The Gorilla Pit is a premier rugby development program led by Thomas Reyes, a dedicated coach with extensive experience playing and coaching rugby across Europe and the United States. We serve the Chicago area, coaching multiple teams throughout the year from youth to college women’s teams to senior men’s squads. Our mission is to bring true passion and love for rugby to the American grassroots population, cultivating rugby excellence, character, and community leadership. We believe rugby is more than a sport—it’s a community that brings families and athletes closer together.

We empower young athletes to thrive both on and off the field by fostering a culture of respect, resilience, and teamwork. Our vision is to be the premier rugby development program, renowned for producing not only elite players but compassionate leaders who drive positive change in their communities and embody the values of rugby worldwide. We serve as a premier pathway to USA Rugby’s highest levels, combining high-performance coaching with the rugby culture that makes our sport special.