Chad DeGroot is a professional BMX athlete regarded as one of the world’s most influential riders due to creating trick innovations that contributed to the development of flatland/park BMX. Chad started competing as a flatland rider in 1993 when he turned professional. From 1990-2004, Chad and a few other riders from Wisconsin started and distributed 10 independent freestyle BMX videos known as the Baco series, which showcases Chad’s inventive flatland combinations. He competed in the X Games in 1997-2002, although not winning a medal, he did become the first BMX rider to have a video game character. Chad won the NORA Cup, The Number One Rider’s Award, in 2002, 2003, and 2004. He has been sponsored by Standard, Schwinn, Haro Bikes, Adidas, Vans, Redbull, UGP, Profile Racing, Bern Helmets, and Powerbar to name a few. In 2015 & 2016 he toured 3 times with Bikes Over Baghdad crew to entertain and support our nation’s troops in the Middle East, Africa, and surrounding areas. He has been a judge for NBC, Xgames, Dew tours, ESPN, Circle of Balance, FISE, Voodoo Jam, and Flat Ark in Japan. Outside of his BMX career, he opened and owned Mission Skate Park and Mesh Skate Park in Orlando since 2001. Shortly after closing both skate parks, he opened Mr. B’s Bikes and Boards in 2009. He also operates his own bike company, DecoBMX, which started in 2009. He helped the City of Longwood award a kids Grant for $200,000 for a new skate park to be built. He continues to be an influence and advocate for our community members for BMX, bike / skate parks, and recreational sports. Inducted into the Florida BMX Hall of Fame 2025.