The botafogo legacy
The Botafogo Soccer Academy brings the legacy of Brazilian soccer to Chicago’s North Shore, offering a world-class training experience for young athletes. We are a direct associated organization of one of Brazil’s most famous clubs Botafogo de Futebol e Regatasone. Our academy was founded to share the same passion, creativity, and technical mastery that defines Brazilian football.
Our journey began with a vision to create a local academy rooted in international standards. Today, we provide professional coaching and structured development for boys and girls across Highland Park, Evanston, Wilmette, Skokie, and surrounding communities. Whether your child is new to the game or preparing for the next level, Botafogo is where their soccer journey takes flight.
Our Values
1. Passion for the Game
We believe soccer should be fun, inspiring, and driven by love for the sport. That passion shows in how we train, how we play, and how we teach.
2. Player Development First
Our programs focus on long-term growth. We don’t just build better athletes we help develop confident, respectful young people on and off the field.
3. Inclusion and Opportunity
We welcome players of all backgrounds and skill levels. If your child is ready to learn and grow, there’s a place for them at Botafogo.
4. Community and Connection
We are proud to be part of the North Shore soccer community. We value strong relationships with families, local organizations, and other clubs to help grow the game for everyone.
5. Brazilian Spirit
Creativity, flair, discipline, and joy. These are the traits we bring from Brazilian soccer culture, and they live in every training session and every match we play.
Meet coach Gustavo
Coach Gustavo Schneebeli Da Cunha, a leader in youth soccer development, strength training, and sports performance coaching with over 25 years of experience. Originally from Brazil, Gustavo’s career blends elite-level athletic training, physical therapy, and a deep passion for helping young athletes reach their full potential both on and off the field.
Gustavo’s journey began as a high-level soccer player in Brazil where his love for the game turned into a lifelong mission to train and rehabilitate athletes. He holds advanced degrees in both Physical Education and Physical Therapy. He was selected as the official physical therapist for the Brazilian national gymnastics team, working with Olympic medalist Diego Hypolito.
After moving to Chicago in 2007, Gustavo became one of the city’s most trusted and respected personal trainers and performance coaches, working with a wide range of clients including professional athletes, youth soccer players, and public figures. His specialized approach combines injury prevention, mobility training, and soccer-specific strength conditioning. This helps athletes improve performance, build resilience, and recover smarter.
In 2019, Gustavo co-founded Leblon Fitness Club, a boutique personal training gym in Chicago’s River North neighborhood that offers premium fitness and recovery services rooted in Brazilian training culture.
As the coach/owner at Botafogo Soccer Academy Chicago North Shore, Gustavo brings world-class experience to every training session. His focus on technical skill, functional strength, and athlete development helps young soccer players build confidence, avoid injury, and perform at their best.
If you are looking for expert soccer training in Chicago’s North Shore with a strong foundation and Brazilian athletic excellence, come train with us!
Contact us
Have questions about our programs, wait list, or upcoming seasons? We’d love to hear from you. Whether you're a parent looking for the right training environment or a player ready to join a team, the Botafogo Soccer Academy team is here to help.