About Pillar

Pillar Performance & Fitness is an independently owned coaching and training company led by clinical rehabilitation professionals. We are dedicated to delivering individualized, results-driven programs for a diverse range of clients. We work with athletes, individuals recovering from injury, active adults, and older populations seeking to improve strength, balance, and overall function.

Our approach combines clinical insight with performance training to ensure each client progresses safely, effectively, and with purpose. Whether training one-on-one, semi-private, or in a group setting, our focus remains on building a strong foundation for long-term health, resilience, and performance.

Our Philosophy

At Pillar Performance & Fitness, we believe effective training begins with a thorough understanding of the individual. Every client starts with a comprehensive, medically informed functional assessment to evaluate movement quality, strength, mobility, and injury history. This foundation allows us to design safe, personalized, and outcome-driven programs aligned with each client’s goals and physical needs.

Our methodology is rooted in a whole-body approach, focusing on identifying and correcting musculoskeletal imbalances through the development of core stability, functional strength, and balance. This process supports long-term health, improved performance, and reduced risk of injury.

We serve a wide range of clients, including individuals recovering from injury, those seeking injury prevention, athletes pursuing performance enhancement, and older adults working to improve strength, stability, and overall function. Each program is designed with precision to meet the demands of the individual.

A key component of our approach is bridging the gap between rehabilitation and performance. Clients recovering from injury are guided through a safe, structured progression back to full activity, while others benefit from programs focused on building core stability, improving movement efficiency, and achieving measurable fitness outcomes.

Beyond physical results, we are committed to building confidence, improving skills, and creating a supportive, family-oriented environment. Our group training programs emphasize teamwork, accountability, and leadership, fostering a culture that drives both individual and collective success.

Our Mission

Building the foundation to be a better version of myself

This mission drives everything we do. We are committed to helping each client develop the strength, confidence, and consistency needed to achieve lasting results and long-term success.

Our Approach

Our training model is structured, individualized, and outcome-driven. Each program is developed from detailed assessment findings, ensuring targeted strategies that align with the client’s goals, current abilities, and physical limitations.

We integrate rehabilitation principles with performance training to improve movement quality, develop strength, and reduce injury risk. This approach allows us to effectively support clients at every stage—from post-injury recovery to high-level athletic performance.

Through consistent evaluation and progression, we ensure measurable results while maintaining a strong emphasis on safety, technique, and long-term sustainability.

Meet The Team

Craig Walter, AT, PTA, SCS

Founder and Lead Performance Coach

Craig brings over 25 years of experience as a treating clinician with specialties in treating diverse patient populations including, but not limited to: orthopedic injuries in the active individual, sports injuries as well as ACL prevention and rehabilitation, running gait analysis, spine & sacroiliac dysfunction, worker’s compensation and industrial rehabilitation, and fibromyalgia/pain management.

Craig began his career with a strong sports medicine background, having worked with organizations such as the Chicago Fire of the MLS, U.S. National Rugby Team, club soccer, and other various professional, collegiate, and high school athletics. He also served as a consultant with police and fire departments, promoting injury prevention and fitness programs.

Craig believe rehabilitation starts with addressing the body as a whole, finding any musculoskeletal imbalances and improving it through a combination of core stability, functional strength, and balance. Understanding the individual's goals and seeking the correct path in treatment, for that individual, is critical for successful outcomes.

Undergraduate Degree:

Athletic Training and Sports Medicine – Lewis University

Post Graduate:

Physical Therapy Assistant Program – College of DuPage

Professional Certifications & Programs:

Strength and Conditioning Specialist Certification fthrough NASM
Graston Trained, Blood Flow Restriction Therapy ACL- 3P, and Sportsmetrics Certified.

Mike Headtke, PTA, CES

Performance Coach

Mike is a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) and corrective exercise specialist in the greater Oswego area with over 20 years of experience treating in an outpatient orthopedic setting and working with athletes through the collegiate level.

Mike grew up in the Bolingbrook area playing football and baseball and played baseball in college at Benedictine University.

Mike has a specialty certification in Orthopedics which helps in understanding the complexities of human movement. Mike has a deep love of sports, he has a particular interest in sports performance and return-to-play treatment for overhead athletes, knee injuries and, more recently, hip pathologies.

Mike is passionate about treating the entire athlete including the body and the mind to increase confidence and improve performance. An injury in high school increased his interest in athletic rehabilitation and, as he continued to play sports, it felt like a perfect fit, paving the way for his career and passion.

Undergraduate Degree:

Bachelors of Arts in Psychology-Benedictine University(2005)

Advanced Degree:

Associates in Applied Science, Physical Therapist Assistant-College of DuPage (2008)

Professional Certifications & Programs:

NASM-CES, BCS, and ASTYM Certified
Specialty Certification in Orthopaedics, Nutrition Coaching Certification.
Vestibular Certification through The American Institute of Balance.
Overhead throwing Specialist.
Specilaity in return to sport after ACL injury