Meet our Coaches

We have an elite team of coaches dedicated to helping you achieve your goal. Whether that goal is as simple as learning to speed skate, beating your last time trial, or making it all the way to the Olympics, our coaches will help you along the way. Meet the faces behind the team:

Chris Choi


Chris is an experienced short-track speed skating coach with a Bachelor’s degree in Biomolecular Science and Kinesiology from the University of Michigan. As a protégé of Hyun Jung Lee, and through firsthand training alongside national-level skaters, he has developed strong expertise in athlete development.

Chris has helped numerous skaters reach their potential, guiding them to compete at both regional and national levels. By combining academic knowledge with proven, up-to-date training methods, he provides a strong foundation for skaters of all ages and skill levels.

Gary Martin


Gary skated recreationally for many years before beginning formal training and competition in 2008. Since then, he has attended numerous training camps across the country and is a U.S. Speedskating certified Level 2 coach. He incorporates video feedback into his coaching and enjoys working with skaters of all ages and abilities. Prior to speed skating, Gary coached youth soccer in Park Ridge for 14 years while his sons were playing.

Outside of skating, he enjoys biking through the local forest preserves with his wife.

Professionally, Gary cares for patients and teaches at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, where he also served as Vice Chairman of the Department of Medicine.

  • Former Northbrook Speedskating Club Head Coach
  • Former coach of UCB & Wolverine clubs
  • UCB (United Capital Blades) club elite team
  • Certified personal training
  • US Speedskating certified coach
  • Trained many elite level skaters since 2016
  • US Short Track age group national champion multiple times
  • US Short Track Masters Team
  • Holds multiple Illinois state age group records
  • 2025 Masters International Short Track games - Overall & Distance World Champion (M70+)
  • US Speedskating level 2 certified coach.
Eddie Kim


Eddie has been skating with the Park Ridge Speed Skating Club since the 2011–12 season. He is passionate about helping skaters of all levels improve and is always eager to support those who want to get better. He believes that athletes achieve success through a combination of hard work, knowledge, and a clear understanding of proper training—knowing what to do and what to avoid.

Eddie currently serves as both a playing coach and Board President, continuing to contribute his experience and leadership to the club while remaining an active and competitive skater.

Ryan Olijnyk
  • US Short Track age group national champion (2017, 2023, 2024, 2025)
  • US Short Track Masters Team (2023, 2024, 2025)
  • Holds multiple National & Illinois state age group records
  • 2025 Masters International Short Track games - Overall 2nd & 500m World Champion (M55+)
  • Oldest US short track skater who has been qualified & competed at Heartland racing series since 2022.
  • US Speedskating level 2 certified coach.
  • MasterSk8er - YouTube
  • 2024 US Long Track Age Group Nationals (Junior A) - Overall 3rd, 1st in Team Persuit
  • 2024 US Long Track Junior Championships - Top 20
  • Qualified & completed Heartland racing series since 2021
  • US Short Track age group nationals competitor 2017-2019, 2022-2023.
  • Oakton Sports Complex Learn To Skate Coach