Jim Chaloupka

Class of 2010

Chicago

It was a member of Coach Voris’ intramural wrestling class at North Park College that Jim Chaloupka’s connection with wrestling was born. Financial and time constraints keep him from competing at the varsity level. However, his bond with the sport was cemented and his career path would soon bring him back to the sport.

Jim began his coaching career as a lower level football coach at Harrison High School in Chicago. He was soon asked to assume the position as Head Varsity Wrestling Coach. He later served also as the Head Varsity Baseball Coach. In addition, he coached football at his alma mater, DeLaSalle, in Chicago as well as St. Joseph High School in Westchester.

As head wrestling coach at Harrison, Jim compiled a dual meet record of 26-38. He had twenty-four Chicago Section (IHSA Regional equivalent) place-winners.

Jim’s evolution into officiating brought out his real talent. He has served thirty-one years as an IHSA wrestling official. He has officiated eight IHSA Dual Team State Tournaments and one Individual State Tournament. In addition, he has worked as an official in seventeen Chicago Sections, fifteen Chicago City Tournaments, twenty-one IHSA Regional tournaments, twelve IHSA Individual Sectional tournaments, twelve IHSA Dual Team Regional tournaments and ten IHSA Dual Team Sectionals. Jim has also served as a bench official for nine individual state tournaments and has also been the assignment chairman for the Chicago Catholic League from 1997-2009.

At the lower level, Jim has worked as an official at six IWF Frosh-Soph State Tournaments, including two as Head Official as well as five IWF Dual Meet State Tournaments. He also worked as an official for fifteen IKWF regionals, fourteen sectionals and ten IKWF State Tournaments.

Jim has also been involved with officiating in the Illinois Coaches Alliance, serving as Head Official for two State Tournament events and as an official at nine other state events, nine sectionals and nine regional tournaments.