Our story, our team, our values

Gym in Chicago Heights, IL

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We’re CrossFit Chicago Heights. What started as one person’s turning point in a garage has grown into a community helping hundreds take control of their health. Come find out what you’re capable of.

Meet your coaches at CrossFit Chicago Heights

Our coaches invest in people, not just programs. From your first session, they’re learning how you move, what drives you, and where you want to get to — then coaching you accordingly, every single time.

Founder | Coach CF-L3/CCFT

Zak McGathey

Qualifications:

  • CF-L3/CCFT
  • CF-Kids
  • Aerobic capacity
  • CF-Strongman
  • CF-Running
  • Catalyst Athletics
  • Weightlifting L1
  • Underground Strength Coach L1
  • HSN Nutrition Coach
HSN Nutriton Coach

Amie Berlongieri

.

CrossFit Coach | CF-L1

Kevin Wagner

.

CrossFit Coach | CF-L2

Caro Villarreal

.

CrossFit Coach | CF-L1

Ben Martinez

.

CrossFit Coach | CF- L1

Nicole Smith

.

13+

Years coaching

100+

Current members

80+

5* reviews

6

Passionate coaches

Our Mission

Coaching
that cares

Every session is led by a coach who knows your name and what you’re working on. We scale every workout so beginners feel safe and experienced athletes stay challenged.

Community without
the ego

You don’t have to look or perform a certain way to train here. High-fives are normal, encouragement is expected, and leaving your ego at the door is the only rule.

Accountability
built in

We don’t hand you a membership and hope for the best. Our coaches and community are designed to keep you showing up and making progress — especially when life gets busy.

Training for
real life

Our programming builds strength, conditioning, and movement that carry over to the rest of your life — work, family, weekends, and everything in between.

How CrossFit Chicago Heights started

It started with a turning point. In 2010, I was overweight, my confidence had slipped, and aches had become normal. I knew something had to change. That’s when I found CrossFit. My first workout brought back a feeling from my sports days: challenged, energized, and having fun. Training in my garage, I committed and lost over 40 pounds. My energy returned and I felt years younger. Soon friends and coworkers joined me, and the group grew until we outgrew the garage. In late 2012 we moved into a warehouse, and in June 2013 CrossFit Chicago Heights opened. Since then we’ve helped hundreds take control of their health.

Our mission is simple: to inspire people to live limitless lives, strong, capable, confident, and built for long-term health.

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Community

What our members in Chicago Heights are saying

Ready to try CrossFit in Chicago Heights?

If you’re tired of going it alone, guessing what to do, or starting over every few months — this is the place where it finally clicks. Real coaching, real people, and a plan that works. Your first step is a free, no-pressure conversation.