About Coach JJ

JJ Stevens is a basketball player and youth coach whose combination of pro-level experience and genuine investment in player development makes him a standout mentor for the next generation of athletes.

Playing Career

Born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, JJ stands at 6’4” and has built a reputation as a guard with size, skill and versatility.
He played collegiate basketball at South Suburban Junior College and Robert Morris University Illinois. He has competed internationally in Turkey and, for the past six seasons, has been a member of the Chicago Legends, a semi-professional basketball team. During his tenure, the Legends secured five championships—two regular-season titles and three summer-league championships. As a team leader and captain, JJ’s commitment to excellence, discipline, and competitive drive continues to fuel his passion for the game today.

A young boy in a basketball jersey high-fives a tall man wearing a white t-shirt, light blue shorts, and a blue cap in an outdoor urban setting with several people and buildings in the background.
A basketball player in a gymnasium holding a trophy shaped like a golden basketball, hugging it with both arms. The player is wearing a black and yellow jersey and has tattoos on his arms. The background features a basketball hoop, a scoreboard, and the words 'William J. Hughes Gym' on the wall.

Training & Youth Development

Beyond his own performance on the court, JJ channels his experience into training and mentoring young athletes. He offers private 1-on-1 basketball instruction for youth between the ages of 5-21, helping to sharpen their fundamentals, strengthen their decision-making and grow confident both on and off the floor.
His coaching philosophy emphasizes:

  • Building strong core skills (shooting, dribbling, defense, footwork)

  • Developing basketball IQ and team awareness

  • Instilling discipline, effort and leadership

  • Cultivating a positive mindset and lifelong love of the game

Why JJ Stevens?

  • A local Chicago product who “walks the talk” having competed at the collegiate and Semi-Pro level, he understands what it takes to succeed.

  • Because JJ is not only a trainer but also an educator with experience as a paraprofessional, he places equal emphasis on character development, personal growth, and athletic performance.

  • Skilled communicator: He connects with youth by breaking down complex skills into accessible processes, making improvement clear and measurable.

Personal Note

JJ remains deeply rooted in the Chicago basketball scene and has a presence in Atlanta. He is passionate about giving back to his community. Whether during a one-on-one workout or a team session, he is committed to helping young athletes find their best version of themselves on the court and beyond. JJ has two children (Ryleigh and Marcellus) and two bonus children (Amora and Marceion) whom he loves and hopes to leave a legacy of love, leadership community and passion to someday.

Three people, two children and an adult, standing in front of a display case with basketball trophies, holding certificates for their first NBA game, and smiling for the photo.
A young woman and a young man standing side by side in a school hallway, smiling and embracing. The woman is wearing a black sleeveless top, gray joggers, and Crocs, carrying a black quilted purse. The man is wearing a black hoodie, black joggers, and black and white sneakers. Several students are seen in the background, talking and walking.