INTRODUCING CrossFit Backland
Meet the fitness experts ready to help you achieve your fitness goals at our gym.
ABOUT CrossFit Backland
Our gym team of fitness and nutrition professionals are invested in your health. We make every decision with our members’ well-being in mind. Achieve your goals with us!
THE TEAM
FOUNDERS
Tyler and Jesse Friedl
Jesse and Tyler have been CrossFitting for over 10 years. For Tyler, it began in 2012 as a way to simply lose college football weight but it quickly turned into a lifestyle. With a running background, Jesse immediately loved both the competitiveness and the community.
Over the years, they have been involved in gyms throughout Chicago and Denver, and both are passionate about developing fitness that applies to all aspects of life – one workout at a time – while building friends that feel like family. CrossFit Backland aims to bring their adventurous spirit to Downers Grove, by creating a gym that promotes fitness, community, humility, and consistency.
Director of Operations
Rich Matthews
Rich started CrossFit in 2019 as a way to stay conditioned for his job in Law Enforcement. Rich was a Louisiana State Trooper for 5 years, working in the patrol division and on the Natural Disaster & Critical Response Team.
During his time in Louisiana, Rich received his CF-L1 and began coaching CrossFit athletes at his local affiliate. He has a degree in Criminal Justice from Valley Forge Military College. Rich and his wife, Lauren, moved back to Chicago in 2022, and immediately joined CrossFit Backland. In his spare time, Rich likes to spend time with Lauren and try new restaurants in the Chicagoland area.
COACH
Brittany Lancor
Brittany was introduced to CrossFit in 2016 when she attended her first competition as a spectator. Drawn to its unique combination of functional movements and high-intensity workouts, she decided to try her first CrossFit class in 2017 and was immediately captivated by the challenge, empowerment, and camaraderie that it offered.
As an athlete, she’s come to value the ongoing opportunities for skill development and growth provided by the sport. Brittany went on to earn her CF-L1 to continue supporting others in their fitness journey. Outside of the gym, you can find Brittany reading, learning, playing with her pups, traveling to national parks, or exploring the outdoors.
COACH
Allie Ancona
Allie started doing CrossFit in 2012. What started as a way to keep busy after work has evolved into a passion of hers quickly. Attending classes gradually evolved into competing in local CrossFit events and attaining certifications to enhance her knowledge of different aspects of the sport.
She began coaching in 2015 and believes that CrossFit is a great way to facilitate a healthier lifestyle for all people by increasing their movement and finds great joy in helping people meet personal physical and health related goals. In her free time, Allie enjoys working out, traveling, trying new restaurants, and spending time with family and friends. She sponsors a CrossFit club at the school she works at and does nutrition coaching as well.
GET STARTED
Book a Free Intro at CrossFit Backland today. Chat with a coach to learn more about how we can help you reach your goals.
