About Bob Gajda
Lived 1940 – 2022 (aged 81–82). Bob Gajda was an American athlete, bodybuilder and coach.
Robert Steven Gajda (September 14, 1940 – January 16, 2022) was an American bodybuilder and performance training pioneer.
Life and career Gajda was born in Chicago, Illinois on September 14, 1940.
He held the title of AAU Mr. America, which he won in 1966, after defeating his training partner and friend, Sergio Oliva for the title. He also placed first in the 1966 FICH Mr. Universe.
Gajda developed Chicago's Duncan YMCA gym, which was known as "the muscle factory on West Monroe", and played a major role in establishing the Chicago bodybuilding scene.
He died on January 16, 2022, at the age of 81.
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Important facts
People in Bob Gajda's life
Named in this biography and alive at the same time
Contemporaries
People whose lives overlapped Bob Gajda's
Frequently asked questions
Who was Bob Gajda?
American bodybuilder
When was Bob Gajda born?
Bob Gajda was born on 14 September 1940 in Chicago.
When did Bob Gajda die?
Bob Gajda died in 2022.
What was Bob Gajda's occupation?
Bob Gajda was an athlete, bodybuilder and coach.
What nationality was Bob Gajda?
Bob Gajda was American.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Bob Gajda. https://biography.guide/bob-gajda/
MLA: "Bob Gajda." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/bob-gajda/.
Chicago: "Bob Gajda." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/bob-gajda/.
Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.
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