RISE
Animated Text
RISE Aquatic Club is one of the top competitive swim teams in Illinois, serving swimmers of all ages!
RISE is not a start-up but a rebirth of hope and the freshness of new opportunities from a culmination of years of blood, sweat and tears.
Interested in becoming a Phoenix?
Fill out an interest form today!
We are asking ALL interested swimmers to fill out our "Interested Swimmer Form" (click here) and we will reach out to you with more information on how to become a Phoenix. Please fill out one form per interested swimmer.
2025-26 SC Registration Information
Q&A for RISE - Willowbrook
What is rise?
RISE Aquatic Club is a year-round USA Swimming team based out of Willowbrook, IL and Libertyville, IL. RISE was formed to provide its members the family culture of a smaller team with the resources of a larger club. RISE - Willowbrook will train out of the 12-lane 25-yard facility at Superior Training Aquatic & Fitness Center and will also utilize the Hinsdale Park District outdoor 50m pool in the summer.
What is the phoenix philosophy?
We pride ourselves on a positive team culture that emphasizes progression and not numbers. We have the ability to keep a smaller team with a larger coaching staff to provide the individual attention your swimmer(s) deserve. We believe in fundamentals, strength training and the mental aspects of the sport and life. At RISE you can expect a tight family culture where all the coaches work together and will be helping with all levels. The coaching staff is a close, fun, energetic and passionate group. The focus is not totally on winning. It is also about learning through failures and rising up like a Phoenix in the end. The legendary basketball coach, John Wooden, said it the best, "You win or you learn". Winning is great but you have to learn from your failures to become the best version of yourself.
what are our practice group breakdowns?
8&Under:
The 8 & Under group is for swimmers who are 8 years old or younger as of February 27, 2026. This group focuses on developing a love for swimming while introducing the importance of teamwork. Swimmers will build a strong foundation in the fundamentals of the sport and learn how to support one another in both practice and competition.
Practice Recommendation: We recommend attending 2 to 3 practices per week to promote steady improvement. There are no practice requirements.
9/10 Group:
The 9/10 group is for swimmers who are 9 or 10 years old as of February 27, 2026. Practices will focus primarily on refining technique while gradually introducing endurance training. Swimmers will continue to develop their skills, grow their love for racing, and learn the value of supporting and cheering on their teammates.
Practice Recommendation: We recommend a minimum of 3 practices per week to ensure steady improvement and continued progress in skill development and confidence. There are no practice requirements.
11/12 Group:
The 11/12 group is for swimmers who are 11 or 12 years old as of February 27, 2026. Practices focus on proper stroke mechanics while building a strong aerobic base to support competitive racing. Swimmers will learn effective breathing techniques for all four strokes and begin developing race strategies to prepare for higher-level competition.
Practice Recommendation: We recommend attending at least 3 to 4 practices per week to support technical development, endurance growth, and meet performance. There are no practice requirements.
13/14 Group:
The 13/14 group is for swimmers who are 13 or 14 years old as of February 27, 2026, and have not yet met the requirements for the National group (see below for National group criteria). Practices will focus on building a stronger aerobic foundation while introducing swimmers to new training thresholds and intensities.
Swimmers will continue refining breath control and begin working on expanding lung capacity. Goal setting will be introduced, along with the creation of a season plan that outlines how to achieve those goals—emphasizing both short-term progress and long-term development
Practice Recommendation: We recommend attending 4 to 5 swim practices per week, along with 1 to 2 dryland sessions, to support training goals, improve overall athleticism, and prepare for continued advancement in the sport. There are no practice requirements.
Senior Group:
The Senior group is for swimmers who are 15 years old or older as of February 27, 2026, and have not yet met the requirements for the National group (see below for National group criteria). This group focuses on the continued development of stroke technique, advanced race strategies, and meaningful goal setting.
Swimmers in this group will also participate in an intensive dryland program designed to enhance strength, body awareness, and balance—key components for peak performance in the pool.
Practice Recommendation: We recommend attending 4 to 5 swim practices and 1 to 2 dryland sessions per week to maximize growth and success throughout the season. While there are no required minimums, consistency is essential for progress.
Senior Conditioning Group:
The Senior Conditioning group is for Senior swimmers who are participating in a high school sport, either during the fall or winter that is just looking to stay in shape. This group offers only three (3) practices a week with the focus on technique and conditioning.
Practice Recommendation: Swimmers are welcome to come to as many or as few of the practices offered for the group as they desire.
National Group:
The National group is for swimmers who are in high school (or will be entering high school in the fall) and have met the criteria listed below. This group features the highest level of training both in the water and on land, with a strong emphasis on aggressive goal setting and personal accountability.
Expectations are high. Swimmers in the National group must demonstrate a strong commitment to consistent training, maintain a positive attitude, and embrace a team-first mindset. This group is expected to lead by example and set the standard for the entire RISE program.
Practice Recommendation: We recommend attending 5 to 6 swim practices and 2 to 3 dryland sessions per week to achieve the most from the season and continue progressing toward high-level goals.
Initial Group Requirements:
Note: New requirements may be introduced once the season begins. These could include training benchmarks such as test sets, where swimmers must complete designated sets to qualify for or remain in the group. The emphasis in the National group is on commitment to training, not just meet results. At RISE, we value the process as much as the outcome
The 8 & Under group is for swimmers who are 8 years old or younger as of February 27, 2026. This group focuses on developing a love for swimming while introducing the importance of teamwork. Swimmers will build a strong foundation in the fundamentals of the sport and learn how to support one another in both practice and competition.
Practice Recommendation: We recommend attending 2 to 3 practices per week to promote steady improvement. There are no practice requirements.
9/10 Group:
The 9/10 group is for swimmers who are 9 or 10 years old as of February 27, 2026. Practices will focus primarily on refining technique while gradually introducing endurance training. Swimmers will continue to develop their skills, grow their love for racing, and learn the value of supporting and cheering on their teammates.
Practice Recommendation: We recommend a minimum of 3 practices per week to ensure steady improvement and continued progress in skill development and confidence. There are no practice requirements.
11/12 Group:
The 11/12 group is for swimmers who are 11 or 12 years old as of February 27, 2026. Practices focus on proper stroke mechanics while building a strong aerobic base to support competitive racing. Swimmers will learn effective breathing techniques for all four strokes and begin developing race strategies to prepare for higher-level competition.
Practice Recommendation: We recommend attending at least 3 to 4 practices per week to support technical development, endurance growth, and meet performance. There are no practice requirements.
13/14 Group:
The 13/14 group is for swimmers who are 13 or 14 years old as of February 27, 2026, and have not yet met the requirements for the National group (see below for National group criteria). Practices will focus on building a stronger aerobic foundation while introducing swimmers to new training thresholds and intensities.
Swimmers will continue refining breath control and begin working on expanding lung capacity. Goal setting will be introduced, along with the creation of a season plan that outlines how to achieve those goals—emphasizing both short-term progress and long-term development
Practice Recommendation: We recommend attending 4 to 5 swim practices per week, along with 1 to 2 dryland sessions, to support training goals, improve overall athleticism, and prepare for continued advancement in the sport. There are no practice requirements.
Senior Group:
The Senior group is for swimmers who are 15 years old or older as of February 27, 2026, and have not yet met the requirements for the National group (see below for National group criteria). This group focuses on the continued development of stroke technique, advanced race strategies, and meaningful goal setting.
Swimmers in this group will also participate in an intensive dryland program designed to enhance strength, body awareness, and balance—key components for peak performance in the pool.
Practice Recommendation: We recommend attending 4 to 5 swim practices and 1 to 2 dryland sessions per week to maximize growth and success throughout the season. While there are no required minimums, consistency is essential for progress.
Senior Conditioning Group:
The Senior Conditioning group is for Senior swimmers who are participating in a high school sport, either during the fall or winter that is just looking to stay in shape. This group offers only three (3) practices a week with the focus on technique and conditioning.
Practice Recommendation: Swimmers are welcome to come to as many or as few of the practices offered for the group as they desire.
National Group:
The National group is for swimmers who are in high school (or will be entering high school in the fall) and have met the criteria listed below. This group features the highest level of training both in the water and on land, with a strong emphasis on aggressive goal setting and personal accountability.
Expectations are high. Swimmers in the National group must demonstrate a strong commitment to consistent training, maintain a positive attitude, and embrace a team-first mindset. This group is expected to lead by example and set the standard for the entire RISE program.
Practice Recommendation: We recommend attending 5 to 6 swim practices and 2 to 3 dryland sessions per week to achieve the most from the season and continue progressing toward high-level goals.
Initial Group Requirements:
- 14 years of age or older by February 27, 2026
- Currently in high school or entering high school in the fall
- 2 or more Age Group State qualifying times
- 1 or more Senior State qualifying times
Note: New requirements may be introduced once the season begins. These could include training benchmarks such as test sets, where swimmers must complete designated sets to qualify for or remain in the group. The emphasis in the National group is on commitment to training, not just meet results. At RISE, we value the process as much as the outcome
Who are the rise coaches?
Coaches
Adam Cremieux (Head Coach & Exec. Director)[email protected]
Rob Busby (Head Senior Coach)[email protected]
Kirby Igoe (Head Age Group Coach)[email protected]
Peter Theodore (Assistant Coach)[email protected]
Elizabeth Harris (Assistant Coach)[email protected]
Lee Kobilca (Head Strength Coach)
Amanda Collins (Assistant Coach)
Christine Cunningham (Assistant Coach)
Kristen Silvey (Social Media/ Marketing Director)
Jason Holbrook (Assistant Coach)
Landon Mitchell (Assistant Coach)
Steven Schaaf (Assistant Coach)
Kirsten Fredrickson (Assistant Coach/ Meet Director)
what is the practice schedule for the 2026 Short course season?
WHere does rise-willowbrook train?
Locations
Superior Training Aquatic & Fitness is the home for the RISE - Willowbrook team. At Superior Training the team has access to a 12-lane low chlorine 25-yard swimming pool, a fitness center and weight room supplied with Rogue equipment.
Hinsdale Park District Pool - In the summer the team will also practice at the Hinsdale Park District 50m outdoor pool.
Superior Training Aquatic & Fitness is the home for the RISE - Willowbrook team. At Superior Training the team has access to a 12-lane low chlorine 25-yard swimming pool, a fitness center and weight room supplied with Rogue equipment.
Hinsdale Park District Pool - In the summer the team will also practice at the Hinsdale Park District 50m outdoor pool.
|
|
How do i become a phoenix?
We are asking ALL interested swimmers to fill out our "Interested Swimmer Form" (click here) and we will reach out to you with more information on how to become a Phoenix.
Below are the minimum requirements for RISE Aquatic Club:
8 & Unders:
100 yards Freestyle with side breathing; 50 yards Backstroke; 25 yards of some form of Breaststroke and Butterfly.
9 & 10 Year Olds:
200 yards Freestyle and be able to perform some sort of flip turn; 100 yards Backstroke; 50 yards Breaststroke and Butterfly.
11 & 12 Year Olds:
300 yards Freestyle with flip turns; 100 yards Backstroke and Breaststroke, 50 yards Butterfly.
Will there be tryouts for the 2026 Long course season STARTING IN September?
We'll be holding tryouts for new 10&Under swimmers for our upcoming 2026 Long Course Season towards the end of February - beginning of March. Dates and times will be posted once they are finalized. Please fill out our "Interested Swimmer Form" to make sure you are sent all information on tryouts. Swimmers 11&Older will be accepted by availability in their age group, swimmers must fill out the "Interested Swimmer Form" to be considered for any openings.
**Please fill out our "Interested Swimmer Form" (click here) to receive more information about joining.
**Please fill out our "Interested Swimmer Form" (click here) to receive more information about joining.
When will the next season start?
The Long Course season starts on Tuesday, April 7th, 2026. We will be running pre-season practices for the 13/14, Senior and National group at the start of April. The season will run through Wednesday, July 22nd for any swimmer not moving on to a Championship Meet (Regionals, Age Group, and/or Seniors).
High school athlete just looking to stay in shape?
We will be offering a conditioning group for high school athletes just looking to stay in shape during their off season. This program consists of 3 swimming practices week. If you are interested in this kind of program, please email us at [email protected]
Shape Divider - Style mountains
