Private Lessons & Coaches in Itasca, IL

Hello! My name is Vlada, and I hold a B.S. in Computer Science from Purdue University with concentrations in Machine Learning and Algorithmic Foundations. I am currently pursuing an M.S. in Computer Science at Georgia Tech, specializing in Machine Learning. As a Teaching Assistant and Head TA, I supported over 350 students through tutoring, office hours, exam preparation, and lectures. I am passionate about helping students build confidence and strong problem-solving skills.

As a former D1 softball player, I know what it means to play at an elite level. Although the game has evolved since I played, I believe that hard work and mental toughness are the keys to success. All it takes is one pitch to make something great happen, and that is what I work on with my players: understanding it. If failure happens, we keep trying. You have to want the next one to be great.

With 22 years in combat sports and athlete development, I bring the kind of experience you can't teach—you earn it. I competed exclusively in the super heavyweight division, finishing my amateur kickboxing career at 12-0 before turning professional, where I went 3-0 in kickboxing and 1-0 in professional boxing. Along the way, I earned three championship titles: TCB Illinois State Amateur Champion (1997), TBC Windy City Champion (1998), and TCB Midwest Champion (1999). Beyond my own competition history, coaching is where I’ve built my legacy. I’ve trained and cornered dozens of male and female athletes across boxing, kickboxing, and MMA, helping them build confidence, sharpen technique, and step into the ring prepared to win. My approach is equal parts technical detail, discipline, and mindset development—because a fighter’s body follows where their belief leads. I’m not here just to teach punches and kicks. I’m here to develop competitors, leaders, and resilient athletes who know how to push through, get better, and show up like champions.

"I hesitate to give constructive critique via message. As we know, words are not always interpreted as intended. That being said, here we go: I have worked with 4 personal trainers over the years. IMO you are the best. You know how the body works, what we should be feeing and where we should feel it. You have shown me that the smallest tweak can make the biggest difference. You’ve been through some things and you also know how the body doesn’t work (injuries) and you are careful about that. I like your training style and if I am not being challenged, neither of us is doing our best. Thank you for not swearing during our sessions. Please don’t tell me I’ve done something well, when I can feel I haven’t. False “kudos” are not appreciated. I understand we live in a time where everyone expects “good job” just for breathing, but when a person who is critical tells me my form/technique was good, I can believe them. Thank you for reminding me to “get out of my head”, but sometimes I need to step back for a minute; take a pause to reset. We’ve had some heated discussions and I’m fine with that as long as we come to an understanding by the end of the session. We play hard and a few clashes are to be expected as long as we have respect. I hope to meet the corporate people next time they come in. I will tell them how I appreciate your knowledge and workout advice. Sorry. Not so short.

Are you ready to transform your body, sharpen your skills, and achieve your fitness goals? As a dedicated private Boxing & Strength trainer, I provide personalized one-on-one training designed to meet your unique needs. My approach focuses on improving your strength, speed, endurance, and confidence through tailored Boxing and or Strength workouts. Train at your own pace and schedule. Whether your goal is fitness, self-defense, or preparing for competition, I'll work with you to create a plan that delivers results. Let’s take your training to the next level!

"Coach Tashona and I have been working together for a while now and I’ve learned a tremendous amount from her coaching. My footwork, defense and overall IQ has leveled up in the most amazing way. I’m so excited to see where I am in the next few months.

Hello! My name is Madison Bowers, and I would love to help your student develop and learn new skills! I have nearly four years of teaching/tutoring experience. I love working with students of all ages, and I’m happy to teach any age level from elementary school through high school, even select college courses. I’m capable and versatile as a teacher; I can teach any course at the age levels listed. Moreover, I always adapt to a student’s individual needs, including students with special needs.

Coached linebackers, wide receivers, and quarterbacks at TF South High school in 2024. Started coaching football, baseball, and soccer on Athletes Untapped in 2025.

"Got me ready for college football!

I'm a Chicago-based pickleball coach at Big City Pickle and KB Fitness Solutions — and I love helping players of all levels master their game. My sessions are high-energy, personalized, and actually fun. We'll work on your serve, dinks, footwork, and court awareness through real drills and game situations. Come ready to laugh, learn, and level up your game!

"We all love Coach Nick!!!

Hello, my name is Carsen Johnson. With five years of coaching experience as both a Defensive Backs and Wide Recievers coach, I am passionate to help athletes develop the skills, confidence, and football IQ needed to succeed on the field. Blessed to be a part of the National Coaching Academy class of 2026 with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, I look forward to helping athletes take their game to the top level.

Former professional baseball player and experienced coach with background spanning playing, player development, and coaching at multiple levels of the game. Extensive experience within the Chicago White Sox organization, serving as an Assistant Coach, Hitting Coach, Baserunning Coach, and Outfield Coach.

As a former D1 athlete with 42 years of golf experience, I offer comprehensive coaching tailored to each student's unique goals. My passion lies in cultivating not just skilled golfers, but individuals who love the game as much as I do. Let's refine your technique and unlock your full potential.

"I was introduced to MJ from a young lady who sets up golf tournaments for corporate events all over the U.S at first I was just looking for some guys to play with because I had just move from San Francisco and I wanted to stay sharp so my intentions was to whoop up on whoever I played but to my surprise that did not happen as of yet. MJ Hit his ball with such pinpoint accuracy, and distance I was truly amazed, we played almost everyday for a week. We played on a variety of courses to the point that I thought it was on purpose, a different terrain different looks different hazard and in all cases he shot extremely low consistent Golf. I was amazed one day he shot 77,76,then 72 another day then it was 71. The next day it was 70 and then he put three rounds in the 60s I said to myself who is this guy T Witty one day even having four birdies on the front four birdies on the back. I’m still trying to recover, but I will see him again next year but truly he taught me so much, had some health issues and had lost some lust for the game but training with MJ quickly, rekindled my love for the game he showed me his infamous knockdown shot that has brought my scores all the way down and now I have better course management and with no stress on my body Thanks MJ But you know I’m coming for you!!