Progressive, hip, artsy, and relatable are all words to describe Niles West’s new art teacher, Christopher Sykora. You might recognize him by his signature red beard, gauged earlobes, and hipster vests, but Sykora’s unique appearance only counterparts his wide range of interests. In addition to teaching art foundations here at Niles West and photography at Deerfield High School, he and his wife own a vegan cafe, he has 10 tattoos, and he plays hockey.

Sykora has strong values that influence his everyday life, from his eating habits to his teaching and art. When he was 19 years old he decided to go vegetarian, and he hasn’t looked back. It was only four years ago that he took his eating restrictions a step further and became vegan. He even has an avocado tattooed on his arm to represent his change in lifestyle. Despite his strict habits, his convictions are stronger than any desire to cheat his diet.

“[I went vegetarian and vegan] for the environment, for health, and most importantly for animal rights. I do not believe that it’s okay for a human to murder an animal for food,” Sykora said.

Not only is Sykora vegan, but he and his wife actually own a vegan cafe in the city (3827 N. Lincoln Ave. Chicago.) The couple opened Delicious Cafe in September of 2001, and since then, the store has become known for having the best scones, vegan or otherwise. They also sell sandwiches, drinks, you name it! Senior Alex Johnson, one of Sykora’s former students, has visited the cafe and tried the food.

“[I had] a purple cow. It was a blueberry smoothie mixed with pseudo-dairy products and fortified in some sort of hemp protein and it was delicious. I thought it’d be really good for vegan food, but it turns out it is just astounding in general for food,” he said.

When asked how he and his wife made such a radical decision to open their own cafe, Sykora explained that, besides being vegan, they are big believers in small businesses. They like to live by what they preach.

“‘Think globally, act locally is one of our mantras. So, you know, we put our money where our mouth was and opened a vegan cafe,” he said.

Sykora tries to instill those same values in his students by teaching projects relating to world issues and telling his students they can make a positive impact. Kids take to his teaching style because of the messages he brings to class, along with his youthful energy.

“I liked being in Mr. S’s class because he is younger. He taught more controversial forms of art that held powerful messages about society. It’s cool that he’s vegan, and he makes all these life decisions that impact the environment. He talks about how we can make a difference and that’s inspiring,” senior Marina Letica said, one of Sykora’s former students.

Art teacher John Zilewicz agrees that Sykora is a good fit for Niles West.

“He brings a different aspect to our curriculum.  Very contemporary.  Big message,”  Zilewicz said.

It hasn’t always been clear to Sykora that he would be a teacher. Until he was 17 years old, he planned on playing hockey professionally, but after getting multiple concussions, he realized the cost of going pro. Now, after leaving the sport for a long time, he plays for recreation. Although he wishes he hadn’t quit the sport cold turkey when he was younger, he knows he made the right decision career wise. He was meant to teach.

“It’s what I was born to do. I believe that everyone has different skills, different traits, different intelligence. I believe that my traits and skills are very suitable for the teaching world. I believe it’s a meaningful job… it’s the key to making the world a better place. The youth are the future.”