Youth Soccer International
Our Team
We are a multicultural group of licensed coaches and former professional and semi-professional players, athletes, who share a deep love for soccer and a passion for what is known as "the beautiful game." Our goal is to nurture and inspire that same passion in the next generation of players through professional, caring, and passionate approach.
Co-Founders
"KINI"
PRESIDENT, CO-FOUNDER & HEAD COACH
Joaquin honed his skills in the farm systems of various professional soccer teams in Spain. After moving to the USA at the age of 20, he continued to play soccer for fun. He has coached both the Boys' and Girls' Soccer Teams at Alcott Elementary School in Chicago, as well as the Boys’ Soccer Team at the Lab School of the University of Chicago.
Joaquin holds a “D” License from the US Soccer Federation and is a certified Grassroots Referee. Before fulfilling his lifelong dream of becoming a soccer coach and mentor, he was a lead engineer for a major manufacturing company in Chicago. Joaquin earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering from the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC)
JOAQUIN URIBE (“KINI”)
"ROLO"
CO-FOUNDER & HEAD COACH
Rolando Paz grew up in Puerto Cortes, Honduras, and moved to New York City at the age of 14. He played for multiple amateur teams and leagues at competitive levels. He was named “Rookie of the Year” his first year playing for City College of New York (CCNY) and was MVP for 3 consecutive years. In 2002, he was inducted into the CCNY Athletic Hall of Fame. In 2002, he traveled to Portugal to compete against teams from Norway, England, Portugal and Sweden.
While living in New York City, he had the opportunity to coach children with special needs in a summer program in the Bronx and a women’s team in Manhattan. Rolando is certified by the US Soccer Federation as an “D” License coach and he also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design from CCNY.
ROLANDO PAZ (“ROLO”)
"PECO"
CO-FOUNDER & HEAD COACH
José Piña grew up in Chile and has played soccer all his life. He holds that South American passion for “the beautiful game.” In Chile he played at college level and until recently, he played at the highest amateur level in the State of Illinois. In 2011, Peco graduated from the Masters of Sports Administration program at Northwestern University.
In 2012 he obtained his Coach License with the Illinois State Soccer Association (ISSA), and he completed his certification with the Illinois Youth Soccer Association (IYSA) for coaching children of the U-10 and U-8 divisions. Peco is certified by the US Soccer Federation as an “E” License coach and also a FA/CPR/AED certified. Peco is the co-founder of Funfundamentals, a former CPS after-school provider, serving more than 300 students between 2012 and 2014.
JOSÉ PIÑA ("PECO")
Coaching Staff
"HECTOR"
DIRECTOR OF COACHING AND OPERATIONS
Hector grew up in Venezuela and has been passionate about soccer his entire life. He played professionally in Venezuela’s first and second divisions with Estrella Roja FC and Leander de Miranda. After two years of playing at a high level, he earned a degree in public accounting from Universidad Santa Maria while on scholarship.
Before moving to Chicago in 2014, Hector worked for two years at EY in Advisory Services and Risk Management. In Chicago, he served as director of operations for Kick It Social, overseeing planning, sales, and revenue management for adult recreational soccer leagues. He also worked with Fusion Latina, collaborating on marketing campaigns for brands like Gatorade, Miller Lite, and Xfinity.
A certified “D” License coach, Hector is committed to youth soccer development, fostering technical skills, and inspiring a love for the game.
HECTOR HERNANDEZ
"CARLOS"
HEAD COACH
Carlos Quintero grew up in Colombia where he discovered his passion for soccer playing for his High School Varsity Team and a local private club. He was named Best Youth Player in his first season playing with the adults league at this club. In 1996, after graduating from High School he relocated to Chicago, IL to attend college. During college, he played in the intramurals club league in addition to other external recreational leagues. He graduated from University of Illinois at Chicago with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering in 2001.
After graduation, he started his career as a Mechanical Engineer with a global manufacturing company called John Crane located in Morton Grove IL. He is currently an Engineering Manager at John Crane. He eventually pursued as Master’s Degree in Engineering Management graduating in 2012 from Northwestern University where he also played intramural soccer. Carlos is also certified by the US Soccer Federation as a Grassroots soccer coach and is pursuing his D license.
CARLOS QUINTERO
"TOBI"
HEAD COACH
Tobi grew up in Boston, where he played soccer throughout high-school. After college, he worked for a soccer analytics company for a few years that included a year spent abroad in Laos. He eventually pursued a master’s degree in education from Northwestern University, and he is currently a high school teacher.
Tobi is certified by the US Soccer Federation as an “F” Licensed coach. He also has some previous experience coaching track & field- the sport in which he competed during college. Tobi hold a Bachelor of Arts in English Language & Literature from the University of Chicago.
TOBIAS BLÄTTLER ("TOBI")
"RAUL"
HEAD COACH
Raul was born and raised in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where his football journey began in the indoor soccer division of the Liga Argentina de Baby Fútbol. He progressed through all the youth levels at Deportivo Italiano and reached semi-professional status by age 19. His playing career included standout performances with clubs such as J.J. Urquiza (Third Division, 1995–1996), Juventud Unida (Third Division, 1996–1998), and Deportivo Muñiz (Fourth Division, 1998–1999).
At 26, Raul moved to the United States, where he continued his passion for the game with competitive amateur teams including Exito, KF Ulqin, and Belmont United, participating in prestigious interstate tournaments.
A dedicated and knowledgeable coach, Raul earned his “E” License through the Illinois State Soccer Association (ISSA) in 2008 and is CPR certified. Specializing in youth development, he brings tactical expertise, a deep love for the game, and a team-first mentality to every session. Raul is committed to inspiring young athletes and helping them grow both on and off the field.
RAUL SANTILLAN
"RODY"
HEAD COACH
Rodrigo ("Rody"), born in Asunción, Paraguay, took his first steps in the world of soccer on the fields of Sportivo Trinidense, a first division team renowned in his country for its tradition and quality. His passion for the sport led him to cross the ocean to Spain, where he continued to cultivate his talent both on the field and on the sidelines. He joined ED Moratalaz, a local team that would become the first step in his career as a coach.