I assume most of you know who Michael Jordan is, and if you don’t, you need to crawl out from under that rock and familiarize yourself with the best basketball player to ever grace a court. Amongst many many other things, Jordan is most well known for the Chicago Bulls dynasty, winning 6 championships in 8 years. Something that has not been duplicated since. Along with the stars aligning and bring all of the right players and coaches to the Bulls at the exact right time, this dynasty was built on Jordan’s determination and championship mentality. Characteristics that defined him as a man, a player, and built his personal legacy. A legacy that turned into arguably the most sought after athletic brand in the game, the Jordan Brand. A cult favorite for almost every sneaker head out there, the Jordan Brand was born in Chicago, laying roots that to this day run through the city.

Since moving to Chicago, I have been fortunate enough to meet some amazing people, particularly some phenomenal fitness personalities. One of the people in specific is Nike/Jordan Brand trainer B Jack, who has gone out of his way to invite me to take part in some amazing events. Events that include not only a social aspect but a fitness aspect, the part I most enjoy. Through these events I have been introduced to both inspiring people and a part of Chicago that I otherwise wouldn’t have discovered on my own.

All of that said, this past Saturday I got to part take in Jordan Brand’s Breakfast Club. Named after early morning practices Michael Jordan held for his teammates during the summer after the 1989-90 season. I was a bit nervous walking into the workout as I didn’t know anyone and wasn’t sure what to expect, feelings that though natural were unnecessary in this situation. B Jack and his team, DB and DC (apparently they are going for a letters of the alphabet vibe) put myself, Nike influencers from around the city and a group of high school basketball players through what is up there as one of the hardest workouts I have done since college. Something about putting in work as a team really helps you get to know a person quickly. How someone reacts to hard work, how someone encourages others, how someone sweats and reacts in a taxing situation truly introduces you to a person. Every single person at the workout was cool, down to earth and encouraging. I was just as excited about meeting them as I was about partaking in the event.

So why am I telling you all of this? First, because any excuse to praise Michael Jordan I’ll take. But most importantly, to show how working out with a friend, a group or a team can not only benefit your body, but is also a great way to build a community and relationships. Playing team sports from the age of 3 has taught me a massive amount about who I am today, and who I continue to strive to be. Thank you BJack, DC, DB, Mike and Josh for putting together such a great event!

Quick side note, I am so sorry for the spotty posting lately. My life is spinning out in so many exciting directions, I am doing my best to keep everything afloat. That said, I cannot wait to share it all with you on a much more consistent basis. While I get all of my ducks in a row, go checkout the Michael Jordan exhibit on the North lawn of the Field Museum, you will not be disappointed!