Hi, I'm BJ
Every kid needs a hobby. For me it was between soap carving, beetle fighting, extreme ironing and magic. While it was a tight race, magic won! And while magic requires much practice and sharpening of skills, making people laugh has always come easy to me.
Like many magicians, I sharpened my skills performing close-up magic in restaurants multiple nights a week. Soon I went on to entertain casino, corporate and private event audiences. Since 2019 I've enjoyed making appearances at the Chicago Magic Lounge performing at tables, on stage and in the 654 club.
Like many magicians, I sharpened my skills performing close-up magic in restaurants multiple nights a week. Soon I went on to entertain casino, corporate and private event audiences. Since 2019 I've enjoyed making appearances at the Chicago Magic Lounge performing at tables, on stage and in the 654 club.
Personal Training
In late 2001 I wrapped up performing in Arizona and returned to Chicago. Unfortunately it was out of sight out of mind and gigs were minimal. So, I took a job working at the front desk of a private athletic club. I did this originally for the paycheck and free gym membership. Little did I know I would quickly fall for the fitness/training industry.
In 2004 I became a Certified Personal Trainer through the American Council on Exercise. In 2005, I earned my CSCS thought the National Strength & Conditioning Association and have since enjoyed strength coaching:
I even had the great opportunity to be an assistant strength coach for the NHL's Minnesota Wild and Chicago Blackhawks during their respective training camps. Most recently in 2023 I earned a Stretching and Flexibility Coach certificate through the National Academy of Sports Medicine.
In 2004 I became a Certified Personal Trainer through the American Council on Exercise. In 2005, I earned my CSCS thought the National Strength & Conditioning Association and have since enjoyed strength coaching:
- Weekend warriors
- The general population of fitness enthusiasts
- Endurance athletes galore
- High school athletes
- NCAA Div I and III athletes
I even had the great opportunity to be an assistant strength coach for the NHL's Minnesota Wild and Chicago Blackhawks during their respective training camps. Most recently in 2023 I earned a Stretching and Flexibility Coach certificate through the National Academy of Sports Medicine.
TRAINING PHILOSOPHY
- Commitment - Commit to an outcome, whatever that means to you.
- Consistency - Consistently make the decisions and take the actions that move you toward your commitment most of the time. I say most of the time because well, pizza is delicious!
- Patience - You move, feel and perform as you do today as a result of all the decisions you've made and actions you taken up tot his point in your life. so getting from where you are to where you want to go is going to take some time. Be patient.
Fun Facts
- My friends call me BJ (my middle name is Jason) and you can too.
- I once ran 32 miles to raise money for Leave No Trace. It was cool, probably never do it again 😜
- It's no secret, I love pizza! So much so, I occasionally private chef dinner shows! More on that here.
- You can catch me performing close-up magic at Uvae Kitchen and Wine Bar the third Friday of each month from 7-8pm.
When I'm not training or entertaining, you'll likely find me out running, making pizza and or watching my favorite Chicago sports teams trying not to suck!