About Us

About The Swim Advantage

Welcome to The Swim Advantage – where the joy of swimming meets the fulfillment of lifelong skills! 


Dive into a world where we’re passionate about teaching swimming to all ages, prioritizing water safety, and adding a touch of fun to people’s lives!


Parent & Child Aquatics: Start the aqua-adventure early! Our classes welcome infants as young as 6 months, creating a water wonderland for parents and little ones aged up to 36 months.

Preschool Aquatics: For our 4-5 age water enthusiasts, it’s a blend of fun and foundational aquatic skills, setting the stage for a lifetime of swimming joy!

Learn to Swim: From ages 6 to adults, it’s never too late to embrace the thrill of swimming! Whether you’re polishing your strokes or taking the plunge for the first time, our certified instructors tailor lessons to suit your aquatic ambitions.

Deep Water Fitness: Dive into fitness with our Deep Water Fitness classes – the perfect blend of energy, exercise, and aquatic exhilaration!

 

Why Choose The Swim Advantage?

  • Our experienced, certified instructors use dynamic teaching techniques for a personalized and effective learning experience.
  • Safety is our priority! We ensure every swimmer feels not just confident but supercharged in their swimming abilities.
  • All our swim instructors and lifeguards are certified through the prestigious American Red Cross.

Beyond Lessons, More Excitement!

  • Explore special events with our Pool Rental options – perfect for Scuba Diving/Training, Swimming, or throwing an unforgettable Birthday Party! Our state-of-the-art pool and top-notch amenities ensure your event is a sensation!

At The Swim Advantage, we don’t just teach swimming; we create a community of water enthusiasts! Join us for an aquatic experience where every lesson is a step towards a lifetime of enjoyment and wellbeing. Come on, make a splash with The Swim Advantage difference!

Meet The Staff

Tykenzi Swim Director

Tykenzi

Swim Director

I have been a Lifeguard (9 years), Swim Instructor (4 years), and a Lifeguard Instructor (2.5 years). I ran the swim lessons program at the YMCA successfully for 2 years, swam competitively in high school and have taught from 6 months through adults how to swim. I believe safety around water should be made available as early as possible, is beneficial to all, and it’s never too late to start. As a Water Safety Instructor Trainer through the American Red Cross, I have made it my mission to educate, prepare, and offer opportunities for everyone to have access to learn water safety.

 

Fun fact about me is that I can sketch/paint really well and make jewelry.

Naje swim instructor

Naje'

Lead Swim Instructor/ Lifeguard

I have always loved the water and learned how to swim in high school. I was on the swim team and swam all 4 years. Being a lifeguard was one of my first jobs and I am currently a certified American Red Cross lifeguard and Water Safety Instructor. I enjoy teaching all ages how to swim and be safe around water. As the Lead Instructor, I am responsible to for making sure that we give the very best quality lessons to all of our students.

 

Fun fact about me is that I know how to chirp like a bird.

Alexis Swim Staff

Alexis

Swim Instructor/ Lifeguard

I’ve been with The Swim Advantage for almost 2 years. I started back in 2021. I’ve loved water for as long as I can remember and taught myself how to swim in my earlier years. I decided to become a swim instructor when I was 16 and I’ve been teaching ever since. Seeing the pure excitement on all of my student’s faces when they develop a new swim skill is the reason I keep teaching. I have experience teaching babies and toddlers, children of all ages, adults, and students with disabilities. I have also obtained my American Red Cross Lifeguard and Water Safety Instructor certifications.

 

Fun fact about me is I have my open water certification and enjoy scuba diving.

Carly Swim Staff

Carly

Swim Instructor

I love swimming! I spent all four years in high school swimming for the Oak Lawn Spartans! Swimming is great for the mind and body. It has been beneficial for me personally and I like sharing it with others! Water safety is a passion I love teaching children about because I know it is a lifelong skill that will help them in the future. I am also a Water Safety Instructor with the American Red Cross.

 

Fun fact about me is that I enjoy making crafts.

Kareem

Kareem

Swim Instructor/ Lifeguard

I am a Palestinian American who was born and raised in Illinois. From a young age, I have been immersed in the world of swimming, starting at 5 years old. My love for the water has only grown stronger over the years, and I’m now eager to share my expertise and enthusiasm with children of all ages. Through teaching, I aim to instill confidence, build competence, and promote water safety practices that will benefit my students for a lifetime.
 
Fun fact about me is that I have a side business screen printing custom, unique t-shirts!
mariana swim instructor

Mariana

Swim Instructor/ Deck Attendant

I have been swimming since I was 3 ! I am originally from California and have been in the water all my life . I started off as a Lifeguard at the age of 15 at Miller beach in Gary, Indiana and proceeded to become a swim instructor at the YMCA during COVID. I worked as a swim instructor for The Y for about a year. I swam competitively in high school. I am currently in college for childhood education and I love working with kids and adults! I enjoy being part of everyone’s journey in the water. I am a big advocate for swimming lessons and water safety for all!

 

Fun fact about me is that I have my own small business and I used to surf when I was in California!

alex

Alex

Swim Instructor/ Lifeguard Instructor

There is nothing I enjoy more than water activities. Whether it’s lifeguarding Chicago’s beaches, driving a water skiing boat, or exploring the underwater world through scuba diving, the place I feel most at home is in and around water. With 13 years of experience in aquatics, you can say it’s a passion of mine. The entire time, I have been an instructor at multiple swim companies and my favorite classes to teach would be Adult Swim lessons. Helping others achieve their goals of being comfortable and competent in the water is something I love doing. Water is meditational, healing, and key to life.

 

Fun fact about me, I love making crepes for breakfast.

Untitled design (1)

Bryan

Swim Instructor/ Lifeguard

Bryan’s passion is the water. From the Seas of Med to the Shores of California to the Oceans of the Atlantic and the American Great Lakes, Bryan has been working in, on, and under the water for over a decade. As a Swim Instructor, Scuba Instructor, Sailing/Boating Instructor, USCG Captain, and Lifeguard, Bryan brings a wealth of expertise and knowledge to our programming. He works with our Special Safety and Aquatics Programs for customers such as performers on film/television, public safety teams, and other programs that require specialized swim instruction. He is certified as a Lifeguard and a Water Safety Instructor through the American Red Cross. 


Fun Fact about Bryan, he is a classically trained artist and does art in his spare time. 

BritneyStaffPic

Britney

Swim Instructor

I have been swimming since I was 8 years old. I’ve always enjoyed working with kids and love helping them overcome their fear of the water. Parent child classes are my favorite to teach! I am a parent myself, and understand the challenge and frustration that can come when learning a new skill. When I am not teaching, I tap into my creative side and do abstract drawings and paintings.

 

Fun Fact about me is that I drive a CTA bus!

Flo Staff Pic

Flo

Swim Instructor/ Lifeguard 

Flo has been a lifeguard since the age of 16. With a contagious enthusiasm for teaching and a knack for connecting with kids, she enjoys instructing our parent-child classes the most. Flo’s perspective as the youngest member of her family brings a special dynamic to her interactions. Growing up surrounded by older siblings has honed her ability to relate not only to the children but also to the parents in her classes.

 

Fun Fact about Flo is that she loves to play Hopscotch! 

James_small

James

Swim Instructor/ Lifeguard

As a former instructor from the YMCA, James has his Ellis certification, as well as American Red Cross Water Safety & Lifeguard Instructor Training certifications. His love of water started as early as age 8 when he began playing water polo. James continued to swim competitively through high school and eventually college. If his resume isn’t impressive enough, James is also a certified pool operator and a certified advanced open water diver with PADI.

 

Fun Fact about James is that he can speak Gaelic!