Life is the performance, so train for your life.

A man in a black athletic t-shirt and shorts holding tennis balls in a gym.

My Story

My name is Coach Kai Bates-Diop, and I am a Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) based out of Chicago, IL.  I received my Bachelor’s in Psychology with a Minor in Spanish from Butler University, and my Master’s in Kinesiology with a Concentration in Performance, Sports, and Exercise Psychology from the University of Illinois-Chicago. I have completed strength and conditioning internships at Northwestern University, Transform Fit Club, worked with the UIC ROTC Battalion to prepare for the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT), and have coached 70+ D1 student-athletes in a university setting.

Surviving cardiac arrest as a 16-year-old taught me the fragility of life in a way that could never be replicated. Without a pulse for 4 minutes, I was revived through an AED/CPR. With zero control over the situation itself, my control lay solely in my response to this adverse event. The present moment became more monumental than it had ever been. As my life did a 180° turn, I found peace through exercise, deep introspection, and an immense appreciation of my environment through quality intent in every behavior.

A trainer instructs a young boy during a stretching exercise at a gym with various fitness equipment in the background.

Helping others reclaim control over their lives is the mission of KBD Performance.

Whether you are a busy professional, recovering from an injury, a current/former athlete, new to the gym environment, or simply looking to be challenged, you’ve made the right decision to train with KBD Performance. Through individualized programming, I will help you reach your performance goals for your mind and body.

Personal trainer in black t-shirt assisting a woman with a dumbbell exercise in a gym, with fitness equipment and large windows in the background.

Testimonials

  • “Coach Kai has helped me grow in so many ways in less than a year. He instilled in me how to push myself to work harder and stay consistent every day. Proper technique and overall knowledge of the weight room has made me stronger and more confident. Kai doesn’t just focus on lifting; he also motivates through discipline and a positive mindset. He was always there to encourage me when things get tough and reminds me to keep going. Because of him, I’ve improved not only as an athlete but also as a person overall.”

    -D1 Men’s Basketball Athlete

  • “Coach Kai sets a great example of how a weight program should be run. He is very organized, energetic, and intentional with every exercise we did. He consistently inspired us to improve every time we stepped into the weight room and emphasized recovery, which prepared us for afternoon practice. He not only checked in on us after every meet, but also made sure all of his athletes were in the right mind for success. Coach Kai has left a lasting impact on everyone he coaches, and I know he will do the same for you. Thank you, Coach Kai!”

    -D1 Women’s Track Athlete

  • “Training with Coach Kai has elevated my game physically and mentally. His workouts are intense, purposeful, and designed to push athletic performance to the next level. Kai doesn’t just train your body—he sharpens your mindset, building mental toughness, focus, and competitive edge. Every session challenges you to stay locked in, disciplined, and resilient under pressure. His approach prepares you to perform when it matters most, not just in the gym but in real life. Because of Coach Kai, I move stronger, think clearer, and compete with more confidence.”

    -Adult Male Client

  • “Kai is extremely committed to physically developing the whole athlete. He is always prepared to give positive feedback as well as encourage each person to test themselves. Additionally, he is a fantastic human being, always putting a smile on your face. I am very grateful for my time with Kai, and I am fully confident he can help strengthen any athlete!”

    -D1 Men’s Golf Athlete

  • “I’ve had the opportunity to work with Kai within the University of Evansville weight room. What stood out to me the most was his dedication to making each and everyone of his players better. He shows up prepared, keeps sessions structured, and clearly puts thought into how to help others improve. His motivation is noticeable not just in how he approaches his own goals, but in how he encourages the people he works with to stay accountable and push themselves.”

    -D1 Women’s Volleyball Athlete

  • “As a woman over 60, it was important for me to have a program that allowed me to build my core, upper and lower body strength. Retaining balance and stability were my goals. Coach Kai created an individual program that fits my lifestyle and has helped me feel stronger and more confident.”

    -Adult Female Client