Bodybuilding has found a home in DeKalb through competition, enthusiasts

When you think of DeKalb, bodybuilding is probably not the first thing that comes to mind.

But if you’re Ray Binkowski, owner of Wright Athletic Club, it does.

The Egyptian Theatre, 135 N. Second Street, has hosted the Organization of Competitive Bodybuilders’ Midwest States Bodybuilding and Figure Competition since 2005.

Binkowski, an NIU alumnus, is the organizer and promoter of the drug-free event and serves as a judge.

“I’m a competitor,” he said. “I wanted to create a place where people can compete.”

Binkowski said the Egyptian Theatre is a unique place to host the event.

“It’s a national landmark theater,” he said. “We have Egyptian-themed awards and trophies, which means the competitors have an opportunity to win something they can’t get any place else.”

Binkowski said it has taken some time to gain popularity.

“The first year we only had about 19 competitors,” Binkowski said. “Now we average between 60 and 70 competitors.”

Bodybuilders from all over the United States now come to compete, Binkowski said.

First-time competitor and DeKalb resident Matt Kunz said competing in the event was a goal of his.

“It was one of my life goals to be in good enough shape to compete,” Kunz, 33, said, “and to have the guts to get up on stage.”

Kunz helped with the event in the past, mainly setting up and taking down the sets. This year, he wanted to take it a step further.

“It was very rewarding to see the results of hard work,” Kunz said. “I’ve learned a lot in terms of weight management and self-discipline.”

Alex Nerad, Egyptian Theatre operations director, said Binkowski has been a major reason why the event has been successful.

“He has done a great job in promoting the event,” Nerad said. “It has turned into a great annual event for the theater to hold.”

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