About Us

Strive lives by the for 4 components to living a healthier life.

Exercise/Cardio
Mental Health

Nutrition
Sleep

Our training programs are led by people who come from all fitness levels and have their own success stories. We personalize all the programs to deliver maximum results to fit your individual fitness goals and fitness levels. Whether you are a beginner, haven’t worked out in years, or an elite athlete, our professional coaches will help you Strive!”

Since 2021 we have added a 7 day pass option FREE! We want everyone to experience the energy we bring to each class, the team we have created, and the amazing atmosphere we have to offer. For those individuals who are looking for more guidance, Strive also offers personal training.
At Strive we are more than just classes, we offer events year round such as: Ultimate Boot Camp, Class Marathons, and 5K/10K’s. Not only do we have multiple locations, but when the weather breaks, we take some of our classes outside! We also have a unique and innovative outdoor fitness center at Memorial Park in Lagrange Park.

VIEW MEMBERSHIPS

MEET OUR TRAINERS

ShawnOwner/Coach/Nutritionist

What’s up everyone!?

This is Shawn Groll, owner and founder of Strive Fitness since 2016. I’ve been in the fitness industry for 14 years. I have managed and trained/coaches at multiple locations throughout my career prior to Strive.

I have also ran an outdoor bootcamp since 2012. This was after managing and/or coaching…held in the evening hours of 715pm and weekends!

Strive started in October of 2016, after finding out the gym I was at was sold abruptly in September of 2016. I knew I couldn’t “work” for anyone and my wife and I poured our savings to start up Strive. From 595sq ft to leasing our future massive Strive at 7,100sq ft is definitely surreal! We are going on 7 years and we have been located in the towns of: Brookfield, Berwyn, Riverside, Garfield Ridge, La grange Park and coming soon, Lyons!

I went from fat to fit (that’s a whole story) and now have accomplished some “crazy” feats such as:

Ran outside EVERYDAY for 365 days. From -27° to 110° and totaled 2,145 miles with 5 marathon distances + 50k.
Completed a whole burpee 5k. Yes, jumped forward for 3.1 miles
Completed a half iron man 70.3 miles
Completed many obstacle courses such as: King Arthur, Spartan Beast, Tough mudders and plenty more
Hiked the highest mountain in the connected 48 states; Mount Whitney
Last year, I took one of my clients to hike the 1st and 2nd highest mountains in Colorado in 24hrs.
I hold MULTIPLE certifications: Fitness Nutrition Specialist, NASM cpt, CrossFit 1, mma conditioning specialist and more!
I have experience of hands on fighting in the octagon.
Completed the 75 hard program twice. This will change your life; google that sh!t.
Having employees who care, are passionate, and helping share knowledge to build Strive and themselves is HUGE (when we started I thought it would only be Victoria and I).

My biggest accomplishment in life is marrying my wife, Victoria and having her by my side throughout this along with my two awesome boys Onyx & Kalyx.

“If you want to become that person, you will have to learn how to execute when you don’t feel like it”.

VictoriaOwner/Coach

Hi there, I’m Coach Vic! I’ve been in the fitness industry since 2012, but have always had a passion for all things sports and adventure for as long as I can remember. I specialize in personal training, kettlebells, group training & spin. I am a busy mom of 2 boys (ages 3&5), but still find time for myself. I recently just completed 100 days of consecutive running. November 1, 2023-February 8, 2024. Throughout all the holidays, vacations, and birthdays. I love what I do, and love sharing my passion and knowledge with others.

I’m a mom to two handsome young boys, Kal 2 and Onyx 4. Before having our boys, I conquered many fitness goals. I ran my 1st marathon, 1/2 marathons (one of these half marathons was 6 months PP!) 15 hour GORUCK challenge( if you don’t know what it is, GTS), so many OCR’s I’ve lost count, climbed the highest mountains, rock climbed the 1st flat Iron in Colorado, cliff jumped, and countless fitness challenges along the way. But the one thing I can pride myself on most is the LIFESTYLE.

I feel very fortunate to have fallen into the most rewarding career anyone could ask for. I get to meet and help so many amazing people on their journey to a better life. When it comes to fitness, only positive things can happen; better attitude, more confidence, stronger body, stronger mind, and overall better lifestyle choices. Love what you do, and you’ll never feel like you’re “working”.

I haven’t worked in over 12 years!”☺️ #lovewhatyoudo

Jesus GarciaStrive Coach

Hey everyone! I’m coach Jesus, but some call me Zeus! I am the head coach here at Strive. I am a certified personal trainer with ISSA, I love helping others achieve their fitness goals, whether that be gaining muscle, getting leaner, or just staying healthy.

Some of my accomplishments include completing a marathon, completing the 75 hard program, participating in ultimate bootcamps and rucks, I recently discovered a love for running, but strength training is where I shine. My main goal is to inspire others to challenge themselves and reach their full potential. I have a strong desire to help others succeed and a commitment to ongoing growth and education.

CarlosStrive Coach

My name is Carlos Flores. I’ve been an instructor at Strive for several years now. My specialty is martial arts, more specifically Stick Fighting. I’m a Full Dog Brother under the Dog Brothers Organization and go by the name Maul Dog. I also have over 20 years of martial arts experience in various arts.

You may find some martial art classes pop up here and there at Strive. I also teach various other classes focusing on strength, conditioning, and mobility. When it comes to fitness, I’m all about longevity. When I’m not teaching at Strive, I run my own business and am subcontracted by the state and work in Early Intervention providing families with counseling services. Mental health is also another component to my workouts and classes.

PeggyStrive Coach

I have been active in fitness for many years, teaching indoor cycling since 2001 and yoga since 2017. My cycling certification is with Schwinn. I began doing yoga in 2005 during a particularly challenging time in my life and it was so therapeutic.

I obtained my yoga training with Judi Harvin at FocusOm, completing a 200 hour teacher training in 2017. The most important thing to me in fitness is proper form. No matter the exercise, proper form will create a strong foundation and minimize injury. This is what I teach.

In cycling it starts with proper bike fit for each student. In yoga, my motto for teaching is ‘it’s not about the pose’, rather it is about the blending of mind, body, spirit and loving yourself. I love traveling to foreign countries and experiencing unique adventures. My most humbling experience was summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro.

MarielStrive Coach

It’s been 5 years since I decided to walk in the door at Strive and it has been life changing. I finally found a place where I can be comfortable and a place that keeps me engaged by offering a huge variety of workouts and continually evolving/changing it up. The support and positive vibes at Strive made me embrace the fitness lifestyle. Personal training with Shawn Groll helped shape me physically and mentally.

After 2 years, I became a certified NASM instructor and started teaching at Strive! I have enjoyed continuing my fitness journey with my Strive family and helping others on theirs. I’m back teaching class and doing personal training after being on maternity leave. I became a weight loss specialist and corrective exercise specialist with NASM while on leave. Make that leap. Try your first free class. Strive changes lives every day.

Colleen RyanStrive Coach

Who says you can’t teach an Old Dog New Tricks?? The pandemic changed many people’s lives but my life did a complete 180. When the World stopped turning for those couple of weeks I lost my job. I spend 22 years working as a limousine dispatcher and all of a sudden limousines were not allowed on the road. I had to reinvent myself.

A friend of mine needed help at her warehouse and I instantly fell in Love with physical work. I am now the warehouse manager for ComEd’s Energy Efficiency Program and the only forklift operator in the warehouse.

I began a weight loss mission in October of 2019 but just like my job all of a sudden the gym was shutdown. I had to find new ways to get my workout in. I had to really dig deep and find the passion and discipline to continue working out even though my gym was closed. I became completely obsessed with Fitness. So much to the point that I decided to start taking classes to change my career and become a Certified Personal Trainer.

I worked hard on my own transformation just recently reaching a major goal of 100 pounds of weight loss. I also reached some other big goals like nailing my 24 inch box jump, a 235 pound deadlift, 105 pound bench press, 145 pound squat, and this is just the beginning!!! My passion is helping people believe they have the ability to do a 180 and make major changes in their lives no matter what stage they’re at in Life!”

Kim HaleStrive Coach

Hello there! I’m Kim, a group fitness and personal trainer here at Strive. I’ve taught everything from spin, kettles, barre, bootcamps and more! My passion for fitness started well into my elementary school years where I spent many many years as a ballerina. Being “active” has always been a large part of my life.

I have spent the majority of my career years being a mom and working in the Tech Industry. I still felt like I was missing living my passion fully.

It wasn’t until about 6 years ago I decided to pursue a certification in fitness. Since then I have acquired 6 certifications including barre, sports conditioning, corrective exercise, fitness nutrition and more!

I love helping people become the best versions of themselves and hitting their goals. That is so powerful!