Chad Gruen

After becoming the youngest person ever elected to the synagogue board of Am Shalom in Glencoe, Chad Gruen has become a model of leadership and involvement. He is generous with his time and resources, and, since losing his mother two years ago, serves as a mentor in the community helping others experiencing grief and loss. 

Outside of the synagogue (and sometimes inside), Chad is passionate about sports. As the CEO of a major national provider of youth sports events, camps, clinics and programs, he works tirelessly to help young people improve their athletic abilities and have positive experiences with sports. He is the ultimate coach and teammate, and finds joy in helping young sports buffs connect to their passion and potential.

Along with his grandfather, Chad also participates in the annual Kristallnacht ceremony honoring Holocaust survivors here in Chicago. 

Age:

34

Primary gig:

Entrepreneur

On the side:

Love sports, travel and family while enjoying a healthy lifestyle

Relationship status:

Married

Describe yourself in 10 words or less:

Hard-working and driven, proud father

How do you Jew in Chicago?

Keep kosher, minyan with my kids, board member at Am Shalom, Tot Shabbat

Chicago's Jewish community in 10 years:

I believe with the education being placed on young Jewish people today, we are on the right path for continued success in the Jewish community for years to come.