Our Story
Renato Del Toro is a first-generation Mexican-American and the owner of Hybrid Strength Athletics. Born to immigrant parents from Jalisco, he grew up with a strong work ethic and a passion for both sport and self-improvement.
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Renato studied Criminology and Sociology at Dominican University and was an athlete growing up as well, having plated Soccer for 20+ years and Volleyball for 5-experiences that shaped his discipline, drive and commitment to training.Â
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With over 13 years of experience in the gym industry, Renato advanced from personal trainer to bootcamp instructor and Manager across multiple Chicago-area locations including LA fitness and Xsport.Â
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Motivated by a clear gap he saw with commercial gym culture-Renato set out to build a better training environment, and that vision became Hybrid Strength Athletics.Â
The Build
Private, members-only strength gym open 24/7 with keyfob access, grown stage by stage from a single garage platform.
2016
One platform in a garage
A home-made lifting platform, poured and bolted together by hand.
2017
The first rented unit
Four racks, no machines and twelve members, chalk on every surface.
2020
COVID. We closed the gym!Â
Covid struck and the city forced us to close. We almost didn't make it out, but our community kept us alive.
2022
We're Growing
Members are pouring in, helping us grow, brick by brick.Â
2024
Capped at 250 members
We want to keep every platform free.Â
Today
10 years later
We've added a plethora of machines and upgrades to give our community something to be proud of.Â