About
We are a Catholic young men’s group serving men ages 18 to 39, dedicated to leading men closer to God and strengthening their walk in the faith. Our mission is built on four core pillars: Brotherhood, Humility, Virtue, and Ownership. These pillars shape who we are and how we grow together. We believe that every man thrives when he has brothers to walk beside him, the courage to live virtuously, the humility to learn and be transformed, and the ownership to take responsibility for his spiritual journey and daily life. These values are not just ideas – they are the framework through which we challenge and support one another as men of Christ.
Sons of Thunder is a place where every man can find community, guidance, and purpose. Come as you are: no sign-ups, no fees, no prerequisites. Whether you’re strong in your faith, returning after time away, or simply curious about Christianity, you belong here from the moment you step through the door. Come as you’re able: life is busy, and seasons change. There are no attendance requirements or commitments; join us when you can, and you will always be welcomed back with open arms. Come open-minded: while rooted firmly in Catholic tradition, we welcome any man seeking meaning, truth, and growth in the Christian life. No experience is required – just a willingness to learn, grow, and walk toward Christ alongside other men striving to do the same.
Join us at one of our weekly meetings and experience what fellowship, accountability, and spiritual growth can look like when men pursue Christ together. The world is loud, hectic, and often directionless, but we believe men rise when they are supported, sharpened, and set on fire for God. Sons of Thunder exists to provide that brotherhood. All you have to do is show up.
Join us at one of our weekly meetings!
“The measure of love is to love without measure, and to help our brothers walk toward God.”
— St. Francis de Sales
It Started in a Basement…
Sons of Thunder was founded in 2022 by Zack Hernandez & Christ Schreck. The story started when Nick Weis, a family friend of Zack Hernandez, gave Zack a call out of the blue.
Nick and several of his friends throughout the Diocese of Joliet felt a desperate need for a young men’s group in the Southwest suburbs. Young men were reaching out to him looking for authentic Catholic fellowship, but he had nowhere to send them except to a priest.
Zack’s initial instinct was to reject the opportunity. At the time, he was not in the best headspace and struggled with personal confidence. However, after talking it over with his faithful grandfather, Zack received the encouragement he needed to take the leap of faith. Around that same time, Nick had also reached out to Chris Schreck, a former military man who shared the same passion for building something meaningful for young Catholic men.
During their first brainstorming session, the three of them landed on the name Sons of Thunder. Jesus gave the apostles James and John this bold nickname because of their passionate and “thunderous” personalities. At first, their zeal was fiery and impulsive toward those who rejected Christ. Over time, however, Jesus transformed that intense energy into courageous and faithful service to the Gospel. The founders hoped for that same transformation within the men who would join their group.
For the first nine months, they met weekly in the basement of Chris’s home. Attendance was low in those early months—sometimes only a handful of men gathered. But they continued inviting friends, praying persistently, and trusting the process. Slowly but surely, the group began to grow. As momentum built, they connected with St. Mary Immaculate Parish and moved their weekly meetings there.
What began as a small gathering steadily developed into a true brotherhood. Zack now considers many of these men his brothers in Christ. As more members began commuting from the northern suburbs, the need to expand became clear. In 2024, they launched a second branch in Villa Park, providing men farther north with a closer place to gather, grow, and be spiritually nourished each week.
With eyes set on the future, Zack, Chris, and the leadership team aspire to continue planting Sons of Thunder groups at parishes throughout Illinois as they grow in 2026 and beyond.
