History

Founded in 1938, GESS has a proud tradition of introducing skaters from ages  4 to 70+ to the sport of speedskating.  Whether your goal is fun, fitness or pursuing an Olympic gold, GESS is the place to start! New skaters are invited to watch, try our introductory program, sign up for our Learn To Speedskate or join the club with advanced skaters.  GESS is a member of the Amateur Skating Association of Illinois (ASAI) and US Speedskating. Our coaches are all certified with US Speedskating.  The team draws members from the greater Chicagoland area including Wisconsin and Indiana. So come on out and see what speedskating is all about.

Olympic Tradition

The club has a strong tradition of helping lay the foundation for athletes who want to pursue their Olympic dreams. Below is a list of GESS skaters who have gone on to compete at the Olympics.

  • Keith Meyer - 1960

    Keith competed in the 1500 meters in the 1960 Squaw Valley games. He won the 1961 US short-track all-around title and tied for first at the 1959 North American long-track all-arounds.

  • Dorie Boyce - 1984

    Dorie was a member of the 1984 Olympic team as an alternate for the 500 meters.

  • Shana Sundstrom - 1994 (Bronze Medal - Relay)

    Shana participated in the Short Track Relay in the 1994 Olympics in Lillehammer

  • Becky Sundstrom - 1998, 2002

    Becky skated the 500, 1000, and 1500 meters in both the Nagano and Salt Lake City Games

  • Austin Kleba - 2022

    Austin qualified for the 2022 Olympic Team in the 500 meters. Austin began his speedskating journey with Glen Ellyn Speedskating at the age of 16 after playing hockey.

  • Ethan Cepuran - 2022 (Bronze Medal - Team Pursuit), 2026

    Ethan qualified for the 2022 Olympic Team in the 5000 meters and the Men’s Team Pursuit and has qualified for the 2026 Olympic Team in the Mass Start and the Men’s Team Pursuit. Ethan began his speedskating journey with Glen Ellyn Speedskating at the age of 2 when he started joining his older brothers on the ice.

  • Sarah Warren - 2026

    Sarah qualified for the 2026 Olympic team in the 500 meters. Sarah began her speedskating journey with Glen Ellyn Speedskating when she changed from hockey. Sarah took a break from skating during college, where she played Division I soccer at the University of Illinois.

Hall of Fame Inductees (Contributors to the Sport)