Meet the Coaches of CrossFit 1013
Norberto Olalde - Owner/Head Trainer
nolalde@crossfit1013.com
CrossFit Level 2 Coach
USA Weightlifting Level 1 Sport Performance Certified
CrossFit Mobility Trainer
CrossFit Football Trainer
CrossFit Kids Trainer
2011 - 2014 CrossFit North Central Regional Judge
2017 CrossFit Games Judge
I was fairly active when I was younger, played a few different sports along with high school football and track. After high school I did the traditional gym workouts at Bally’s for quite a while. Eventually all that slowed down until I completely stopped working out. I was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma in 2004 with my first born on the way. It was a very scary time for me and my family. Thanks to God I ended up beating it. While I went through the whole ordeal, I couldn’t really eat much. The chemo and radiation treatments made me lose my appetite. Once I was done with all that I was super excited about life and ended up eating again like never before. Eating bad along with no exercise were the 2 worst combinations for me. Every time I went in for my check-ups after the cancer my oncologist would see that my weight was increasing and would constantly warn me that if I did not lose the weight the cancer could come back. I didn’t listen for a while until I realized one day, when my son was 2 years old, that I could no longer chase him around as he was getting more active.
I saw a friend of mine who I hadn’t seen in a long time. He was in better shape than he was from the last time I saw him. I asked him what he had been doing and he told me about CrossFit. He invited me to go check it out at the gym he was attending. At the time CrossFit Tri-Cities in St Charles was the closest gym to me. I went and got my ass handed to me. The girls in the gym were way ahead of me and on my second day I even got beat by a 60 year old lady. She was in great shape. I never looked back since. I realized this is what I needed. Through CrossFit I’ve learned so much as far as fitness and nutrition go. I truly believe it has saved my life. I decided I wanted to help others experience the same thing I did. I wanted to teach others what I was taught and even help change lives. I want to teach kids to grow up and learn how to move properly and to think of fitness as something fun to do and not a chore.
Liliana Olalde - Owner/CrossFit Coach
lolalde@crossfit1013.com
CrossFit Level 2 Coach
USA Weightlifting Level 1 Sport Performance Certified
CrossFit Mobility Trainer
I am mom to 7 wonderful children and grandmother to 6 awesome kids. I have always been very active, but never really stepped foot in a gym. Actually I might have a couple of times and felt lost, so stepped right back out. My initial passion was running. I ran cross country in Jr High and High School, ran some half marathons and a marathon. I was training for my second Chicago Marathon when, I injured my foot, in the middle of the training program. I was told no running at all for 6 weeks. That was really going to put me behind since I would be going back to the training when I would have to run a 20 miler. Norberto suggested I do some CrossFit so I could continue some kind of exercise without running. That was the summer of 2008 and how I started CrossFit. 6 weeks of CrossFit and I was able to run that marathon and beat my previous year’s time. I wondered if 6 weeks made a difference or if it was just my imagination, the climate or a combination of things. So I decided to train for the 2009 Chicago Marathon only doing CrossFit and a couple of long runs. I ran a 12 miler and a 15 miler and the rest was all CrossFit. I ran my best marathon finishing at an official time of 4:04:30. That might not be fast for some, but for me it was awesome considering my previous year I had trained doing all the recommended running and finished that one in 4:32:46. Taking off 28 minutes off a marathon time is no joke. I was hooked.
My initial visit was scary…I thought OMG, these girls are crazy strong. The 35lb bar felt ridiculously heavy to me, I couldn’t do even 1 pull-up or push-up unassisted. I always remember how intimidated I was, but willing to try it and that is one of the reasons I try to be as encouraging and understanding as I possibly can. I know as a woman, there are things that we are expected not to be able to do. I also know that I have always been the type that will challenge that and run with it. I am older than the average person in our gym, but I will continue to work out and train because CrossFit has become a way of life and a passion. I truly enjoy and feel such a sense of pride when I see someone come in and do something that they couldn’t do a few weeks before. I will be everyone’s biggest cheerleader as I watch you succeed.
Liliana Guevara - CrossFit Coach
CrossFit Level 2 Coach
Hometown: I grew up in Schaumburg, but I consider Roselle my hometown since we have lived here since 2000.
A funny fact about yourself: I don’t know my own name! My name isn’t Nena, but everyone calls me Nena. My real name is Liliana, and sometimes when I introduce myself to people I don’t know what to call myself. **Nena is a nickname -> means ‘baby girl’ or ‘little girl’. Ironically, I’m almost the oldest of all my cousins, so the nickname doesn’t technically apply.
How did you come to find CrossFit: Back in 2008, my husband and I tried out Crossfit at Crossfit Roselle. We only started because Norberto kept telling us how great it was, and that he found success in the gym after his cancer. It felt like my mom beat me at every workout. One thing I will never forget Norberto saying was, “Don’t let your mom beat you!” For a long time she was near the top of the leaderboard and I was nowhere near.
How long have you been coaching here?: Since October 2019
What is your passion when it comes to coaching?: I want to help people move better with proper movement. If you move well you’ll make better gains.
What is your favorite thing about CrossFit 1013?: I love our members. They really encouraged me to become a trainer even when I didn’t know I wanted to.
What's one thing you'd tell a new member?: Everyone is nervous when they first start CrossFit.
Emilio Ramirez - CrossFit Coach
CrossFit Level 2 Coach
Hometown: Roselle, IL
A funny fact about yourself: I used to eat hot dogs and rice with ketchup in a plastic sandwich bag everyday for breakfast as I walked to school. True story
How did you come to find CrossFit?: I was invited by my friend Derek who knew Norberto who was working at CrossFit Roselle. He said the work out was gonna be badass and that I would throw up. I thought I was hot shit and decided to check it out. We did "Fight Gone Bad" that day and I was quickly humbled in a workout that took less than 20 minutes. Failing horribly drove me to want to be better, so I started showing up to the gym. Getting my ass whooped WOD after WOD.
What is your passion when it comes to coaching?
Dean Budde - CrossFit Coach, Olympic Lifting Coach
CrossFit Level 2 Coach
USA Weightlifting Level 1 Sport Performance Certified
Growing up I played soccer and rugby through high school. In college I fell into the routine of going to the campus gym, and hitting bi's and tri's while posing in front of the mirror. I thought I was ridiculously fit and could handle any workout thrown my way. Boy was I wrong. I was first introduced to CrossFit August 2010. My Marine buddy invited me to come by his garage and hit a WOD. He showed me "Helen". It sounded pretty easy, a couple 400m runs, some kettlebell swings and pull-ups. I could do pull-ups for days so I wasn't worried. Minutes later I was gasping for breath rolling on the ground unable to move or think. I was hooked. From then on I tried to do CrossFit in any garage, Globo gym, or playground I could find. The first thing I did when I landed a job after graduating from college was get a membership to a box. CrossFit has taught me to become a better person in so many ways. I have a passion for not only working out but reading any book, or watching any video I can get my hands on to learn more about mobility, pain mitigation, Olympic lifting, and all things CrossFit. I hope to have the opportunity to use my position as a trainer to show the transformational potential of CrossFit to as many people as possible.
Tony Chan - CrossFit Coach
CrossFit Level 2 Coach
CrossFit Mobility Trainer
Hometown: Taipei, Taiwan
A funny fact about yourself: I HAVE NO IDEA ABOUT THIS ONE...
How did you come to find CrossFit?: I was spending too much time at your regular gym, doing the same old body building routines and I wasn't getting any results. I wanted to change and one of my friends told me about CrossFit and I looked into it. After my first class, I was hooked.
How long have you been coaching here?: Since May 2013
What is your passion when it comes to coaching?: Watching the athletes grow. I love helping athletes discover themselves that they are stronger and better than they think they are. Love watching athletes nail a movement that they were struggling with before and doubted themselves.
What is your favorite thing about CrossFit 1013?: There is no ego at the gym. Everyone is friendly and nice. Everyone treats everyone like family at CrossFit 1013.
What's one thing you'd tell a new member? Put any of your doubts away when you walk in the door. We've all been where you are. It is hard when you first start but if you stick with it, you will see yourself grow. No one is judging you.
Johanna Budde - CrossFit Coach
CrossFit Level 1 Coach
Hometown: Mount Prospect, Illinois
A funny fact about yourself: Me as a CrossFit coach is a funny fact. I was never an atheletic kid... I was more of the Rachel Barry kind of girl (Glee reference)
How did you come to find CrossFit?: My sister and brother-in-law joined Crossfit1013 back in 2014. They were ALWAYS talking about it, but I didn't understand why and had plenty of excuses not to try it. I was scared of it, didn't want to spend the money, and I was perfectly satisfied with my globogym workouts (treadmill, leg press, Zumba class... the works). It took until 2017 for them to convince me and my then 65-year-old dad to do a one month trial together. After my first class, I was hooked. And so was my old man!
How long have you been coaching here?: Since July 2020
What is your passion when it comes to coaching?: I dove head-first into learning about CrossFit by reading articles and listening to podcasts from other coaches, and the thing that sticks with me is the independence that CrossFit gives people in old age. I want to help people be healthy/stay healthy enough to chase around their grandkids, and have the stength to get up and down the stairs on their own.
What is your favorite thing about CrossFit 1013?: I love how supportive everyone is of each other. Members root for each other and care about each other's progress. Outside of fitness, you also know you have a community of people who would be there for each other at the drop of a hat if there was ever a personal need.
What's one thing you'd tell a new member?: CrossFit is scalable to people of all abilities! Working with your coach to find movements and scaling options that fit your abilities is the best way to make progress. Don't feel pressured to use the same weight or same movement as the person next to you!
Daniella Falco - CrossFit Coach
CrossFit Level 1 Coach
Hometown: Palatine, Illinois
A funny fact about yourself: I used to be so afraid of needles I would pass out....now I am in nursing school.
How did you come to find CrossFit: I finally caved in to my cousin and uncle asking me to try it out in 2014. I wish I went in sooner, but I was more into running and zumba at the time.
How long have you been coaching here?: Since December 2018
What is your passion when it comes to coaching?: Seeing people progress into better versions of themselves! Helping members through their fitness journey is very rewarding and motivating. It can be as simple as them getting a PR on a lift, or even their first bodyweight movement that they have been working hard on.
What is your favorite thing about CrossFit 1013?: CrossFit 1013 is a judgement free zone and full of others who support you 110%!
What's one thing you'd tell a new member?: You can do anything you set your mind to. CrossFit is physically AND mentally tough, but you are stronger than you think you are.
Heidi O’Brien - CrossFit Coach
CrossFit Level 1 Coach
Hometown: Addison, IL
A funny fact about yourself: I cried when my mom told me that professional wrestling was "fake".
How did you come to find CrossFit?: I had just signed up for my second Tough Mudder race and I was looking for a new way to train for it. I had heard of CrossFit and I figured this was the best opportunity to try it out. I showed up at CrossFit 1013 during the CF Open of March 2015 and I was in awe of the excitement and the environment at this gym! There were posters hanging all over the gym that other athletes had made, the music was loud, and people looked very happy to be there. I wanted in! We were warming up for the workout and Coach Norberto had told me that I will only be doing half the number of repetitions that the other athletes were doing. At first I was offended because I thought I was pretty badass coming from a bodybuilding background. Then I was introduced to the burpee, which I haven't done since elementary school, and I was thanking Baby Jesus for the nice coach who reduced the amount that I had to do. I was quickly humbled and I never looked back!
How long have you been coaching here?: March 2021
What is your passion when it comes to coaching?: People come to our gym for many different reasons, whether it's for aesthetic purposes, gain energy, improve self-confidence, or just need an outlet from their daily routines. I feel like it is my life purpose to be a part of that.
What is your favorite thing about CrossFit 1013?: The community. I love everyone here.
What's one thing you'd tell a new member?: Consistency is key.
Steve Niehoff - CrossFit Coach
CrossFit Level 1 Coach
Hometown: St. Louis, MIssouri
A funny fact about yourself: I went to an all-boys seminary high school, and up until sophomore year I was pretty sure I was going to be a priest.
How did you come to find CrossFit?: I was introduced to it by a friend but didn't really get into it until my wife and I bought Groupons for CrossFit 1013 back in 2012. I was playing hockey at the time, and found that this was a great way to stay in shape while still filling that need for competition. I don't think I'm exaggerating when I say that CrossFit has changed my life for the better -- I think I'm healthier than I was in my 20's, and it has completely changed my mindset on aging and fitness. Every workout is both exhilarating and humbling, and it keeps me coming back.
How long have you been coaching here?: Since June 2021
What is your passion when it comes to coaching?: I love seeing people develop new skills through hard work, but even more I love seeing fitness become an integral part of their lives.
What is your favorite thing about CrossFit 1013?: This is a fantastic community of very different people, and there is a common thread of humility through it all. Egos are checked at the door, and everyone celebrates the accomplishments of others.
What's one thing you'd tell a new member?: Listen to your body (and your coaches!), but don't be afraid to push yourself beyond your comfort zone.
Nikki Panganiban - CrossFit Coach
CrossFit Level 1 Coach
CrossFit Gymnastics
Hometown: Des Plaines! Or should I say, the Philippines and then I moved here when I was 6 years old.
A funny fact about yourself: Not so funny but fun fact about myself, I have never broken a bone, but I have torn a pec and intercostal muscle trying to learn a muscle up for the 2020 open. Also, I recovered from an L4-L5 slipped disc within 9 months; I scaled almost every workout except upper arms!
How did you come to find CrossFit?: I found CF1013 through Groupon in December 2019. Throughout my Groupon experience, I met such supportive people who kept me accountable and encountered amazing coaches who knew how to coach me to be better.
How long have you been coaching here?: Since March 2022! And I have loved every class I’ve coached and appreciated every person I met because coaching others means I also get to grow as an individual.
What is your passion the when it comes to coaching?: I love coaching our members through gymnastics! Additionally, it’s a great feeling when you coach someone through a movement and seeing them improve throughout.
What is your favorite thing about CrossFit 1013?: Besides the inviting, judgement-free environment, my favorite thing about CF1013 is the people. The community has kept me accountable and to this day, I am continuously being pushed to be better. It’s nice knowing I made lifetime friends through this community.
Steve Santi - CrossFit Coach
CrossFit Level 1 Coach
Hometown: Roselle, IL
A funny fact about yourself: I’m an ego maniac with an inferiority complex! I believe it’s from when my grandmother knocked me out with an Italian shoe!
How did you come to find CrossFit?: Introduce a work colleague and was extended an invite to work out with them. Have been here ever since!
How long have you been coaching here?: March 202
What is your passion the when it comes to coaching?: I love to see people accomplish what they work for and improve their fitness!
What is your favorite thing about CrossFit 1013?: The community!
Monica Macdonald - CrossFit Coach
CrossFit Level 1 Coach
Hometown: Kickapoo, IL
A funny fact about yourself: If you are ever at Wrigley Field, stop in the Starbucks out front and you will find a picture of me painted on the wall.
How did you come to find CrossFit?: I was called in as an Architect to investigate a noise complaint that a client of mine had against a local CrossFit. The loud music, dropping barbells, etc was disrupting the retail customer experience and the more I looked into this gym I learned what CrossFit was and it piqued my interest. Since I had signed up for the Tough Mudder that year I thought it might be great training and found CrossFit 1013 nearby.
How long have you been coaching here?: 1 year, although I have been a member for 10 years.
What is your passion when it comes to coaching? I have been called 'the Cheerleader' and love that title. I find joy in our members' successes and believe it takes different cues for everyone to understand their potential.
What is your favorite thing about CrossFit 1013? Our community, you cannot find a better group of people who will support you, not only in your gym journey, but in life. When I am having a bad day, the members and coaches of CrossFit 1013 will always put a smile on my face and make me feel like a strong woman.
Lauren Chan - CrossFit Coach
CrossFit Level 1 Coach
Hometown: Hanover Park, Illinois
A funny fact about yourself: I have trouble relaxing if I know something needs to be cleaned or organized. I cannot go to sleep if I know there’s a dirty dish in the sink.
How did you come to find CrossFit?: I found CrossFit through my husband, then boyfriend. He tried two other CrossFit gyms before finding CrossFit 1013 in 2012 and realized that THIS gym was exactly where he belonged. In 2013 he became a coach and tried bringing me along too. In all honesty, when I joined in 2013, I was very intimidated and didn’t come back after my Groupon ended. The following year I decided to give it another try, and I fell in love. I have been going consistently since 2014 and have even continued my CrossFit journey through two pregnancies, never skipping a beat.
How long have you been coaching here?: I began coaching in early 2023.
What is your passion when it comes to coaching? I am a former teacher, so I love that I now get to bring together two of my passions: teaching and fitness. There’s nothing better than the feeling of watching a student get something for the first time or see their own progress overtime and getting that feeling of knowing you helped get them there, and now I get to do that with athletes. Also, CrossFit has given me so much, such as more confidence within myself and the energy to keep up with my boys, that I want to pay it forward!
What is your favorite thing about CrossFit 1013? The community! CrossFit 1013 is my second home, my second family.
