The Foundation

To empower Chicago’s underserved youth

Our mission: Elevating youth confidence and self-value so they are inspired to explore. The foundation works with young people to improve their physical and mental health.

Real change from Real people

Fitness is integral in expanding the mind & body. Strength training builds mental toughness and awareness of how the body effects the mind and mind affects the body. This is our story! We lived it.

The journey of understanding the challenges that plague our community saved our lives!

Cortez speaks

Hear open dialogue from ex-convicts’ real-life experiences—the experiences that took us from the streets of Chicago to prison…and from prisoners to entrepreneurs!

We will share how fitness is the catalyst for improving physical & mental health. We dial in practical and functional programs to allow youths to understand their core strength.

Contact Cortez at crosscortez@gmail.com to learn more.