In a world full of remarkable people, few stand out quite like Steve Gross. Born in Kankakee and raised in Momence, Steve’s life has been a whirlwind of martial arts competitions, community involvement, and—perhaps most proudly—fatherhood to an Airman in the U.S. Air Force. The man’s personality is as big as his accomplishments, and if there’s one thing you’ll learn quickly about Steve, it’s that when he sets his mind to something, you better believe he’s going to follow through—whether it’s running for mayor or getting his son to hold the door for Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Steve’s journey began in a bustling household as the youngest of five children. “We were Catholic and Nazarene— an equal distribution of church visits,” Steve laughs, recalling his childhood spent in the crosshairs of two faiths. His father owned a restaurant on Washington Street, which seems poetic now, considering Steve’s karate school would later end up on the same block. “I shook my fist at the sky when I left Momence, swearing I’d never return,” Steve says with a grin, “Now everyone calls me ‘Mr. Momence.’ Funny how life works.”

But life didn’t start off easy for Steve. At just three years old, he witnessed a home invasion that shook his family. That incident planted a seed in his mind that would later sprout into his passion for martial arts. Fueled by TV’s Kung Fu series and the quiet, controlled power of David Carradine, Steve joined the local karate school. It didn’t take long for him to excel, winning tournaments and competitions. “It was my calling,” he says, not one to shy away from owning his talents.

Steve moved to the Chicago suburbs, ran karate schools, boxed on the south side, and even rubbed shoulders with some well-known figures. “I sound like I’m bragging,” he says, “but I’ve had students go on to be Olympic-level athletes, and I’ve done it all in martial arts.” His accomplishments are many, but his connection to Momence was never severed.

By the time the attacks of September 11th occurred, Steve was already thinking about returning to his roots. The notion of ‘Acres of Diamonds’—the idea that the greatest opportunities are right where you are—resonated with him. So back to Momence he went, karate school and all.

He’s not just any local guy, though. Steve’s story is stitched into the very fabric of the town. He ran for mayor (“Came in second,” he mentions, though not without a laugh), and today, he serves as the community liaison, connecting the town to the city in more ways than one. If you were to ask Steve to fix a leaky pipe, he’ll tell you outright: “I’m not your guy.” But if you need someone to rally the town, organize Santa Claus processions during a pandemic, or lead a community effort, Steve is front and center.

Then, there’s Caleb—Steve’s son, and the pride of the family. Raised in the karate school alongside his twin brother, Caleb grew up in a home steeped in patriotism and martial arts discipline. “I have to brag on Caleb,” Steve says, his smile widening. A highly competitive martial artist in high school, Caleb earned recognition at both local and national levels. But his calling was something bigger—much like Steve’s, but with a military twist.

Initially aiming to join the Air Force band, Caleb’s path took a turn during basic training, where his interest in law enforcement blossomed. Now stationed at Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota, Caleb is part of the 28th Security Forces Squadron, a role Steve speaks of with a mix of awe and humility. “There’s a part of the Airman’s Creed that really gets me,” Steve says, his voice faltering with emotion. “’I am an American Airman. Guardian of freedom and justice. My nation’s sword and shield.’ That’s my son.”

Caleb’s journey is far from over. While he’s considering careers in agencies like the CIA or FBI, Steve knows one thing for certain: “Whatever he chooses, he’s prepared. And that’s all I can ask for.”

Back in Momence, Steve’s larger-than-life presence is hard to miss. Whether he’s reminiscing about sparring with Hollywood stars, running for mayor, or coaching the next generation of martial artists, Steve Gross embodies the spirit of community. Momence isn’t just home; it’s a place where, despite shaking his fist at the sky all those years ago, Steve returned to find his own acres of diamonds.