Grounded in culture. Fueled by competition.

Train together.
Grow together.
We > Me.

A high-quality basketball program in Hawthorn Woods, IL - built to develop young athletes on and off the court. We grind together, struggle together, and celebrate together. That's not just a program - that's The Family.

80+ Athletes Trained
3 Expert Coaches
4 Seasons Year-Round
3rd–12th Grade Levels Served
CYBN Shootouts & League Play

What We Offer

Development

Skill Building

Sharpening skills one rep at a time, built for athletes who want to be better. Because great athletes are built, not born.

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Culture

Family Environment

A program where every player is welcomed, valued, and treated like family. The best athletes thrive where they truly belong.

About the Program
Competition

Game Ready

Every drill, every session, every rep - designed to get you game ready. No surprises - just results when it counts.

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The Family Standard

We don't just train players - we build competitors who fight for each other.

At The Family Basketball Program in Hawthorn Woods, IL, development is bigger than skill work. We instill effort, discipline, confidence, and a team-first mindset that shapes who our players become - on the court and beyond.

  • Player development grounded in detail, repetition, and intentional purpose.
  • A culture where the team always comes before the individual - We over Me.
  • Coaching built on accountability, open communication, and genuine trust.
  • A positive, growth-driven environment where confidence is developed for life.

What players gain here

Skill Development Great players are built in the details. We develop footwork, shooting, decision-making, and game confidence through purposeful, high-quality training.
Competitive Mindset Challenges don't break our players - they build them. We develop mental toughness to work hard, respond boldly, and lead with conviction.
Team Culture Energy is contagious, unselfishness is expected, and pride in the group is everything. We don't just build players - we build teams.

Meet the Coaches

Player development led by experience, standards, and care

Our coaching staff brings collegiate experience, NBA workout exposure, and a genuine passion for developing young athletes in Chicago area.

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Founder, Coach & Player Development

Gio Gonnella

  • Basketball lifer. Collegiate athlete.
  • Full-time skills trainer & program owner.
  • Develops 80+ athletes 1st grade to college and overseas pros.
  • NBA & G-League workout experience.
  • Sets the standard for development at The Family.

Hard work. Real care. No shortcuts.

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Coach

Kobe Wells

  • Brings strong energy and presence to the program.
  • Helps players stay locked in, disciplined, and game ready.
  • Supports development with a clear focus on effort and consistency.
  • Contributes to the competitive standard and culture of the gym.

Energy up. Standards higher.

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Coach

Darius Wells

  • Invested in building confidence and strong habits in players.
  • Helps athletes improve through teaching, repetition, and accountability.
  • Reinforces a positive, hard-working team environment.
  • Plays an important role in supporting player growth across the program.

Push growth. Earn results.

What Families Say

Real results. Real families.

Hear from the parents and players who've experienced The Family Basketball Program firsthand.

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Joining The Family has been one of the best decisions we've made for our children. Coach Gio's dedication is unmatched, and the countless hours he spends teaching and mentoring the kids is incredibly special.

Rhys has played for Coach Gio for three years now, and we have watched his skills and confidence reach new heights under his guidance. Now that Tess is just getting started, we are thrilled she gets to experience that same high-energy environment where the kids genuinely look forward to practice every single day.

True to its name, The Family creates a tight-knit, supportive community where our kids have learned teamwork and built lifelong friendships. We are so grateful to Coach Gio for providing such a positive, empowering, and welcoming environment for both Rhys and Tess!
Mallory R. Parent of 5th grader

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything parents ask about travel basketball, training, and our programs in the Chicago area.

What age groups can join the travel basketball program?

Our travel basketball program is open to players from incoming 3rd grade through high school. We offer competitive play across all four seasons fall, winter, spring, and summer through one-day shootouts, CYBN league games, or other competitive tournaments depending on the season.

What kind of tournaments and competitions do you participate in?

Our travel teams compete in a variety of events depending on the season including one-day shootouts, CYBN (Catholic Youth Basketball Network) league games and tournaments, and other competitive events in the Chicago area. This variety gives our players consistent, high-level experience against top regional competition throughout the year.

How do I sign up for basketball skills training or 1-on-1 coaching?

Simply reach out through our Contact page. One of our coaches will get back to you to discuss your goals, your current skill level, and set up a training plan tailored specifically to you. We offer both group weekly skills classes and individual 1-on-1 sessions.

What does the weekly skills class focus on?

Our weekly skills class covers all the fundamentals that make a complete basketball player footwork, ball handling, shooting, finishing, decision making, defense, basketball IQ, and game confidence. Every session is coach-led, structured, and purposeful.

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Join The Family

One coach's passion.
One standard.
Your athlete's future.

We sweat together, grind together, and celebrate together. No one carries the load alone. From the first drill to the final buzzer - this is The Family. We > Me. Always.

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