In the heart of Crown Point, Indiana, a small-town dynamo named Jake “JT” Markiewicz has carved a remarkable path through the world of parkour and freerunning, transforming obstacles into opportunities with every vault, flip, and sprint. At just 24 years old, this student-turned-athlete has not only mastered the art of movement but also emerged as a mentor, leader, and rising star in the high-octane sport of Chase Tag. From his early days navigating the urban landscapes of Northwest Indiana to teaching at Midwest Training in Dyer and competing on a global stage, Jake’s journey is a testament to creativity, resilience, and an unrelenting passion for pushing boundaries.
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The Spark of Movement: Early Beginnings in The Region
Born and raised in Crown Point, Indiana, Jake grew up in a community where wide-open spaces met gritty urban corners a perfect playground for a curious kid with boundless energy. It was 2010, at the age of 10, when Jake first stumbled across parkour while watching YouTube videos of traceurs leaping across rooftops and scaling walls with jaw-dropping precision. Mesmerized by the blend of athleticism and artistry, he knew he’d found his calling. “It wasn’t just about jumping,” Jake recalls. “It was about seeing the world differently every wall, every rail was a challenge to conquer.”
With no formal parkour gyms nearby, Jake turned Northwest Indiana known locally as “The Region” into his training ground. Parking lots, school courtyards, and abandoned structures became his canvas. He spent hours practicing vaults and precision jumps, often alone, driven by a desire to master his body’s potential. Bruises and scrapes were his teachers, and every successful landing fueled his hunger to improve. By his early teens, Jake was already catching the attention of local peers, not just for his skills but for his infectious positivity and willingness to share what he’d learned.
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Rising Through the Ranks: Indiana University and Leadership
In 2013, Jake enrolled at Indiana University in Bloomington, bringing his love for parkour to campus. The university’s sprawling grounds, with its mix of historic buildings and modern architecture, offered endless possibilities for training. It wasn’t long before he connected with like-minded students and joined the Parkour & Freerunning Club. His dedication and natural talent stood out, and by 2014, at just 19, Jake was elected Vice President of the organization.
As Vice President, Jake didn’t just train he inspired. He organized workshops, led group sessions, and fostered a tight-knit community where beginners and veterans alike could grow. “Parkour’s not about being the best,” he’d tell his peers. “It’s about being better than you were yesterday.” Under his leadership, the club grew in numbers and visibility, hosting events that drew crowds eager to witness the gravity-defying feats of IU’s traceurs. Jake’s ability to break down complex moves into teachable steps earned him respect, while his creative flair think unexpected flips mid-vault kept everyone guessing what he’d try next.
Balancing academics and parkour wasn’t always easy. As a student juggling coursework in kinesiology, Jake often trained late into the night, using the quiet campus as his proving ground. Yet, the discipline he honed through parkour spilled over into his studies, teaching him focus and perseverance. His time at IU wasn’t just about personal growth; it was about planting seeds for a legacy, showing others that movement could be a lifestyle, not just a hobby.
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Teaching the Art: Midwest Training in Dyer
After graduating, Jake returned to Northwest Indiana, eager to give back to the community that shaped him. In 2022, he joined the coaching staff at Midwest Training & Ice Center in Dyer, Indiana, a state-of-the-art facility known for its gymnastics and parkour programs. Stepping into the role of instructor, Jake found his true passion: teaching others to unlock their potential through movement.
At Midwest Training, Jake’s classes are a blend of structure and freedom. He designs courses that challenge students physically while encouraging them to express themselves creatively. Whether it’s a timid beginner learning their first vault or an advanced athlete perfecting a double kong, Jake’s approach is the same: meet them where they are, push them to grow, and celebrate every milestone. “Watching someone land a move they thought was impossible that’s the best part,” he says with a grin.
His teaching style reflects his personality approachable, energetic, and relentlessly positive. Students describe him as a coach who doesn’t just teach technique but instills confidence. One parent noted, “Jake makes my kid feel like they can do anything, and that’s worth more than any trick.” Beyond the gym, he organizes local jams, where traceurs from across The Region gather to train, share ideas, and build community. For Jake, it’s about keeping parkour’s roots alive: a discipline born from connection, not competition.
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Chasing Glory: A New Frontier in Chase Tag
In 2024, Jake’s career took an exhilarating turn when he was scouted to join the world of Chase Tag, a fast-paced, professional sport that pits athletes against each other in a 20-second game of cat-and-mouse on a quad filled with obstacles. Known for its intense blend of speed, agility, and strategy, Chase Tag was the perfect stage for Jake’s skillset. As a first-year athlete, he quickly made waves with his creative style and lightning-fast reflexes.
Jake’s nickname, “JT,” became synonymous with unpredictability on the quad. His parkour background gave him an edge where others saw obstacles, he saw opportunities to outmaneuver opponents with a well-timed dive or an audacious flip. “Chase Tag’s like parkour with a pulse,” he explains. “You’ve got to think three moves ahead, but you’ve also got to trust your instincts.” His positive mentality shone through in high-pressure moments, earning him respect from teammates and rivals alike.
Competing on a global stage, Jake brought a fresh energy to the sport. Fans loved his flair think a cheeky backflip to evade a tagger and his ability to stay calm under pressure. In his debut season, he racked up impressive stats, including several clutch evasions that went viral online. Off the quad, Jake’s charisma made him a fan favorite, with social media buzzing about his infectious smile and post-match encouragement for opponents. For Jake, Chase Tag isn’t just about winning; it’s about showcasing parkour’s potential to a wider audience.
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A Creative Force: Blending Art and Athleticism
What sets Jake apart is his refusal to be boxed in. Parkour, for him, is as much about creativity as it is about athleticism. He’s known for inventing his own moves, blending traditional vaults with free running flair to create sequences that feel like choreography. A signature “JT special” might involve a precision jump into a front flip, landing seamlessly into a roll all executed with a grin that says, “Why not ?”
Outside the gym and the quad, Jake channels his creativity into other passions. He’s an avid skateboarder, often blending board tricks with parkour-inspired moves at local skateparks. He also dabbles in videography, capturing his training sessions and editing them into montages that inspire thousands online. His Instagram reels, filled with heart-pounding clips and behind-the-scenes banter, have built a growing following, with fans drawn to his authenticity and zest for life.
Looking Ahead: A Vision for Impact
At 24, Jake is just getting started. He dreams of expanding parkour’s reach in Northwest Indiana, maybe even opening his own gym one day a space where kids from all backgrounds can discover the joy of movement. He’s also eyeing a long career in Chase Tag, with goals of competing in international tournaments and bringing home a championship for Team USA. But for Jake, success isn’t measured in trophies; it’s in the lives he touches, whether it’s a student nailing their first wall-run or a fan inspired to get off the couch and move.
In a world that often feels rigid, Jake “JT” Markiewicz is a reminder that boundaries are meant to be leaped over. From the streets of Crown Point to the quads of Chase Tag, he’s redefining what it means to move freely, live boldly, and lift others up along the way. As he puts it, “Life’s an obstacle course why not make it fun ?”
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