Bob Gajda


Robert Steven Gajda was an American bodybuilder and performance training pioneer.

Life and career

Gajda was born in Chicago, Illinois on September 14, 1940.
He held the title of AAU [Mr. America], which he won in 1966, after defeating his training partner and friend, Sergio Oliva for the title. He also placed first in the 1966 FICH Mr. Universe.
Gajda developed Chicago's Duncan YMCA gym, which was known as "the muscle factory on West Monroe", and played a major role in establishing the Chicago bodybuilding scene.
He died on January 16, 2022, at the age of 81.

Awards