Chicago has long been a city whose run culture we've admired, and Ian Gonzalez is one of the community leaders who we first worked with during the early days at Bandit. A long-time runner and long-time contributor to the beautiful patchwork that is Chicago run culture, we're psyched to have Mr. Gonzalez running the new Chicago store - not only keeping things running day-to-day, but working alongside the local run community to bring people together and continue to find ways to lift and serve runners of all stripes. So, let's get to know Ian here...
Alright, Ian. Big week. Chicago launch. We know you... but tell everyone else about yourself
I am Ian Gonzalez, a Chicago southside native. I grew up in the Auburn and Gresham neighborhoods on the southwest side and I am currently living over east in Woodlawn! I’m a proud father of three. You’ll see August (my 8yr old) from time to time at the store trying to up-sell you on socks and tights, LBS. I am also the co-founder of the 7onSundays run crew in Historic Bronzeville. Come join us for a run every Sunday morning! I come to Bandit after years of being a leader in the local run club scene and owning my own running specialty store on the southside. I’ve run 6 marathons and two ultras with my eyes currently set on Pioneers 26. True in 2026 for my 7th marathon. Opening the Bandit store here in Bucktown is a full circle moment for me as I got my journey started in running at the old Nike Running Bucktown store back in 2016. Looking towards the future, I am happy to be here with the Bandit team and hope yall don’t mind me bringing some southside flavor to Bucktown!
How has the Chicago running scene changed in the last 5 years?
The Chicago running scene has seen huge changes in the last 5 years! The growth spurt of so many hyper local clubs have given so many people the opportunity to get into running with ease. Big shout out to all of the BIPOC clubs that have been birthed on the south and west sides of the city!
What don’t people know about the Chicago running community?
This community is one big midwestern hug. We are all very welcoming to newcomers no matter your level of running. A good portion of our runners join multiple run clubs with so much love.
How would you describe run culture in Chicago?
Run culture in Chicago is very collaborative. We have a motto here, “Community over Competition”. Whenever one of us goes to another run club’s run or events, it's basically like we are visiting our favorite cousins wherever we go. The leaders of the clubs here put runner experience first and that makes a huge difference.
Speed round:
Favorite slice of pizza in Chicago: Italian Fiesta (IYKYK)
Favorite burger in Chicago: Gyro Burger (big back problems)
Favorite running route: 7onSunday’s Chinatown route
Best neighborhood to explore: Hyde Park and Bronzeville - Good food and tons of history!
Favorite memory as a Chicago runner: Every year at Mile 23 of the Chicago marathon! A few of the clubs come together and throw a huge party on the course to push not just our runners, but all of the runners through that last 5k of the race! This was sparked by another favorite memory, come by the shop and ask me about it!
What are some local clubs and crews that people should know about in Chicago?
Get your pin ready...
Veinto (OGs)
Edge Athletes
3Run2 (OGs)
What do you personally love about running that’s kept you in the sport?
The ability to challenge yourself alongside a community that truly wants to see you do your best every day! It is hella magical when you think about it.
Who is a Chicago runner (either an amateur, pro, or community leader) that inspires you, and why?
Jackie and Tiffany Hoffman, founders of Peacerunners, inspire me so much! They have really surpassed what I thought a run club could be and built a family that is impacting the Westside of Chicago today and for generations to come. I would love to replicate what they do in my own community. Until then, watching them has me in awe!
You get to design the perfect Chicago race route—where does it go?
Yoooo! I would love to do this in real life! It would have to be an ultra unfortunately. We can start downtown as all the great Chicago races do. Run through downtown along the marathon route and north through Lincoln park zoo and definitely west from there towards Broadway where the drag queens sing! That area always has the best energy! Would love to run it through the emerald necklace of Chicago which is Douglas, Garfield, and Humboldt Park. Then definitely through Pilsen for the energy and tequila shots! We can run further south through Chinatown and then further south to touch Bronzeville, Washington park, Hyde Park and then touch the promontory point on the lake front! Of course the race has to finish in Grant park on Columbus Drive.
If someone is new to the city, what’s the first run you’d take them on to understand Chicago’s energy?
This is hard because every neighborhood has its own character and energy that builds to the overall Chicago experience. For my p.o.v., it would be a run through Bronzeville, Hyde Park and the lakefront. Then I would pass them off to the homies at heartbreak for Lincon Park feel, for the westside and GRC for LIttle Village. Best believe our Bandit routes will take care of Bucktown, Wicker Park and The 606!
Any other shoutouts or things you want to leave our readers with?
I know I am of the City of Chicago, but I do want to say thank you for welcoming us! Bandit Chicago will be of the city and for the city! Come say Hi!
