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, PPSC, FMSC , Head Coach and 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."
Matt Kupec, PPSC, PNC, 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.
Adrian Cervantes, CFSC, PPSC, CPT
Whether it was in sports settings playing soccer, academic projects in college, or even management roles in corporate wellness, I’ve always had an undeniable passion for bringing the best out of people. I count my blessings each and every day considering my immigrant parents worked extremely hard to provide the best life for my siblings and I.
The root of my interest with fitness started at an early age. The first spark began with my family members struggling with chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and depression to name a few! The second portion of fitness that added to my career choice came from seeing so many injuries with job settings and sports. The goal was to further educate myself with an emphasis on preventative means with mechanical injuries and chronic conditions!
This ultimately led me to pursue a Bachelors from the University of Illinois Chicago - GO FLAMES! In addition, I wanted to gain well needed experience during my undergrad so I actively seeked roles as a personal trainer in corporate wellness and rehabilitation specialist working for highly skilled healthcare providers.
Being a part of the CFP team has been a game changer because it's providing yet another unique platform to bring the best out of our members. I emphasize to our CFP family all the time that it's not too often where we have an entourage of highly skilled coaches working in collaboration to help achieve your fitness goals. Let’s get your body moving better so you can feel better!
Caroline Juster, CFSC, DVRT, PNC, CPT
My coaching career began in January 2014 when I was still a Northwestern University Bienen School of Music student. Since then, I have trained hundreds of clients in-person and online from all over the world.
I love helping people use strength training, smart cardio and no-nonsense nutrition to build their best lives outside the gym.
I am a fitness writer for Livestrong.com and has also written for the Personal Trainer Development Center.
I am a Certified Functional Strength Coach, plus a Certified Personal Trainer and Corrective Exercise Specialist through the National Academy of Sports Medicine. I also hold Level 2 Certifications from Precision Nutrition and DVRT. I am also a Moderation365 Certified Nutrition Consultant.