        Alex Ptacek, SSC

        Coach

        Alex has lived in Chicago all his life. In 2016, he discovered the Starting Strength method and has been applying it ever since. The method had life changing results, adding over 90 pounds of body weight in 2 years. Wanting to help others achieve their goals, he began coaching shortly after that. Alex graduated from the University of Illinois with a B.A. in Philosophy. In May of 2022, he earned his Starting Strength Coach credential. Alex also competes in powerlifting. In his free time, he loves to watch and talk about movies.

        Chris Olson, SSC

        Coach

        Chris is joining the Starting Strength Chicago team as a Level II Staff Coach. Chris found Starting Strength in 2018 when, while working as a personal trainer, he realized he had no idea how to teach someone how to squat. A former college athlete, he had skipped “leg day” for years because he also couldn’t figure out how to squat or deadlift (or lunge, jump, skip, etc.) without hurting his achy knees and low back. Like many before and after him, the blue book would change all of this. Chris was born and raised in Arlington Heights and has lived in Chicago on and off for the past decade. He graduated from Denison University in 2012 and has been involved in coaching people, whether in sports or in the gym, ever since. Chris obtained his Starting Strength Coach Credential in July 2022.

      • Schedule a Free Phone Consult with a Strength Coach

        Discuss your training goals with a member of our coaching staff

      • WE ARE HIRING

        If you are interested in coaching at our gym, contact Inna Koppel, Head of Recruiting at Inna @ startingstrengthgyms.com or click to learn more.

        Become a Coach

      LOCATION

      2550 W. Addison St, Suite A-18,

      Chicago, IL 60618-5952

       

      312-448-6548

       

       

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