Meet the COACHES

We are fortunate to be backed by a dedicated team of coaches who collectively possess over 30 years of combined rugby experience, having played and coached at some of the highest levels of the game. Their expertise and passion for rugby greatly enhance our training and development.

spyridon alexopoulos

FORWARDS COACH

POSITIONS: Loose Forward, Tighthead Prop

PLAYING EXPERIENCE: Columbia University, College Rifles (New Zealand), Chicago Lions

COACHING EXPERIENCE: Chicago Riot (1 year), CARFU Selects Academy

Rugby has been a defining part of my life, both on and off the field. I’ve had the opportunity to play at a high level across different rugby cultures, from my time at Columbia University to competing in New Zealand with the College Rifles and domestically with the Chicago Lions.

I began coaching a year ago, and it has been an incredibly rewarding experience. In addition to working with the Riot, I’m also involved with the CARFU Selects Academy, helping to develop players at the representative level. Coaching with the Riot has been fantastic—the club’s motto, Best Friends Rugby, is more than just words; it’s a culture that you can feel both on and off the field. I’m excited to continue growing as a coach and to help players develop their skills while being part of such a welcoming rugby community.

buddy lo

BACKS COACH

POSITIONS: Flyhalf, fullback, wing, scrumhalf

PLAYING EXPERIENCE: St. Ignatius College Prep HS (4 years), University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign RFC (4 years), Konan University Kobe, Japan (1 year), South Side Irish (1 year), Chicago Riot (8 years)

COACHING EXPERIENCE: Chicago Women's Rugby Football Club (1 year), Chicago Riot (4 years)

I've been playing rugby for over 20 years, starting as a freshman at St. Ignatius College Prep. I was named to the CARFU high school select side, helped lead my team to winning seasons, and finished my senior year as the team’s leading scorer. After high school, I played at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, where my experience helped me earn a starting spot as a freshman. While studying abroad at Konan University in Kobe, Japan, I had the opportunity to continue playing and expand my rugby experience internationally.

After college, I had a brief stint with the South Side Irish before finding my rugby home with the Chicago Riot. I played for eight years, won a D3 Midwest Championship, and was well on my way to becoming the team’s all-time points leader—until Coach Danny stopped keeping track of the stat.

My coaching career began in 2019 with the Chicago Women’s Rugby Football Club, where I served as head coach. After a COVID-induced break, I returned to the Riot as the backs coach, helping lead the team to four consecutive playoff appearances and a promotion to D2.

Dan Matuz

HEAD COACH

As one of the the original founders of the club, he is a seasoned and highly respected rugby coach with a deep commitment to developing players and fostering the growth of rugby across all levels. With an impressive coaching career spanning over two decades, Dan has played a pivotal role in shaping teams and advancing the sport in the Midwest region.

Coaching Experience:

  • Chicago Riot Rugby Head Coach (2009 – Present): As a long-standing coach for Riot Rugby, Dan has been instrumental in mentoring players and leading the team with strategy and passion, fostering a culture of teamwork and excellence.

  • CARFU Men’s Select Side Coach (2024 – Present)  Dan continues to share his expertise, elevating the performance of elite athletes in the region.

  • CARFU Women’s U23 Select Side Coach (2004 – 2013): Guided and developed elite women’s rugby talent through this select-side program, contributing to the growth of women’s rugby at a regional and national level.

  • University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) – Forwards Coach (2004 – 2006): Worked closely with the UIC rugby team, focusing on forward play and skill development, driving improvements in technical performance and game tactics.

  • Former Midwest U23 Women’s Camp Coach: Played an essential role in training and evaluating emerging rugby talent, helping athletes transition to higher levels of competitive play.

Leadership Roles:

  • Co-Commissioner, The Great Midwest Rugby Conference (2012 – Present): As co-commissioner of this men’s collegiate Division 2 and Division 3 rugby conference, Dan has been instrumental in advancing college rugby, fostering competitive play, and enhancing league operations.

Former Vice President, Chicago Area Rugby Football Union (CARFU – Colleges): Provided visionary leadership and support for college rugby in the CARFU region, promoting rugby’s growth and success across the collegiate landscape.

Legacy and Vision: Throughout his career, Dan has demonstrated an unwavering passion for rugby, combining technical expertise with a commitment to nurturing the next generation of players. His leadership extends beyond the field as he continually works to expand access to the sport and foster a vibrant rugby community. His dedication and accomplishments have made him a highly valued figure in the rugby world.

Meet the players

Our club is built on a foundation of competitive spirit, teamwork, and inclusivity. No matter your level of experience, if you have the passion to play, the drive to compete, and the commitment to embody the Best Friends Rugby spirit, you’ll have a place on our team.

FROM NEWCOMER TO CHAMPIONSHIP STARTER

I'm a 33 year old product operations manager for a software company, who had never touched a rugby ball before I showed up to a Riot practice at age 27. The first thing I heard was "welcome to the Riot, you now have 30 new best friends." I can't emphasize enough how true that statement turned out to be. I love the physicality, the flow, the challenge of the game, but most of all the camaraderie with my teammates. I've played in some incredible matches with them, had late nights with them, traveled to other countries with them, and some of them will be at my wedding. The feeling of knowing that they are relying on you just as much as you rely on them is one that is pretty hard to find in this day and age. 

Playing rugby and joining this club was one of the best decisions I have ever made. To go from never playing to starting in a Midwest Championship and National Super Regional 3 years later is surreal. I love this game and I love this club. Come join us. - JEREMY GRAM

A 10 year VETERAn of the club

I’m a 35-year-old business owner and dad of one, but when I first joined this club, I was baby-faced and single. Rugby hooked me from the start—the physicality, the free-flowing play, the thrill of it all. But what’s kept me with the Riot for the past 10 years isn’t just the game—it’s the brotherhood. The victories, the hard-fought battles, and the beers shared afterward make it something special.

Rugby is different. Unlike football, you play both sides of the ball—offense and defense. There’s no hiding, no standing on the sidelines. Every player is integral, and the game only works when everyone gives their all. When you see your teammates pushing themselves, you push harder. This sport demands everything from you, and this club makes you want to give it. - CHRISTIAN RAMIREZ

size doesn’t matter

I've been playing rugby for 11 years, I started at Haverford College where we could barely field a team most weekends but ended my time there as a captain with a winning record qualifying us into the NSCRO league. I joined the Riot in 2017 and not only did the team give me some structure and some goals of making the first side but they gave me a family. The people I've met playing both D3 and D4 have shaped my life and become my family.

I love the competition and the drive being a bit undersized myself means that I have to think and act that much faster and the thrill of making the right pass or the right read is still my favorite thing in the world.

My favorite part of the Riot along with the friends I've made is watching some of these kids join the club with 0 experience and watching them grow into great rugby players in means a lot to me the way the club encourages growth both on the pitch and off. - BLAIR RUSH

powerlifter to rugby player

I only started playing rugby 3 years ago in my late 20s after I learned about the Riot while out at a work happy hour. The bartender approached me and suggested I check out the rugby team that they sponsored, the Chicago Riot. Intrigued, I ordered boots and a mouthguard that night, and showed up to the next practice.

Before rugby, my only athletic background was as a mediocre powerlifter, and I hadn’t played a team sport in over a decade. I was nervous showing up with zero experience, but the Riot welcomed me with open arms. The guys took the time to teach me the game, and by the end of practice, I had 20+ new friends.

Since then, rugby has become a huge part of my life, both on and off the pitch. - JOHN BLACK

DEEP RUGBY ROOTS

I'm a 28-year-old financial analyst in Chicago, but rugby has been a huge part of my life for as long as I can remember. My dad, born and raised in New Zealand, passed his love for the sport down to me. I grew up at the pitch, watching him play, running around with my brothers, and cheering for the All Blacks with my family.

I played my first match at 12 and never looked back—playing through middle school, high school, college, and for a few men’s clubs. After a short break from the game, I joined the Chicago Riot at 25, and it instantly felt like home. Suddenly, I had 30+ new friends, endless opportunities to compete, and a community that brought out the best in me.

In just a few years, I’ve played in Nationals, a Midwest Championship, and multiple playoff games, but the Riot is more than just a competitive club. It’s a brotherhood, a culture, and a place I can’t imagine my life without. - QUINTON JACKSON