Leadership
Kunal Yajnik
President
I grew up in Akron, Ohio but it was not until I lived in Milan, Italy for some time that I fell in love with the beautiful game. I came back to the states, moved to Chicago, and immediately joined AO and found a wonderful community across the country where I knew I’d always be welcome.
I have attended 12 US National Team games (men’s and women’s), and have been to countless watch parties at AO bars across the country. Everywhere I’ve traveled I’ve found other AO members who have been so open and welcoming and I want to extend that same love through the Chicago chapter.
I also have many years of experience running a supporters group (3*1*Crew) and planning watch parties and in person gameday events which will help me immensely in my work with AO Chicago. I am very excited to not only bring our chapter back to its previous glory, but to brand new heights. Chicago is the home of US Soccer and I believe we should be the flagship of AO! We have a diverse leadership group reflective of our city and our values. We will work collaboratively to build a strong future for AO Chicago.
Gary Chyi
Treasurer
I played soccer as a kid up until about age 6, and then didn’t watch or play soccer until the World Cup in 2010. That got me hooked on soccer and the USMNT, and I started going to watch parties here in Chicago with AO Chicago, then playing rec soccer with a bunch of friends I’d made here.
I’ve been to a few USMNT and USWNT games here and there, including the last two World Cup Qualifiers against Mexico in Columbus, and have been at watch parties with AO chapters around the country. Through it all, I’ve met a lot of great people who share the love of the game and our men’s and women’s teams, and introduced them to the Chicago sacrament that is Malort.
I’m here with my fellow officers to help AO Chicago reestablish a solid foundation for its members, so that one of the largest chapters of AO, in one of the biggest and the best city in the United States, boasts a vibrant, welcoming, and engaged chapter that serves its community while spreading the good word about the USMNT and USWNT.