RAWW Barbell

Working with Tim has made a great impact in the sport for me. As a beginner, he knows exactly where to meet me, how to teach, and is always engaged with his lifters. I find him to be highly knowledge and invested in his athletes. The culture of Raww Barbell is welcoming, warm, uplifting, and you’re surrounded by people with high standards. I really look forward to my sessions! Highly recommend for anyone of any age at any level!

If you’re thinking about training here, do it — my only regret is not starting sooner. I’m a personal trainer who’s coached professional athletes, and after 10 months of Olympic weightlifting with Coach Tim, I’ve made more progress than I ever expected. I started with a 220lb clean & jerk and a 175lb snatch — now I’m doing 300lb clean & jerks and 231lb snatch. I wake up at 4am to train 8 clients a day and still make it to Tim’s class by 4pm — because it’s that worth it. I’ve competed in two meets, hit PRs in both, won my session in the first, and took 1st place at Illinois State in the men’s 89kg class in the second. Coach Tim’s style is highly technical. You earn your heavy weights here. His unique blend of Chinese and Russian Olympic training principles creates a truly next-level approach to the sport. Classes are group-based, but it feels like 1-on-1 coaching. Everyone follows the same structure, but weights are customized for each lifter. It’s beginner-friendly yet pushes even advanced lifters to level up. The community is also incredible — supportive, hardworking, and welcoming. New lifters thrive here because of that. Tim holds you accountable. He’s tough in the best way — pushing you to meet your potential. Training with him has transformed not just my lifts, but my mindset. The way he keeps intensity high, reads his athletes, and communicates — it’s clear how much knowledge and passion he brings. He’s forgotten more about weightlifting than most people will ever learn. The gym itself is well-equipped and even has a recovery room with a cold plunge, sauna, and power plate — a huge asset with how much we train. Tim also coaches you through competitions and is completely locked in — helping with timing, attempts, and in-the-moment strategy. He knows how to get the best out of you when it matters most. At the end of the day, he’s not just a coach — he’s someone I trust, respect, and am proud to train under. I was hooked from day one, and I can’t recommend this gym and Coach Tim enough.