Youth Travel Basketball Excellence
Train hard, play hard, and improve your game with us!
2026 new summer session 1 starts 5-7-26 through 7-22-26
Join Bandits Illinois Travel Elite and Dominate Your Sport
Practice: Try outs May 7 & 14 th Lake Zurich Middle School North - Spencer Loomis gym 7-9 pm
If you are ready to take your game to the next level, Bandits Illinois Travel Elite is for you. Please note we are nonprofit organization we do not want to leave any child out because of financial reasons we will work with you.
- Summer Session One: May 7,2026 to July 22, 2026
- We will meet for 14-15 training sessions starting 5-07-26 to 7-22-26. Note: Skills training and 6 to 8 local shootouts games.
- When on most Tuesday and Thursday evenings at LZ Middle school North Spencer Loomis gym 7-9 pm. Please see game changer for dates based on school availability minimum 14 to 15 training sessions.
- Cost for the summer session one $300 dollars uniform cost is an additional $95 dollars for new uniform.
- Competed in the Illinois 6th grade Middle school state championship in Bloomington IL, 20-22 March 2026. Finished 6th in the State Go Bandits.
- Competed in the Indiana Final Four Indianapolis 3-4 2026 Indianapolis.
- All athletes must be ages 9 to 13.
Major Events 2026 season:
- Registered for the Illinois Middle school state Championship March 20-22, 2026.
- Registered for the Indiana Final Four Indianapolis 3-4 2026 Indianapolis.
- Registered for the AAU World Championship 12U/6th Grade in Orlando
July 6-9th, 2026.
Previous Out of state tournaments attended 2025:
- AAU World Championships 11U Orlando, FL (July 6 - 10th) 2025 participated. *
- Vegas Classic 11U Las Vegas, NV July 23-26th 2025 participated. *
- The out-of-state travel is not mandatory, and you must provide your own transportation, lodging, and food.
- Tournaments are subject to change, but we will do our best to replace the tournaments should changes occur.
- Uniform cost is sperate for new players $95 dollars.
- National Team Uniform cost is $130 dollars includes shooting jacket.
- Please note all players must register with AAU at: aausports.org prior to tryouts attach to club code UN9B9X3DH. The cost for the registration and card is a round $36. Each athlete must bring their AAU card to tryouts in order to participate.
- All parents will be required to sign a photo release for social media post of pictures and video of games highlights.
- All coaches must take the Positive Coaching Alliance course.
- Veteran Owned
- 501(c) 3 Donors can deduct contributions they make under IRC section 170
Bandits Illinois Travel Elite : Where Champions Are Made
Coaches
Coach Robert Jackson III
Coach Jackson is dedicated to helping young athletes develop as players, teammates, and individuals. His coaching style emphasizes fundamentals, basketball IQ, discipline, confidence, and preparation.
Coach Robert Jackson III is also a proud father of seven children, with five college graduates and two NCAA Division 1 athletes, reflecting his deep commitment to education, discipline, and long-term athlete development both on and off the court.
Certifications
• USA Basketball Gold Coach License
• Positive Coaching Alliance Certified
• Double-Goal Coach Certification
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Coaching Experience
• Cincinnati YMCA — 2 Seasons
• Lake Zurich Foglia YMCA — 12 Seasons (6 Years, 12 Teams Coached)
• Lake Zurich Feeder Girls — 2 Seasons
• Lake Zurich Feeder Boys — 1 Season
• Travel Basketball — 4 Seasons
• Indianapolis East Side Youth Athletic Association — 4 Seasons
Coach Josh Schechtman:
Josh grew up in Highland Park, where he excelled as a multi-sport athlete in baseball, football, and basketball. His athletic journey led him to spend time from 1999-2001 with the Chicago White Sox in various roles, gaining valuable experience at a high level of competition before transitioning into a successful career in finance.
Josh currently resides in Grayslake with his wife Tracie and their four children. He has been coaching youth basketball for the past four years, working with both the Grayslake Park District and the Antioch Community High School Feeder Program, and also proudly serves as a coach with Bandits Illinois Travel Elite.
Most recently, Josh has also been involved in coaching in Highland Park, continuing to give back to the community where his athletic journey began.
Coach Byn Hok:
Coach Byn has been a dedicated youth developmental basketball coach for the past four years, bringing passion, experience, and a strong commitment to player growth.
With a background in competitive basketball, Coach Byn Hok has traveled throughout the Midwest competing in men’s basketball tournaments, gaining valuable experience that he now passes on to his players.
As a coach with Bandits Illinois Travel Elite, he is committed to developing well-rounded athletes by teaching the game the right way.
Competitive Teams
We field some of the most competitive teams in the industry, with athletes who are dedicated to winning .If you're looking for a challenge and a chance to prove yourself, we're the team for you.
Championship Mentality
We believe that champions are made, not born, and we instill that mentality in all of our athletes. With our focus on hard work, dedication, and mental toughness, you'll be ready to compete at the highest levels.
Community Support
We're proud to be part of the local community, and we give back by doing community service events, we're committed to making a positive impact both on and off the court.
About Bandits Illinois Travel Elite
Our Mission
At Bandits Illinois Travel Elite, our mission is to develop young basketball players and athletes by focusing on skills and core fundamentals. We aim to create a fun and supportive environment where athletes can thrive improve, promoting sportsmanship and build character.
Contact Us
Better yet, see us in person!
Have a question about our products, or about how we can match your specific needs? If you have a close deadline or a special request, ask us. Send us a message, and we will get back to you as soon as we can.
Bandits Illinois Travel Elite
Hours
Open today | 09:00 am – 05:00 pm |
