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  Jovanni Martinez – Karate Athlete and Black Belt

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  Chris Pinto

  Chris Grayson is by far the most knowledgeable professional in this field that I have ever crossed paths with. Chris has been educating me with training advice for over a decade, and he played an important part of my recovery process from knee surgery earlier this year.

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  Livia Cook

  "I followed his advice and in only 4-5 months the results are undeniable: I am unrecognizable in pictures (in a good way) having gained 30lbs of muscle; I am objectively much stronger (Chris writes down every session so you can see and compare your own progress); and I went from doing 0 to 4+ consecutive pull-ups, which was a BIG goal of mine."

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  Elisa Fonseca – Karate Athlete and Black Belt

  "I appreciate his knowledge of sports science and trust his recommendations as a coach."

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  Jaime Gamboa – Karate Athlete

  Chris is one, if not the most, knowledgeable fitness coach I've ever had. Thanks to USI and Chris, I will definitely be hitting the competition mats again in 2018.

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  Izzy Russell

  USI is truly a great gym to reach your goals. Chris has a ton of knowledge not only with fitness but nutrition as well. Chris cares about his clients reaching their potential and will do everything he can to get you there. I’ve been at USI for two years and plan on being there for […]

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  John Fonseca – Karate Black Belt

  I can honestly say that Chris Grayson is at the top of his field. I am always impressed by his extensive knowledge, no nonsense approach, and ways in which he challenges himself as a professional to continually learn and improve.

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  Brian O’Neill

  I came to Chris in July of 2016 with some very specific strength and performance based goals that I had finally committed to accomplishing; since I am in the field of Strength and Conditioning and bodywork I was in search of an expert. After doing extensive research on some of the best personal trainers in […]

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  Andy Perez

  For me, it's the first time I've ever seen results from training ever. To date, I'm up 10 pounds, and have received compliments from friends and family who have noticed physical changes in my body. My arms and legs are bigger and more toned, and almost weekly during training, I notice that I'm able to lift more weight.

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  Zach Larson

  If you want REAL results, look no further. When I was playing hockey, I worked with plenty of different trainers, but Chris was by far the best.

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  Antonio Garcia – Jiu Jitsu Black Belt and Competitor

  As a 6 year Brazilian Jiu-jitsu practitioner and competitor I can honestly say that I've never felt more prepared and at my physical peak for BJJ competitions than I have training at USI under Chris Grayson.

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  Matthew Chan – MMA Fighter

  "He put together a dynamic and effective program to build explosive strength for me as an amateur MMA fighter in the short span of three weeks."

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  Rachel Bolton

  He's curious, well-informed, easy to communicate with and encouraging. I've never had a better trainer!

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  Alex Truong

  I have been training with Chris Grayson for nearly a year now and here are the main reasons I believe USI is an absolute gem: - Chris truly cares about your performance. Your progress is his top priority so he will not hesitate to talk to you honestly even if you don't like it. - He is very knowledgeable.

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  John Teti

  "I recommend Chris to everyone, even nerds like me."

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  Justin Pak

  I have been training with Chris for about two years now and have received compliments from friends and colleagues about how my body is much more defined and trimmer since I started working out with him. Not only can I lift more weight, my cardio has improved greatly as well, and my nutrition and eating habits have changed because of his guidance. I can't recommend Chris and the USI enough- this IS the best-kept secret in Chicago.

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  Steve Cascio

  "Chris is a continual learner, and has a wealth of knowledge. When you train with Chis, you're not only a trainee, but you're a student. Chris really wants to impart knowledge to those he trains, but it's also obvious that he wants to listen to you too."

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  Rene D.

  I’ve been training with with Chris for a little over a year now, and it’s a testament to his skill that I’m still at it.  Like many people, I’ve struggled staying consistent with training, usually doing well for about 6 months before starting to slack off due to a combination of life’s stresses and hitting […]

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  Andres Arias

  "Overall I have an enormous trust in Chris and his knowledge. I highly recommend USI to anyone who's serious about setting some goals and seeing them through."

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  Ted Carlson

  "I have been consulting and training with Chris Grayson for nearly a decade. He has always delivered solid training advice. I know of no other trainer today that puts as much time into reading and developing the craft of training as he does."

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  Jeff Taylor

  "Chris' passion for exercise and healthy living is contagious. I have trained elsewhere and have never encountered an individual with a greater knowledge of fitness."

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  Charlie Jensen

  "Chris is invested in your personal success. He is passionate about fitness and nutrition and can truly provide you with results - if you are willing to work hard to achieve it!"

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  Pat Agate

  "I owe a lot of it to Chris...I am doing the work, but without him as a guide, I would not be where I am today."

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  Marcin Sikora

  "I trained with Chris to prepare for a jiu jitsu tournament. I have to admit, I thought I was in decent shape, but training with Chris allowed me to take my conditioning to the next level."

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  John Jones

  "If you want real results and are willing to put in some hard work, this is definitely the gym for you."

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  Eli Levine

  "Not only have I lost over an inch on my waist size, I have gained a lot of muscle. He also put me on a much needed meal plan."

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  Jonathan Glenner

  "All I can say is that I wish I would have met Chris sooner."

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  Alex Pinto

  "I have seen great results and look forward to coming here every day that I can. The energy and environment here is great."

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  Kevin Tate

  "Again, the bottom line is that results don’t lie. If you want to experience improved performance and see your body change before your eyes, head down to USI."

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  Anthony Kalina

  "The best part about USI is that your workouts are tailored to your goals and physical restrictions."

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  Lauren T.

  "Before going to Urban Strength Institute I would run for my cardio but the results are no where near the results that I got from working with Chris."

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  Steve Cohen

  "My kids tell me that my shoulders and arms are ripped."

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  Cliff Hagerman

  Jiu Jitsu Instructor and Competitor

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  Adem Redzovic

  Jiu Jitsu Black Belt and Professor

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  Jim Glasgow

  Muay Thai Coach and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Purple Belt

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  Sol Kim

  Jiu-Jitsu Purple Belt

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  Haris Usanovic

  Jiu Jitsu Black Belt and Jiu Jitsu Professor

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  Narcis Mujkic

  MMA Agent and Jiu-Jitsu Competitor

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  Dave Kane

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  Benny Acevedo

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  Matt Cebulak

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  Andy Bates

  Andy Bates, a college football wide receiver, discusses what he got out of training at USI (Urban Strength Institute)

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  Rafael Velazquez

  Rafael has been training with us at USI for 2 months now and has went from 225 pounds down to 185, gotten considerably stronger, and improved his conditioning level dramatically.

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  Cliff Hagerman

  “I’ve been training with chris off and on for years. The greatest thing about the Urban Strength Institute is that Chris takes all the “guess work” out of it. If you show up and give your best effort, you WILL achieve your desired results. I’ve worked with Chris for fat loss, endurance training, and strength training and […]

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  Adem Redzovic – Jiu Jitsu Black Belt and Competitor

  “World Class Strength and Conditioning coach. Chicago’s best kept secret. If you want to get in the best shape of your life, contact Chris Grayson. By far the best I have trained with.”

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  Jaspaul Gill -MMA Competitor

  “Through college I have been competing on an amateur level in boxing and kickboxing as well as training in various grappling arts. When I moved to Chicago for university I wanted to find a strength and conditioning coach that could take my performance to the next level. Having had some experience with run of the […]

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  Elizabeth Guzman

  “I lost about 40 lbs. and about 5 sizes. I feel wonderful and would recommend anyone to try it, you will not regret it! I have 3 kids and had put on a lot of weight that was very hard for me to lose until I met Chris. His training is unlike no other. He […]

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  Veronica Mayorga

  "I never imagined having a 6 pack five months after having a baby!"

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  Goran Reljic – MMA Competitor

  "Training strength and conditioning with Chris Grayson really opened my eyes about a lot of things. His way of training is extreme but very effective. I think he has a very good approach to take the maximum out of the athlete."

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  Dave Flores

  “Chris has offered the complete package of health and fitness from how he trains you according to your needs, to taking the time to explain his vast knowledge on diet and nutrition."

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  Alan Schmuckler

  “Chris Grayson changed my life, no joke. He’s supremely knowledgeable, practices what he preaches, and creates an environment that’s challenging without being impossible. I got stronger and healthier, and learned a lot about my diet, while training at USI. Can’t recommend it highly enough.”

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  Eddie Amado

  “I have been training at USI for a while now and all I can say is Chris Grayson (Urban Strength Institutes’s strength and conditioning coach) is the man. Chris has extensive knowledge about lifting and conditioning. I have had some serious gains in lifting and my body composition has definitely improved. If you are serious […]