Meet Our Trainers

Josh Siroko

Josh Siroko – Owner/Strength Coach

My background in strength training started with the University of Illinois – Fighting Illini Football team in 2011. Prior to that, I studied Sports Medicine under the Athletic Training Educational Program at Illinois. The combination of understanding how the body works, and applying it to strength training has really helped me establish myself and take my clients through what is truly a specialized strength training approach. To this day, I am constantly absorbing, learning, and doing everything i can to grow myself and put that passion into my work with my clients.

Chad Driscoll – Owner/Strength Coach

After receiving my B.S. in Kinesiology from Illinois, I didn’t really know what the hell I wanted to do. I love exercise and strength training, and after completing an internship with the Maryland Terrapins Football team I was ready to turn my passion into a career. I am beyond excited to apply my skills to help every day people get strong, remain healthy, and achieve their fitness goals.

My fitness truth: “No one ever complained about being strong.”

Chad Driscoll
Peter Tamulewicz

Peter Tamulewicz – Strength Coach & General Manager

As a former Track and Field athlete at The University of Houston, I was exposed to and gained a love for strength training. Post competition, I transferred to Eastern Illinois, and while finishing my degree towards becoming a Strength and Conditioning Specialist, discovered a passion for helping others succeed. From there, I went on to work with athletes of all ages and have since been working with the general population. By being a strength coach, I have the opportunity to safely and effectively, change people’s lives. Using my current knowledge and experience while continuing to learn and stay current in the field, I aim to provide a second to none, safe, and efficient workout to every single client.

Jared Blincow – Manager River North – Strength Coach

My first experience with strength and conditioning came as a college soccer play at DePaul University and ever since then I’ve been hooked. I continued my education at the University of Texas and have spent the last 5 years in the collegiate setting perfecting my craft and trying to become the best coach that I can be. The opportunity to coach and develop people, improve their health and daily lives, and to connect with so many great individuals is what motivates me to come into work every day to give my absolute best for our clients.

After coaching at Southwestern University, the University of Missouri, and Texas A&M University, I’m very excited for the opportunity to come back to the city of Chicago and work at LIFT.

Jared Blincow
isaac garcia

Isaac Garcia – Strength Coach & Client Relations Manager

My love for strength and conditioning started as a college soccer player at Schreiner University in Texas. I had the opportunity to become the assistant soccer coach/strength coach shortly after graduation. I realized my passion for strength training was rising. I continued my education at Springfield College in Massachusetts, one of the best programs in the country for developing strength coaches. I’ve spent the past 4 years in the collegiate setting  learning and growing as a coach. My ambition is to help each person achieve their fitness goals while also having a meaningful impact in their life.

After coaching at Schreiner University, Springfield College and Amherst College, I’m ready and excited for this opportunity to coach at LIFT.

Sam Hartsock – Strength Coach – Facilities Manager

I am a certified strength and nutrition coach at LIFT Chicago, holding a degree in Exercise Science and a Precision Nutrition certification. With five years of experience serving busy professionals and parents, I specialize in delivering efficient, results-driven training and nutrition solutions. My background includes strength and conditioning work at elite college football programs, which provides the foundation for the systematic approach I bring to every client interaction.

My approach centers on simple systems, strategic programming, and sustainable results. I focus on helping time-constrained clients through evidence-based practices that eliminate unnecessary complexity.

Having coached high performers in one of the country’s most competitive fitness markets, I’ve learned that success comes from consistent application of fundamental principles—not from chasing trends.

At LIFT, I help clients cut through the noise to achieve measurable, long-term results.

Sam Hartsock - Strength Coach
Sarah Hrehor

Sarah Hrehor – Manager Lincoln Park – Strength Coach

My love for Strength and Conditioning started as a college soccer player at Schreiner University after my second ACL tear. From there I continued my education at Liberty University where I worked as a sport scientist for the men’s and women’s hockey teams collecting and interpreting data. I have spent time coaching at the University of Denver, Mississippi State, EXOS, and BASE Fit Performance. Each experience has allowed me to grow as a coach and given me the opportunity to learn from those with different levels of experience and skills. Educating and seeing clients become more confident in the weight room and within themselves is what drives me everyday.

Alex Martinez – Strength Coach

My love for strength training and fitness comes from my academic background in exercise science. I always wanted to learn about the “how” and “why” to health, fitness, and human movement. So, when I attended the University of Illinois at Chicago, I pursued a degree in Kinesiology. Through this experience, I have been able to attain the tools and knowledge to help people enhance their fitness in a safe and efficient manner. Now, as a member of the National Strength and Conditioning Association, I strive to stay current in the field in order to continue to offer the best services possible.

Alex Martinez - Strength Coach
john fuhr

John Fuhr – Strength Coach

My passion for strength training started in high school and grew throughout college as I was training intensely for my athletic seasons. I played basketball at Central College in Iowa where I studied kinesiology and completed my undergraduate degree at Western Illinois University. I then went into the private sector to train youth and high school athletes as well as the general population. I can’t wait to continue pursuing my passion at LIFT while helping the people of Chicago achieve their fitness goals.

David Hamlin – Strength Coach

With over four years of experience in the dynamic fitness landscapes of Hawaii and Colorado, I’ve honed a training knowledge base that’s as diverse as the environments I’ve worked in. Fitness has always been my passion and I’m excited to bring my experience back to Chicago. My goal is to help you make fitness sustainable. I truly believe that working out will help you embrace a healthier and more fulfilling life.

David Hamlin
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Ali Ball

Hey Chicago – I am Ali! I have always had a love for exercise and fitness. Since experiencing a career-ending injury and realizing there was a more sustainable way to exercise, I found a passion for strength and conditioning. I attended Purdue University to pursue a degree in Kinesiology while working as an F45 coach. My aim was to provide meaningful, positive, and safe workouts for participants. I have now been with LIFT for over a year completing my internship and assistantship.  At LIFT, I have significantly improved my understanding of functional strength training and gained significant experience training a variety of LIFT’s clientele. I am beyond excited to help Chicagoans gain confidence in the gym and achieve their fitness goals.

Miguel Sanchez

My first experience in strength and conditioning came while I was a soccer player at Benedictine University. I grew to love the process involved in strength training, and I ended up pursuing a career in strength and conditioning. Over the past five years, I’ve had the opportunity to develop as a coach at LIFT Chicago (River North), DePaul University Sport Performance, Base Fit Performance, and Anthos Training Clubs.

My goal as a coach is to improve clients’ health and well-being in the weight room while also having fun. I am excited to bring my experience to LIFT Chicago.

Miguel Sanchez
Reid Taylor

Reid Taylor

My passion for strength and conditioning began during my time as a basketball player at Otterbein University, where I earned a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science. After college, I started my career as a strength coach at Olentangy High School in Columbus, Ohio. Following that, I joined the strength and conditioning staff as an intern for the 2024-25 Ohio State football team, where I had the incredible opportunity to contribute to the Buckeyes’ national championship victory.

I’m passionate about helping individuals unlock their full potential, enhance their performance, and improve their overall well-being. I’m thrilled to bring my experience to LIFT and be part of a community that strives to push boundaries and achieve excellence.

What People Are Saying About Lift Chicago

  • I’ve had such a great experience here, especially training with Coach Abby! The trainers here are very attentive and helpful, which I definitely appreciate since I’m pretty new to weight... read more

    Linda Quizhpi Avatar Linda Quizhpi

    I've been training with Sarah for two years and she has been amazing to work with! Both locations are clean and the staff is friendly and knowledgeable. I highly... read more

    Kathryn Sugrue Avatar Kathryn Sugrue

    Amazing Gym! All the instructors are incredible! I'm hooked! Never a dull moment! Every single second is used! Scheduling Training! One of the easiest and most transparent sign up... read more

    Erik Fogel Avatar Erik Fogel
  • I love going to Lift in Lincoln Park! I've been doing personal training with Abby twice a week for 45 minutes each for about 8 months. I like that they... read more

    Christine Kim Avatar Christine Kim

    Love everyone here and they all get to know you even if you aren't their client. I train with Abby twice a week and it's always a great experience. She... read more

    Christina Carrdellio Avatar Christina Carrdellio

    Hands down the best gym and the best trainers in the city. The entire experience from start to finish is outstanding. The staff is friendly, the equipment is... read more

    Kyle Portnoy Avatar Kyle Portnoy
  • Great coaching in an excellent facility.

    Rick Sudekum Avatar Rick Sudekum

    I have been training at Lift for over a year and I can easily say it is the best personal training experience I have ever had. Josh and the rest... read more

    Jordan Multack Avatar Jordan Multack

    Can't say enough good things about Lift! I started training with Abby after losing a substantial amount of weight and muscle tone and I can't thank her enough for her... read more

    Katie McCarthy Avatar Katie McCarthy
  • The best gym in Chicago area. Highly recommended. The sessions are super efficient and you are always working out under supervision of best coaches in town. It is super clean... read more

    Daniel Seyyedi Avatar Daniel Seyyedi

    One of the best workouts in the city. Always challenging and thoughtful workouts. Being able to see myself grow stronger and stronger week after week is all thanks to this... read more

    Maddie Pass Avatar Maddie Pass

    Lift is THE place to go to perfect your training, perfect your form, and have an incredible time while doing it. Josh and the other coaches are the smartest and... read more

    Jake Morrissy Avatar Jake Morrissy
  • I recently found Lift on Yelp like a month ago and I’m absolutely loving it. I workout with Sam, Isaac and Kyle and they’re amazing. I’m looking forward to continuing... read more

    Mandy Jo Walker Avatar Mandy Jo Walker

    I have been lifting here with Sam for a couple of months, and couldn’t say anything better about Lift! The gym is clean, equipment well maintained, and the staff is... read more

    Erik Swanson Avatar Erik Swanson

    WOW!!! I cannot say enough great things about Lift Chicago! Truly a fantastic experience. First off, with all things COVID, I felt very safe and comfortable using the equipment. Every... read more

    Alexis Jawny Avatar Alexis Jawny
  • It’s always been difficult to get into a steady routine and stay motivated, until I started training at LIFT seven months ago with Coach Isaac. Not only do I... read more

    Gabriel Garcia Avatar Gabriel Garcia

    I started attending the women’s lifting class and absolutely love it! It’s exciting, fun and welcoming for all different ability levels!

    Lainie Augensen Avatar Lainie Augensen

    It has been challenging for me to find the motivation to workout since the beginning of the pandemic. Lift has helped me to get back into a routine in a... read more

    Stephanie Garcia Avatar Stephanie Garcia
  • I've been working with Abby 3 days a week since October 2021, and it's probably not too much of a stretch to say I'm in love with her. In all seriousness,... read more

    Ryan Carter Avatar Ryan Carter

    LIFT is fantastic!! The trainers are motivating and push you to your max but not in a way that you would injure yourself. The work outs are challenging but... read more

    Julie Scott Avatar Julie Scott

    I’ve been training at Lift since it opened (and with Josh elsewhere for a few years prior). As a middle aged endurance athlete, I used to think I should strength... read more

    Dana Rothschild Avatar Dana Rothschild
  • After working out at LIFT for a year now, I can't say enough good things about this place. My trainer, Isaac, is kind, knowledgeable, experienced, and careful, making sure... read more

    Paula Liss Avatar Paula Liss

    Great experience. Had my 1:1 with Chad & Mike years ago pre-Covid. They tailored it to my needs. Give them a try, you’ll not regret it. ... read more

    E M Avatar E M

    Doing the group workouts has been the exact motivation I needed. The small group let's the trainer give me personal adjustments and everyone else pushes me to get it done!... read more

    Maya Gorlicki Avatar Maya Gorlicki