On Sunday mornings, young Jojo Chobak could always be found at the rink, facing off against her brothers in an energetic game of hockey. Little did she know that these childhood days would be the start of an incredible journey that would take her across the United States. From Chicago to Minnesota, Jojo’s hockey career has been nothing short of extraordinary.

The Beginning of a Hockey Legend

Growing up in Chicago, Illinois, Jojo played hockey with her brothers, who not only ignited her passion for the sport but also gave her the endearing nickname “Jojo.” Unable to pronounce her given name, Violet, her brothers lovingly called her yo-yo, which eventually morphed into Jojo. With her brothers as her teammates, Jojo honed her skills and became a force to be reckoned with on the ice.

A Goalie is Born

Jojo’s first foray into the goaltending position was unplanned. When a teammate couldn’t make it to a game on time, she stepped up to take their place. Despite letting in one goal in the first period, Jojo discovered her talent and found a new love for the position. From that moment on, she split her time between playing as a forward and a goaltender.

Chicago’s Hockey Culture

Contrary to popular belief, Chicago is a city with a thriving hockey culture. Jojo attests to this, citing the abundance of skating rinks and club teams that allowed her to grow and develop her skills. She pays homage to her hometown on her goalie mask, featuring the Chicago skyline and the iconic pointed star from the Chicago flag. It’s a constant reminder of where her journey began.

Joining the Girls’ Hockey League

At the age of 15, Jojo joined her first girls’ team, the Chicago Young Americans, an AAA team. While the league may not have been large, the camaraderie and culture within the team were invaluable. It also provided Jojo with the opportunity to travel across the Midwest to compete against other talented young athletes.

College Hockey and Beyond

After spending a couple of seasons with the Chicago Young Americans, Jojo had a decision to make – where would she play collegiate hockey? Ultimately, she chose the University of Minnesota Duluth. Though her first season saw limited playing time, Jojo never lost sight of her goals. Her hard work and dedication paid off, and she became the starting goaltender the following year.

The Thrill of Postseason Hockey

Jojo’s journey to the national tournament was nothing short of remarkable. While the tournament held significant meaning for her, she also realized that, at its core, it was just another hockey game. This revelation allowed her to maintain her focus and perform at her best, ultimately helping her team succeed.

Embracing New Opportunities

With limited opportunities at Minnesota Duluth, Jojo made the difficult decision to transfer after her sophomore season. She found a new home at St. Cloud State University, drawn to the program’s potential for growth and a fresh start under a new coach. Integrating into the team required an adjustment period, but Jojo’s dedication and talent quickly shone through.

More Than Just a Hockey Player

Beyond her hockey achievements, Jojo has found success in various other endeavors. Alongside teammate Avery Myers, she co-hosts a podcast called “Dump & Change,” where they connect with teammates and athletes from different sports. Building these connections has been incredibly rewarding for Jojo, allowing her to expand her network and gain valuable insights.

Balancing Academics and Athletics

As a nursing student, Jojo leads a busy life, juggling her academic commitments with her hockey career. Her mornings are devoted to classes, followed by intense practice sessions in the afternoon. Despite the challenges, Jojo finds solace in the balance between her two passions. When one becomes overwhelming, she can turn to the other for relief.

Looking Towards the Future

While Jojo’s future remains uncertain, she remains open to new opportunities. She expresses interest in the emergence of the PWHL (Professional Women’s Hockey League) and acknowledges its impact in providing young girls with role models to look up to. No matter where life takes her, Jojo is determined to continue pushing boundaries and achieving remarkable things both on and off the ice.

Jojo Chobak’s story is a testament to the power of dedication, passion, and resilience. From her humble beginnings in Chicago to becoming a standout goalie in college hockey, Jojo’s journey is only just beginning. We can’t wait to see what the future holds for this talented athlete.