A
fter each class, sophomore Joseph Klein leaves Evanston for the Northbrook Sports Center, swapping textbooks for skates. He trains under childhood coach Agata Czyzewski. The schedule is tight, but figure skating demands long days and can lead to injuries. Klein’s current season is stalled by a torn tendon in his leg and abdomen from a December 2024 show program. He had surgery in August and is uncertain about competing at the U.S. Championships in January.
Klein, a three‑time national medalist, balances training with a double major in environmental policy and political science at Northwestern, works as a real‑estate agent in the Chicago suburbs, and choreographs for other elite skaters. He is a Team USA member, nine‑time national competitor, and runs popular Instagram and TikTok accounts (@joeskates_) with over 225,000 followers.
He began skating at four, feeling an instant “click.” His first national medal came in 2019, confirming his potential. His mother, Blair, had known his talent early; in 2012, a fellow mom suggested ballet to complement his skating and gymnastics, but Blair resisted, believing Klein was unique. Coach Czyzewski first met him when she coached his older sister, Chloe. After his previous coach moved to Singapore, Czyzewski took over full‑time at age eight. Klein’s enthusiasm grew, leading him to quit gymnastics in middle school and focus on skating. At 13, the family rented a Colorado Springs home each summer to train at the Broadmoor World Arena. He won his first sectional title in 2018 and a national medal in 2019.
By 2020, the Northbrook facilities were insufficient for his ambitions. Czyzewski advised moving to Colorado Springs for better off‑ice training. Klein’s routine became nine‑am to four‑pm on the ice, with short breaks. The pandemic isolated him, but the presence of elite skaters fueled his drive. He prioritized academics first, skating second, and admired the commitment of his peers. He finished high school in Illinois, then switched to a virtual program in Colorado. Sofia Frank, Philippines national champion and close friend, praised his academic excellence and role in her college applications. Klein choreographed her free program, which she competed internationally.
Choosing Northwestern was a natural fit: the academic program matched his goals, and proximity to Northbrook allowed continued training. He helped found NU’s first intercollegiate freestyle figure‑skating team. After deferring enrollment to fall 2024, he took a gap year to focus on training and future career prospects. He pursued environmentalism and real‑estate, earning a license and working for Advisors – North Compass in Northbrook.
With many options ahead, Klein remains uncertain about the next few years. He is concentrating on recovery, aiming to return to pre‑surgery form and seize new opportunities. “I’ve set goals, but they’re not expectations,” he says.
Email: [email protected]
