AAU TRACK & FIELD
ILLINOIS FLAMES
SUMMER 2026
Train. Compete. Build Confidence. Ages 5–18
Limited spots available. Rosters fill quickly.
ESTABLISHED 1992
A PIPELINE TO
EXCELLENCE
The Illinois Flames Track Club is a premier AAU program serving the South Suburbs of Chicago. For over three decades, we have built a powerful legacy, training thousands, and helping hundreds of athletes who have gone on to compete at the collegiate level on track and field scholarships. Our athletes are trained by individuals who have lived the process and understand exactly what it takes to succeed at the next level.
85%
OF OUR COACHES COMPETED AT THE COLLEGIATE LEVEL ON SCHOLARSHIP.
100s
OF FORMER ATHLETES DEVELOPED AND PLACED INTO COLLEGE PROGRAMS.
THE WHOLE ATHLETE
MORE THAN
ATHLETES
The Illinois Flames Track Club operates on one fundamental truth: true development happens on and off the track. We are a family-based program dedicated to building not just fast runners, but confident, disciplined, and accountable young adults.
- Mentorship that extends beyond practice hours
- Developing unwavering discipline for life
- Building true self-confidence through hard work
- Fostering personal accountability in every athlete
ATHLETIC CURRICULUM
BUILDING
CHAMPIONS
SPRINTS & HURDLES
Explosive acceleration and maximum velocity mechanics. Our sprint curriculum breaks down biomechanics to isolate drive-phase efficiency and top-end speed maintenance, ensuring athletes maximize their ground force output.
- OUTCOME: Explosive Power & Speed
- OUTCOME: Neuromuscular Reaction Time
DISTANCE & ENDURANCE
Aerobic threshold expansion and tactical race pacing. We engineer endurance through structured pacing algorithms and aerobic base building, ensuring athletes hit peak performance in the crucial final lap.
- OUTCOME: Aerobic Capacity Expansion
- OUTCOME: Stride Efficiency & Pacing
RELAY SYSTEMS
Precision baton exchange mechanics and synchronous team timing. Focuses on blind handoffs, acceleration zones, and cohesive unit execution under high-stress competitive conditions.
FIELD DISCIPLINES
Technical mastery of jumping and throwing disciplines. We isolate the kinetic chain to maximize force production, optimizing approach velocity and launch angles for peak competitive marks.
- OUTCOME: Kinetic Force Production
- OUTCOME: Advanced Technical Precision
COMMITMENT & TRAJECTORY
THE PATHWAY
01 //
LOCATION & TIMES
Crete-Monee High School Track.
Monday–Friday
6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
02 //
SEASON TIMELINE
Summer season begins in May.
Fall conditioning and indoor season also available.
03 //
COMPETITIONS
6–8 outdoor meets.
Featuring local, regional, and national levels of competition.
04 //
THE GOAL
The ultimate objective.
Our pathway is built to prepare athletes for the AAU Junior Olympic Games.
THE G.R.I.T. PHILOSOPHY
UNLEASHING
POTENTIAL
Growth - Resilience - Inner Triumph.
The mindset principles taught in this program.
PREMIUM MINDSET RESOURCE
G.R.I.T: Growth-Resilience-Inner Triumph
"Unleashing Potential: How Mental Strength Fuels Personal Growth and Inspires Greatness" by Edward Clark III.
The same mindset principles taught in this book growth, resilience, inner strength, are actively developed within the Illinois Flames Track Club program through deliberate coaching, training, and team culture.
The G.R.I.T book is available as a premium resource for athletes and families who want to deepen their mental performance toolkit beyond practice and competition.
FUTURE SCHOLAR ATHLETES
Your athlete’s talent is only part of the journey. Strategy, preparation, academics, and knowing how to navigate the recruiting process matter. This toolkit helps families: Communicate with college coaches, Understand eligibility, Position for scholarships, Build athlete branding, Follow recruiting timelines.
Do not wait until senior year. Preparation starts now.
FUTURE SCHOLAR ATHLETES
SECURE YOUR
FUTURE
Your athlete’s talent is only part of the journey. Strategy, preparation, academics, and knowing how to navigate the recruiting process matter. Do not wait until senior year. Preparation starts now.
Elite Recruitment Dossier
- Communicate with college coaches
- Understand NCAA & NAIA eligibility
- Position for maximum scholarships
- Build a standout athlete brand
- Follow critical recruiting timelines
FAMILY STANDARDS
PARENT HUB
Elite athlete development requires a committed foundation at home. Review the mandatory expectations, communication protocols, and support structures required for all Illinois Flames families.
COMMUNICATION
All team communication is handled through the Band app. Families must download the application and ensure notifications are active for real-time practice updates, schedule shifts, and critical meet day information.
INVOLVEMENT
Active parent involvement is a requirement, not a suggestion. We expect families to uphold strict attendance at practice, be actively present on meet days, and emotionally support athletes beyond the scope of wins and losses.
SUPPORT
Club fundraising ensures program excellence and is mandatory, with $300 / $500 direct opt-out alternatives available. The Zina Rivers Legacy Scholarship and financial assistance options are accessible for qualifying families.
SUPPORT THE PROGRAM
DONATE TO THE ILLINOIS FLAMES
Your donation helps cover travel, equipment, meet fees, and scholarships so no committed athlete is ever left behind.
- Fund athlete scholarships
- Support travel to championship meets
- Upgrade training equipment
- Grow community outreach
WAYS TO GIVE
- One-time gifts
- Monthly support
- Corporate sponsorships
- In-kind donations
TEAM APPAREL & GEAR
ILLINOIS FLAMES STORE
OPTIONAL UNIFORMS
Optional uniforms are available in red and black, allowing athletes to represent the Flames with style, confidence, and team pride.
TEAM BACKPACKS
Team backpacks are available for purchase, giving athletes a convenient and stylish way to carry their gear while representing the Flames with pride.
TEAM T-SHIRTS
Team t-shirts are available for athletes, parents, and supporters, making it easy for everyone to represent the Flames and show team pride on and off the track.
COMMUNITY & IMPACT
FUNDRAISERS
Fundraisers help to keep program costs manageable
FAN CLUB T-SHIRTS
Annual Tag Day is a key fundraising event where athletes and families come together to support the team, build unity, and help provide resources for a successful season.
ANNUAL FLAMES TAG DAY
Athlete fan club t-shirts are available for family, friends, and supporters, so everyone can show up, stand out, and cheer on their favorite athlete with pride.
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Local businesses and partners can sponsor events, athletes, and gear while gaining visibility in a high-impact community.
Final Push
THE NEXT LEVEL
AWAITS
Spots are limited and will fill quickly.
The Illinois Flames Track Club is a premier AAU program dedicated to the holistic development of youth athletes in the South Suburbs of Chicago.
CONTACT INFO
Address:
Steger, IL
Phone:
(708) 414-6183
Email:
[email protected]
QUICK LINKS
© 2026 Illinois Flames Track Club. All rights reserved.