What services does your business offer and what makes your business stand out from the competition?

We are Chicagoland's quirkiest and eclectic gym, with a diverse fitness program that combines elements of kettle-bells and old-school calisthenics with martial arts, parkour, sword-fighting drills, kung-fu moves and adventure racing to give you a chance to create a unique, personal training regimen that will be challenging and fun and different than anything you'd get a big-box gym. Classes are small, all trainers are certified, but more importantly, they -- and the other students -- will know you by name.

What was the inspiration to start or run this business?

Forteza is an ancient Italian word meaning “fortress” or “stronghold”. Within our studio, that stronghold is you. At Forteza our goal is to help each person who comes through our door build their own personal stronghold; the stronghold of their bodies, minds and spirits.

What do you love most about your job?

The people! Over the years we have built an ecclectic and fun-loving student base who range in age from 16 - 64, include PhDs, professionals, tradesmen, theater-folk and students in a big, quirky family united by a love of martial arts, history and a sense of wonder.

What is the best reaction you've ever gotten from a customer?

"You've helped me become who I always felt I was on the inside." By the way - *they* did the work, we just provided the tools and the know-how!