Chris Chelios: Blackhawks Legend Journeys From the NHL to El Bandido Yankee Tequila

Chris Chelios, a three-time Stanley Cup champion and one of the longest-tenured National Hockey League players, is well-known for his athleticism. But he is also a longtime businessman with a portfolio that includes a handful of bars and restaurants. Most recently, Chelios started the tequila brand El Bandido Yankee. 

Chelios attributes his professional success to his humble beginnings and the work ethic his father instilled in him. The Chicago native worked alongside his dad in the restaurant business, but he and his parents both dreamed of him getting a college degree. If it worked out, Chelios would be the first college grad in his family, extended family included.

Little did he know, the future had much more in store for him.

1851 Franchise met with Chelios at its franchise conference FRANCAMP, where business leaders came together in a team-building approach to franchise growth, to talk about his childhood years, his hockey career and his business transition to spirits. 

From Student Life to the Olympics

Chelios’ entry into the world of sports is a lot more casual than most professional sports players. In fact, he tested the waters with a music career before getting serious about hockey.

“Every athlete wants to be a musician, and every musician wants to be an athlete,” said Chelios. He tried five different instruments and was horrible, he said, so that left sports as his only option.

Although he played a lot of hockey growing up, he moved from Chicago to San Diego at 16 and hockey was not offered in his new town. Rather than becoming discouraged, Chelios picked up a new hobby to fill his time: surfing. 

“I started surfing and nearly forgot about hockey completely,” he said. 

Before too long, however, an opportunity presented itself and hockey was back on the table, albeit with a bit of a commute — all the way to Canada. Chelios missed over a month of high school to try out for Canadian hockey teams, but he didn’t make the cut. After that, he went back to enjoying surfing. His sights were still set on getting that college degree.

However, a year later, he was invited back to Canada to have another go. This time, he made the cut. At 17, he played with a Junior Hockey League team in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, as a defenseman instead of his usual role playing forward. 

In his new position, he was playing with much older, burlier hockey players who were up to 20 years old. Stepping onto the ice for his first big-time match, he thought to himself, “They look like men. I don't even shave yet, and they have mustaches. I’m terrified.”

His hockey career grew from there, and so did his confidence. A chance encounter with a stranger on the beach, who suggested he try out for the hockey team at the University of Wisconsin, led to a full scholarship. He went on to achieve his goal of getting into college and studying business. Before he could finish that degree, he was pulled out early from college to join the Olympic team for four years and then went straight on to the NHL.

The Big Leagues: Entering the NHL

Chelios nervously entered the NHL as part of the Montreal Canadian team. But after one goal, that bolstered his confidence. He was even more amped to play, and fans started to take notice. 

His father was there every step of the way. In fact, for a portion of Chelios’ career, his dad was the only parent allowed on their chartered transportation because the team deemed him as their good luck charm. Chelios wasn’t always sold on this idea.

“He just always embarrassed me on the plane,” Chelios admitted.

Although Chelios was grateful for the lessons he learned from his dad and was grateful for his ongoing support at the games, he banned his dad from the seats nearest the rink.

“My dad was not allowed in the lower level,” Chelios jokingly explained. “He was a brutal sports parent, shouting at the refs. A real loving dad but just nuts.”

Chelios enjoyed the way the team held each other accountable for their actions. His natural charisma made him a de facto leader and earned him the title of Blackhawks’ team captain from 1995-1999.

“My M.O. was my leadership and the way I got along with my teammates,” he said. 

Chelios had his fair share of success and a huge following of loyal fans, but to be in the limelight has a cost. He faced harsh criticism throughout his career, and not all fans were supportive of his decisions, specifically when he became a Detroit Red Wing in 1999 and left the Chicago Blackhawks. 

“I thought it was better to go to a team and win even if that meant playing less,” explained Chelios. However, his fans in Chicago were left distraught.

“I got booed out of Chicago,” he said. 

People heckled him and his family in the street for years: “It’s embarrassing when you’re getting into street fights with your dad and sister alongside you at the age of 39.”

Regardless of the criticism, his love of the game gave Chelios the motivation he needed to persevere. He continued playing until he was 48 years old, ending his career with the Atlanta Thrashers. Because he played until he was older than many NHL players, his kids could also enjoy these memories, which is something Chelios cherishes.

“Some people say you have to go out when you’re on top, but that’s the stupidest thing I ever heard,” he said. “I was going to play until there was nothing left in the tank so long as I didn't jeopardize the success of the team.”

At the end of his career in 2010, he was playing eight to 10 minutes a game and realized it wasn’t worth being away from his kids and family anymore. He retired in time to be around for his daughter’s senior year, which is something his family really appreciated.

The Blackhawks recently announced that Chelios’ jersey would be retired on February 25, 2024. As the ninth Blackhawk to ever receive this honor, Chelios is fully aware that he is living the life that so many have dreamed of.

“I feel like the luckiest guy in the world,” said Chelios. “I never took a day for granted. To be able to do something for a living that you love, that’s really important.”

When Hockey Meets Business

As much as he loved playing hockey as a kid, he never dreamed of going pro. In fact, his first “job” was world’s away from the sport. Chelios was born into a hardworking Greek family that was involved in the restaurant business. At 5 years old, he was stacking bottles and helping out in the kitchen. He worked his way up, always remaining a laborer. 

“My father was a real hardworking guy, probably worked 78 hours a week,” said Chelios. “Work ethic was instilled at a young age for me.”

Chelios found his way back to his childhood days in the restaurant industry. Except this time, he bought several restaurants in Chicago and Detroit, all under the name of Cheli's Chili Bar.

While his restaurants weren’t always successful for the long term, he could fall back on the real estate he’d purchased. Owning Cheli’s Chili Bars also allowed him the opportunity to meet and socialize with his fans, especially when he owned a franchise location in Chicago.

“It was a great way to be approachable for the fans,” he reminisced. “The players attended and other sports players. Even Michael Jordan showed up sometimes.” 

While his restaurant-owning days in Chicago allowed him to connect with his fanbase, his location in Detroit gave him an unexpected chance to positively impact the community. He employed 60-70 people in “Hockeytown.” He was also able to give college kids strong work recommendations.

Chelios would see hockey and business cross paths once again in July of 2018 when the Chicago Blackhawks asked him to serve as an ambassador for the franchise. 

The Tequila Game

Chelios’ career didn’t end there. A couple of years ago, he founded El Bandido, a tequila brand dedicated to making authentic and tasty tequila.

“It was the worst three o’clock in the morning decision I’ve ever made,” Chelios joked. “I’m way too old for the tequila game.”

His partner in the business is former professional football player Jim Bob Morris. 

“He walks into a room with his chest puffed up and introduces himself as ‘Jim Bob Morris, Green Bay Packers,’” Chelios joked. “He only played 3 games!”

While Morris clearly didn’t have the same longtime career as his co-partner, he has cemented himself as a humanitarian. The former Packers player uses his tequila profits to build soccer fields and buy laptops for kids to improve their education. 

Looking to the Future

Overall, Chelios has had some pretty big wins both in hockey and in business. So what is his best advice for achieving your dreams?

“If you have a bad day, you’ve got to put it behind you,” he said. “Otherwise it affects your future performance. With hard work and effort, you’re going to be successful, but you also need to surround yourself with the right people.”

What’s next for Chelios? He jokes about wanting to be the mayor of Chicago despite hating politics. In reality, he’s a renowned hockey player who wants to be an even better grandfather. 

Watch the full interview at FranCamp here!