Our Team
Our mission is to improve overall health & fitness, enhance quality of life, and empower people to be the best they can be. Our goal is to transform the way people think about health, fitness, and success in life. This is achieved through professional coaching and design of exercise and conditioning coupled with proper nutrition in a fun, challenging and educational environment; conducive to success for each client. We’re very serious about building long-term relationships, achieving amazing results, and always upholding the highest commitment to excellence.
We invite you to become a part of Chicago Fit performance. We’re very passionate about our profession and committed to our mission and dedication to serve you in a positive, successful environment.
Kosta Shilev, CFSC, PNC, MTE, FMSC , Founder
I have always been an athlete growing up. Being in shape and maintaining healthy lifestyle helped me succeed in different sports I played. But, best of all... I enjoyed every minute of working out. Possessing a strong Business Management background and being a certified personal trainer, I envisioned a place with a state-of-the-art fitness program, incorporating a holistic approach and uncompromised dedication. That's how Chicago Fit Performance was born.
My fitness philosophy is simple: a fit and lean body is a result of healthy lifestyle that consists of balanced nutrition, effective exercise and a positive sense of self. Rather than promoting temporary dieting, I believe in incorporating simple, yet effective behaviour and lifestyle changes that bring dramatic results to the exercise routines, as well as a smooth transition ."Physical activity is one of the many and key tools we possess that can help us obtain higher quality of well-being."
I'm truly dedicated to our clients, and I guide everyone through learning and implementing movements, exercises and physical challenges, focusing on increased performance and a new level of wellness. In my mind, "Improved mental and physical health should be the goal of everyone in the planet... actually to be the best human being you can be."
Hayden Harris, CPT, CFSC
The first thing most people notice about me is my accent, which comes all the way from New Zealand (middle earth). I moved to Chicago not because I heard CFP is the best gym ever, but my lovely wife is American. However, since I found CFP and joined the coaching team after meeting Kosta through a mutual friend, I can now say it’s been my best gym experience ever. I’ve been training people one-on-one and in a group settings for 8+ years and I can’t imagine doing anything else.
In my early years, I enjoyed playing a lot of different sports but I concluded that if I wanted to improve and become the player I desired to be, I’d have to spend more time working on my fitness outside of practice and games. After spending countless hours training and seeing positive results, I realized I truly loved it – so much that I wanted to share fitness with everyone else around me.
I’m sure everyone has a reason for the things they do. For me, I like knowing that when I wake up in the morning I have an opportunity make someone’s life just a little bit better than it was the day before. It’s what drives me, gives me a since of belonging and a purpose for my work. And lucky for me, I get to do it surrounded by awesome people and an incredible sense of community.
Matt Kupec, CPT
My journey into fitness began in high school where I was a heavier kid just hoping to become stronger for baseball. There is where I fell in love with weight training, there I learned that you can let go and be in the moment. Eventually I started college, not having a concrete plan for my future and chose to start at the college of business. Shortly after my first semester I knew going into business wasn't for me. With the help of my academic advisor, I discovered the field of Kinesiology and graduated with a B.S. in the field. My journey eventually led me here - at an incredible gym, Chicago Fit Performance.
The reason I decided to pursue a career in the fitness industry was to help out beginners and make their journey a little more comfortable. I aim to give them insight on the proper tools available so they can succeed, achieving what they thought they couldn't.
From my perspective, I have one of the best jobs in the world. Why? I am not confined to a traditional
office all day, I get to interact on a day-to-day basis with clients - some of them becoming close friends - and I have the ability to change someone's life for the better. Clients come to us at CFP because they want to change their lifestyle habits or they have to change their habits for medical reasons. No matter the reason, we are here to help accomplish your goals the best way we can - with proper weight training and nutrition.