Coaches

Jennie Yundt
jennie@crossfitfire.com

  • Co-Owner of CrossFit Fire
  • CrossFit Level 1 Certified Coach
  • CrossFit Basic Barbell Certified
  • CrossFit Gymnastics Certified
  • CrossFit Kettlebell Certified
  • CrossFit Kids Certified
  • CrossFit Movement & Mobility Certified
  • CrossFit Olympic Lifting Certified
  • CrossFit Running & Endurance Certified
  • USA Weightlifting Sports Performance Coach

When I first found CrossFit back in 2008 I was completely, 100% out of shape. I had never done anything athletic in my entire life! I dismissed lifting weights, thinking it was "just for boys". Boy was I wrong! CrossFit has not only transformed me physically, but mentally as well. I'm stronger, healthier, and happier than I've been my entire life. CrossFit took me from a size 14 to a size 4! What's not to love about that?!

Sharing CrossFit as a gym owner is by far one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Watching my friends make progress is the best! There is no greater feeling than the feeling of being an instrument to help people reach their goals. I can't wait to help YOU reach your goals!

Bill Yundt
bill@crossfitfire.com

  • Co-Owner of CrossFit Fire
  • CrossFit Level 1 Certified Coach
  • CrossFit Basic Barbell Certified
  • CrossFit Gymnastics Certified
  • CrossFit Kettlebell Certified
  • CrossFit Kids Certified
  • CrossFit Movement & Mobility Certified
  • CrossFit Olympic Lifting Certified
  • CrossFit Running & Endurance Certified
  • USA Weightlifting Sports Performance Coach

I was always active growing up, but basketball was my true passion. Once my playing days were over, I found myself jumping around from workout routine to workout routine at my college's rec center - never being truly satisfied with the results. In early 2005, I discovered CrossFit and was instantly hooked! Since then, I have dedicated myself to sharing my knowledge of health, fitness, and nutrition with others. There is nothing I enjoy more than assisting someone else reach their goals.

Josh Tran
josh@crossfitfire.com

  • CrossFit Level 1 Certified Coach
  • CrossFit Coaches Prep Course
  • CrossFit Gymnastics Certified
  • CrossFit Kettlebell Certified
  • CrossFit Movement & Mobility Certified
  • CrossFit Powerlifting Trainer
  • USA Weightlifting Level 1 Sports Performance Coach

Like most, the athletic part of my life began in the gym. In the gym, I would lift weights and for cardio, I would run. This routine lasted me throughout my seven years while I was in the Marine Corps and followed me as I became a police officer, five of which I was on a SWAT team. I had heard about CrossFit for a few years but it always intimidated me. Here I was supposed to be a hard-core Marine and SWAT officer and I was scared of CrossFit. I would see men, women, and even children doing CrossFit and at the end of the workout they would be laying on the floor in a pool of sweat. Finally, a friend of mine convinced me to go to CrossFit Fire and once I started I couldn’t get enough. My fear of CrossFit turned into me realizing CrossFit was for everyone, all shapes and sizes. I learned that the Fort was like a family; everyone was so helpful and caring. I learned that everyone at the Fort helped to push me to my true potential. I became so consumed with CrossFit that I wanted to share my experience with everyone and anyone that would be willing. I was fortunate enough to start coaching at CrossFit Fire and I continue to educate myself in CrossFit so that I can become a better coach. I look forward to educating people more about CrossFit and I hope CrossFit changes their life as it has changed mine.

Clark Dendinger
clark@crossfitfire.com

  • CrossFit Level 1 Certified Coach
  • CrossFit Olympic Lifting Certified
  • USAW Sports Performance Coach
  • American Council on Exercise (CPT)
  • Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (CPT)

During my teen years and into young adult-hood, I competed in many different sports. I am especially passionate about bicycle Moto-Cross. From 1995 to the early 2000’s I rose through the amateur ranks winning Track, District, State and Regional Championships, eventually ranking National Top 10 in my age group three years running. With this consistent success I taught clinics and trained other racers and even raced professionally.

I spent a few years training clients in different gyms including the YMCA, the American Muscle and Fitness Club, and LifeTime Fitness. Then at the age of 23 I decided to take my education a step further and become an EMT and Firefighter.

In 2008 I was hired as a Firefighter/Paramedic in Bartlett, Illinois.  That’s where one of my fellow Firefighters introduced me to CrossFit and changed my life forever. I started working out with CrossFit Fire in late 2008 and competed at the 2009 CrossFit Games on their affiliate team. I was also crowned the 2012 CrossFit Fire Fittest FireFighter.

CrossFit has given me everything I could ever want or need in a fitness program. I am excited to make my return to Fire as both an athlete and a coach!

Ryan The Lion
rtl@crossfitfire.com

  • CrossFit Level 1 Certified Coach

Ryan has all kinds of amazing accomplishments at the Fort. He came to us about 135 lbs soaking wet, and has managed to pack on 30lbs of lean muscle mass. He's a great athlete, and a knowledgeable coach. Once he has a coaches bio in his own words, I know he'll tell you all the things he's proud of, and why he loves coaching at Fire. :-)

 

Sammi Miller - Little Flames Coach
sammi@crossfitfire.com

  • ISBE Certified Elementary Teacher
  • CrossFit Level 1 Certified Coach (In Progress)

I grew up my life playing competitive sports, however, I also grew up with severe body image issues. I was overweight my whole life and was called "fat" throughout school. When I got out of college and into a career, I put on even more weight. I tried running on the treadmill and using the weight resistance machines, but nothing ever worked. When I found CrossFit Fire through my brother, I didn't expect to find what I found: AMAZING people who were willing to push me to the next level of my fitness and my life. CFF took me from a size 14 to a size 4 in matter of 8 months... Other than new jeans, I found friends and self confidence. It is my hope that through coaching, to instill this confidence in others as well as pushing them beyond what they think they are capable of.

Zach MitchellCoach Zach
zach@crossfitfire.com

  • CrossFit Level 1 Certified Coach
  • CrossFit Gymnastics Certified
  • CrossFit Movement & Mobility Certified
  • CrossFit Olympic Lifting Certified

I come to CrossFit Fire with literally no athletic background. Always very clumsy and overweight, I kinda sucked at life. Eventually, my weight took a hold of my life and in November of 2007 I weighed in at "3 biscuits and some gravy" (302.6lbs). That was a turning point for this "fat, drunk, and stupid" wannabe who decided right then and there to make a change. The first 40lbs melted off with an overhaul of my diet. I Switched from pizza, beer, and ice cream to a standard Paleo-esque based approach with Wild Bill leading the way. After a few months, I was able to begin CrossFitting under the guidance of Bill and Jennie. Progress in training and nutrition increased like a runaway freight train...downhill! It was obvious that it would be only a matter of time before I began coaching classes at CrossFit Fire. The experience gained during that time has no equal in terms of developing me as a CrossFit athlete, CrossFit Coach, and CrossFit individual. I eat, sleep, and breathe CrossFit with the occasional bad choice in diet. A long term goal, well I think we all know, it is to be a Games contender. Lots to do before then, but none of that will come before being the best coach I can be at CrossFit Fire.