Chris Chelios is a Greek-American former professional ice hockey defenseman. He is renowned for his longevity and achievements in the NHL. Born on January 25, 1962, in Chicago, Illinois, he played for the Montreal Canadiens, Chicago Blackhawks, Detroit Red Wings, and Atlanta Thrashers. Chelios is a three-time Stanley Cup champion and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2013.
He holds the record for most career playoff games played and is tied with Gordie Howe for most NHL seasons played. He is also known for his toughness and leadership. He represented the United States in numerous international tournaments, earning a gold medal in the 1996 World Cup of Hockey. Get to know more about Chris Chelios in this article, his biography, age, career, net worth, and awards.
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Who is Chris Chelios?
Chris Chelios was born Christos Konstantinos Chelios on January 25, 1962, in Chicago, Illinois, and is a Greek-American former professional ice hockey defenseman. He is 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighs 191 pounds. Over his career, he played for several teams in the National Hockey League (NHL), including the Montreal Canadiens, Chicago Blackhawks, Detroit Red Wings, and Atlanta Thrashers. Chelios was drafted 40th overall in the 1981 NHL Entry Draft by the Montreal Canadiens. He began his professional playing career in 1984 and retired in 2010.
Chelios is a three-time Stanley Cup champion, where he won once with the Montreal Canadiens and twice with the Detroit Red Wings. He played a record number of playoff games, with 266 appearances, and tied with Gordie Howe for the most NHL seasons played, at 26.
During the 2009-10 NHL season, when he was called up from the AHL’s Chicago Wolves to play for the Atlanta Thrashers, Chelios was the oldest active player in the NHL and the second oldest of all time. He had the most games played and the most career penalty minutes of any active player at that time.
Chelios is also the record-holder for most career postseason losses, with 117, but he only lost one Game 7 in his career. In 2017, he was named one of the “100 Greatest NHL Players” in history.
Chelios comes from a Greek heritage, and his cousin, Nikos Tselios, also played professional hockey and was a first-round draft pick for the Carolina Hurricanes. Chelios was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame on November 8, 2013, and into the IIHF Hall of Fame in 2018.
Born and raised in Chicago, he moved to Poway, California, with his family in 1977. Unable to play high school hockey in Southern California, he was not recruited by any U.S. colleges except for a brief stint at the United States International University. After struggling to find his place in hockey, he played for the Moose Jaw Canucks in Canada, which led to his draft by the Montreal Canadiens.
Chelios had a distinguished collegiate career with the Wisconsin Badgers, where he was part of the NCAA Men’s Ice Hockey Championship team in 1983. He represented the United States in multiple international tournaments, including the Winter Olympics, the Canada Cup, and the World Cup of Hockey. There, he won a gold medal in the 1996 World Cup of Hockey. After retiring, Chelios transitioned to roles in coaching and broadcasting. He worked in the Detroit Red Wings front office and later joined ESPN and TNT as a hockey analyst. In 2024, the Chicago Blackhawks retired his number 7 jersey.
Chelios grew up in a family with a strong work ethic, with his father owning a chain of Greek restaurants. He married his wife, Tracee, in 1987, and they have four children: Dean, Jake, Caley, and Tara. His children have pursued various careers, with Dean and Jake following in their father’s hockey footsteps, and Caley working as a reporter. Chelios has been active in charitable causes, founding “Cheli’s Children” during his time in Chicago. He also owns a home in Malibu, California, and is part of the “Malibu Mob,” a group of celebrity homeowners and friends.
In his life, Chelios has been friends with many athletes and entertainers, including John C. McGinley, John Cusack, Eddie Vedder, and Kid Rock. Despite a DUI arrest in 2009, which was later dismissed, Chelios has maintained a positive public image. He also owned several restaurants/bars named Cheli’s Chili Bar in Chicago and Detroit, although they have since closed.
What is Chris Chelios’s age, height, and weight?
Chris Chelios is 62 years old. He measures 5 feet 11 inches (180 cm) tall and weighs 191 pounds (87 kg; 13 st 9 lb).
What is Chris Chelios’s Nationality and Ethnicity?
Chris Chelios is an American of Greek descent.
What is Chris Chelios’s profession?
Chris Chelios is a retired professional ice hockey player who moved into various roles post-retirement. His career in professional ice hockey is distinguished by a lengthy tenure as a defenseman. During these times, he played for several prominent NHL teams.
Playing Career:
Early Years
Chris Chelios was born on January 25, 1962, in Chicago, Illinois. He grew up in Evergreen Park, Illinois, with his parents, Gus and Susan Chelios. He attended Mount Carmel High School in Chicago before moving to Poway, California, where he completed high school at Mira Mesa High School. Due to the lack of high school hockey in Southern California, Chelios was not recruited by U.S. colleges, receiving only one scholarship offer from United States International University in San Diego.
After struggling there, he was cut from the team and moved to Canada, where he faced further challenges but eventually returned home, growing three inches and adding 40 pounds of muscle. He played for the Moose Jaw Canucks in the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League, where he excelled and caught the attention of scouts.
NHL Career
Chelios was drafted by the Montreal Canadiens in the 1981 NHL Entry Draft and debuted in the NHL in 1984. He quickly became known for his strong defensive skills and offensive capabilities, earning a trip to the NHL All-Star Game and a place on the 1985 NHL All-Rookie Team. Over his career, he played for the Montreal Canadiens (1984-1990), Chicago Blackhawks (1990-1999), and Detroit Red Wings (1999-2009). He won three Stanley Cups (1986, 2002, 2008) and three James Norris Memorial Trophies as the NHL’s best defenseman.
International Play
Chelios represented the United States in numerous international competitions, including four Winter Olympics (1984, 1998, 2002, 2006), four Canada Cups/World Cups (1984, 1987, 1991, 1996), and two World Junior Championships (1980, 1982). He captained Team USA in several of these tournaments and played a pivotal role in the 1996 World Cup of Hockey victory.
Post-Playing Career
After retiring in 2010, Chelios joined the Detroit Red Wings front office as an Adviser to Hockey Operations, focusing on defense prospects. He later transitioned to broadcasting, working as an NHL analyst for FS1 and ESPN. He also served as an assistant coach for Team USA at the 2016 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships and joined the Red Wings coaching staff to assist with player development. In 2018, he returned to Chicago to be closer to his family and served as an ambassador for the Chicago Blackhawks. In 2021, he rejoined ESPN as an NHL analyst, though his contract was not renewed in 2023 due to cost-cutting measures. He later appeared as a guest studio analyst for TNT.
| Team | Years Played | Key Milestones |
|---|---|---|
| Moose Jaw Canucks | 1979-1981 | Played in the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League, tallied 87 points and 175 penalty minutes in 54 games. |
| University of Wisconsin | 1981-1983 | NCAA Championship (1983), named to the all-tournament team and second WCHA all-star team. |
| United States National Team | 1984 | Competed in the 1984 Winter Olympics. |
| Montreal Canadiens | 1984-1990 | Stanley Cup (1986), James Norris Memorial Trophy (1989), co-captain (1989-1990). |
| Chicago Blackhawks | 1990-1999 | James Norris Memorial Trophy (1993, 1996), Captain (1995-1999), Stanley Cup Final (1992). |
| Detroit Red Wings | 1999-2009 | Stanley Cup (2002, 2008), led NHL in plus/minus (+40, 2002), became oldest active NHL player (2009). |
| EHC Biel | 1994-1995 (lockout) | Played during the 1994-95 NHL lockout. |
| Motor City Mechanics | 2004-2005 (lockout) | Played during the 2004-05 NHL lockout. |
| Grand Rapids Griffins | 2008 | Oldest player in AHL history at 46 years. |
| Chicago Wolves | 2009-2010 | Signed 25-game pro tryout contracts. |
| Atlanta Thrashers | 2010 | Played 7 games, first time not playing for an Original Six team. |
Summary of Key Milestones:
- 1986: Won the Stanley Cup with the Montreal Canadiens.
- 1989: Won the James Norris Memorial Trophy as the NHL’s best defenseman.
- 1992: Led the Chicago Blackhawks to the Stanley Cup Final.
- 1993: Won his second James Norris Memorial Trophy.
- 1996: Won his third James Norris Memorial Trophy.
- 2002: Won the Stanley Cup with the Detroit Red Wings, led the NHL in plus/minus.
- 2008: Won the Stanley Cup with the Detroit Red Wings, oldest active player to win the Stanley Cup.
- 2010: Retired from professional hockey.
What is Chris Chelios’s current world ranking?
Chelios is widely regarded as one of the greatest defensemen in NHL history. This is evidenced by several honors and recognitions:
- Inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2013.
- Three-time winner of the James Norris Memorial Trophy (awarded to the NHL’s best defenseman).
- Named to numerous All-Star teams throughout his career.
- Ranked among the top 100 Greatest NHL Players by the NHL in 2017.
Who are Chris Chelios’s Parents?
Chris Chelios’s parents are Gus Chelios and Susan Chelios. He was born on January 25, 1962, in Chicago, Illinois, and was raised by his parents in Evergreen Park, Illinois.
Does Chris Chelios have siblings?
Yes, Chris Chelios has siblings. He has a brother named Gus Chelios Jr. and two sisters named Nikki and Penny Chelios.
Who is Chris Chelios married to?
Chris Chelios is married to Tracee Chelios. They have been married since 1987 and have three children together: Dean, Jake, and Tara.
Does Chris Chelios have children?
Yes, Chris Chelios has three children. He has two sons named Dean and Jake, and a daughter named Tara.
What is Chris Chelios’s Net Worth?
Chris has an estimated net worth of $80 million.
How much does Chris Chelios make annually?
Chris Chelios is a legendary figure in the world of ice hockey. He has amassed a substantial fortune in his career. His career spanned over four decades, during which he played for several prominent NHL teams, including the Montreal Canadiens, Chicago Blackhawks, Detroit Red Wings, and briefly the Atlanta Thrashers.
Chelios began his professional career in the NHL after being drafted by the Montreal Canadiens in the 1981 NHL Entry Draft, where he was selected in the second round as the 40th overall pick. His early career highlights with the Canadiens included winning the Stanley Cup in 1986, and establishing himself as a formidable defenseman with a knack for offensive contributions.
His tenure in Montreal was marked by steady growth in his skills and reputation, which translated in multiple All-Star selections and earning the James Norris Memorial Trophy as the league’s best defenseman in 1989.
In 1990, Chelios returned to his hometown when he was traded to the Chicago Blackhawks. During his time with the Blackhawks, he continued to excel both defensively and offensively, earning two more Norris Trophies in 1993 and 1996. His leadership qualities were also evident as he was named team captain from 1995 to 1999.
The latter part of Chelios’s career saw him join the Detroit Red Wings in 1999. He played a pivotal role in the Red Wings’ Stanley Cup victories in 2002 and consistently contributed to the team’s defensive stability until his retirement in 2010.
Beyond his NHL career, Chelios also represented the United States in numerous international competitions, including multiple Winter Olympics and World Cups of Hockey.
Financially, Chelios’s career earnings totaled a remarkable $50,233,321, which translates to approximately $92,332,937 in today’s dollars, placing him among the top earners in NHL history.
What philanthropic causes or charities does Chris Chelios support?
Chris has a foundation called Cheli’s Children Foundation which is involved in children-related charitable activities in Chicago. Chris Chelios has shown his support for several charities listed on the site, including Cats Care, the Compound Foundation, the James R. Jordan Foundation, and Keep Memory Alive.
His involvement reflects a diverse range of philanthropic interests, from animal welfare through Cats Care to initiatives supporting underprivileged youth and families via the Compound Foundation and the James R. Jordan Foundation. Additionally, his support for Keep Memory Alive is geared at raising awareness and funds for neurological disorders and brain health research.
What businesses does Chris Chelios own?
Chris Chelios has been involved in the restaurant and bar business, under the name Cheli’s Chili Bar. He opened his first Cheli’s Chili Bar on West Madison Street in Chicago during the 1990s, near the United Center, though it closed after his move to the Detroit Red Wings. Subsequent establishments included a location in Dearborn in 2003, followed by another in Detroit in 2006 and a third in Clinton Township in 2008.
However, all three locations have since closed, with the Detroit location shuttering in 2018 upon Chelios’s return to Chicago. Despite the closures, Chelios has expressed interest in opening a new restaurant in the Chicago area. His involvement in the restaurant business has been marked by both successes and challenges, including a tragic incident in 2007 when two employees were fatally stabbed at the Detroit location, leading Chelios to take a temporary leave of absence from hockey to support the victims’ families.
How many awards has Chris Chelios won?
Starting with his junior career, Chelios was recognized as the Best Defenseman in the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL) in 1981, showcasing his early promise and defensive prowess. Moving to collegiate hockey, he earned placement on the All-WCHA Second Team in 1983 while playing for the University of Wisconsin-Madison. That same year, he was also named to the All-NCAA All-Tournament Team, solidifying his status as one of the top college players in the country.
Chelios’s NHL career was marked by numerous achievements, beginning with his selection to the NHL All-Rookie Team in 1985 during his debut season with the Montreal Canadiens. He went on to participate in an impressive 11 NHL All-Star Games (1985, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2000, 2002), highlighting his consistent excellence and standing among the league’s elite players.
A cornerstone of his NHL career was his role in winning three Stanley Cup championships—first with the Montreal Canadiens in 1986, then twice with the Detroit Red Wings in 2002 and 2008. Chelios’s defensive prowess and leadership were further recognized with three James Norris Memorial Trophies as the NHL’s top defenseman in 1989, 1993, and 1996. He also earned placements on the NHL First All-Star Team five times (1989, 1993, 1995, 1996, 2002) and the NHL Second All-Star Team twice (1991, 1997).
Internationally, Chelios represented the United States in several prestigious tournaments, including the Canada Cup and the World Cup of Hockey. His leadership and contributions to Team USA were recognized with the Mark Messier Leadership Award in 2007.
In 2018, Chris Chelios was honored with induction into the IIHF Hall of Fame. He also holds a notable NHL record for the most playoff games played, totaling 266 games over his storied career.
| Category | Year | Details |
|---|---|---|
| SJHL Best Defenseman | 1981 | Awarded Best Defenseman in the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL) |
| College | 1983 | All-WCHA Second Team |
| 1983 | All-NCAA All-Tournament Team | |
| NHL All-Rookie Team | 1985 | Selected to the NHL All-Rookie Team with the Montreal Canadiens |
| NHL All-Star Game | 1985-2002 | Participated in 11 NHL All-Star Games (1985, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2000, 2002) |
| Stanley Cup champion | 1986 (Montreal Canadiens), 2002, 2008 (Detroit Red Wings) | Won three Stanley Cup championships |
| NHL All-Stars Rendez-vous ’87 | 1987 | Represented NHL All-Stars in the Rendez-vous ’87 event |
| James Norris Memorial Trophy | 1989, 1993, 1996 | Awarded NHL’s top defenseman with the James Norris Memorial Trophy |
| NHL First All-Star Team | 1989, 1993, 1995, 1996, 2002 | Named to the NHL First All-Star Team five times |
| NHL Second All-Star Team | 1991, 1997 | Named to the NHL Second All-Star Team twice |
| NHL Plus-Minus Award | 2002 | Earned NHL Plus-Minus Award with a +40 rating |
| Mark Messier Leadership Award | 2007 | Received the Mark Messier Leadership Award for leadership on and off the ice |
| International | 2018 | Inducted into the IIHF Hall of Fame |
| Records | Holds the NHL record for most playoff games played (266) |
What was Chris Chelios’s nickname during his career?
Chris Chelios was often referred to as “Cheli” by his teammates and fans alike. This nickname became recognized over his career in the NHL.
Did Chris Chelios play for both the Montreal Canadiens and the Detroit Red Wings?
Yes, Chris Chelios started his NHL career with the Montreal Canadiens, where he won his first Stanley Cup in 1986. He later joined the Detroit Red Wings and was part of their Stanley Cup-winning teams in 2002 and 2008.
How many times did Chris Chelios represent the United States in international hockey?
Chris Chelios represented the United States in international hockey numerous times, including several World Championships and the Olympics. He was a key figure in Team USA’s silver medal win at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City.
What role did Chris Chelios play in the community?
Chris Chelios has been involved in charitable work and community initiatives. He supported various causes, including youth sports programs and foundations dedicated to improving the lives of underprivileged children.
Was Chris Chelios known for his longevity in hockey?
Absolutely! Chris Chelios played in the NHL for an impressive 26 seasons, setting a record for the most playoff games played (266) in league history. His durability and dedication to the game made him a respected figure among players and fans alike.
Did Chris Chelios have a successful business venture?
Chris Chelios ventured into the restaurant business with his own establishment, Cheli’s Chili Bar, initially in Chicago and later expanding to Detroit. Despite facing challenges, including a tragic incident at one of his locations, Chelios remained resilient in both his hockey career and entrepreneurial pursuits.
What honors did Chris Chelios receive later in his career?
In recognition of his outstanding contributions to hockey, Chris Chelios was inducted into the IIHF Hall of Fame in 2018.