Chaz Ortiz does not lead the typical teenager's life. That's why it was so fun to see him act out that roll in his recent Gatorade "Go All Day" web feature. The 17-year-old from Chicago, Illinois is internationally recognized as a major talent in skateboarding and a fierce competitor. While Ortiz has yet to win a stop of the exclusive Street League contest series which he competes in, he's had one advantage since the first event: ice in his veins. Ortiz is so cool under pressure it's astonishing. Going up against the best skaters in the world and performing on live national television, he skates with a casual air that most would have at a typical ledge session. Following the championship event of Street League, where Ortiz got a respectable fourth place, we caught up with him to talk about the tricks he pulled out and what he's got planned for next season and the rest of his skate career.

Sean CronanChaz Ortiz steps to a sizable salad grind on a rusty rail.

Where did that nollie bigspin heelflip backside lipslide come from in the Street League Championships?
I've been able to do that trick for a while and that was the perfect obstacle to do it on. It's a little easier on a bump-to-bar than down a handrail, so it just worked out.

Have you ever done it down a handrail?
I've done it on an A-frame rail and a bunch of bump-to-bars but that's it. Never down a handrail.

So maybe we will see that down a rail someday from you?
Maybe ...

Sean CronanChaz Ortiz stands tall in Chi-town.

It was cool to see some new tricks from you. Are you working on anything new at the moment?
Yeah, I'm always working on new tricks and trying to switch it up so that people stay entertained. I think it helps your style of skating by learning new stuff and bringing new tricks in every year. I think it stands out way more.

What happened with DC? Do you have a new shoe sponsor in the works right now?
DC and I split ways and I am just trying different shoes. I love trying all the different shoes out there right now. I'm not in any rush, I'm just waiting for the right thing to come. I just want to ride my skateboard for now.

That's a good attitude to have. Are you planning on staying in Chicago or are you ever tempted to move to California like almost everyone else?
I'll probably stay in Chicago and just spend a lot of time out in California. I'd rather just be home and spend time with my family and stay close to what I know. But for sure I'll be out there a lot, too.

Tell us about your Go All Day thing for The Berrics.
That thing was nuts. It was honestly stressful. I think I grinded that rail something like 12 times in a row with a half an hour of in between each take.

Was that a high school in California?
Yeah, it was in Santa Monica.

Do you actually go to high school?
Yeah, but I'm taking a bit of time off because I'm traveling so much right now.

So is it home school?
I'm still in school.

Sean CronanChaz hops onto a gritty 50-50 and holds on over the gap from dock to curb.

So you go to class sometimes?
Well, I guess you can say home school! [laughs]

So tell me about the tattoos, you've got quite an arsenal going.
Yeah, I got one and just kept wanting them and I'm going to keep getting them. Nothing crazy, though. Maybe just one sleeve. Nothing on the neck. Nothing on my face.

What's your favorite one?
The first one I got, the "day of the dead" one and the "legends never die" on my chest. I also have my sister's name on me.

Aw, I'm sure she loves that.
Yeah, she is hyped.

Now, why did you get "Steeze" tattooed on your "day of the dead skull?"
Because that's my nickname and I'm always wearing hats, so that's why it has a hat on, too. And my first pro model hat said "steeze" on it, so I was just kind of digging it.

What's the next video project you're working on?
I'm in the process of filming right now. I actually got two clips today. So just filming away and staying in the streets. I'm in New York for nine days handling some business and filming.

So it will be a Zoo York clip?
Yeah, it will be a Zoo York part, most likely on iTunes. We don't have a specific date yet, just kind of like when I have enough footage.

What do you think it's going to take for you to win a Street League stop?
I don't know. I guess I just have to stay on my board and bring some new tricks. It's hard man. If you try hard tricks you're going to fall. We're skating; it's not something that you're programmed to just be able to do. It's a hard contest. You have to figure it out.

Does it mess with you mentally or are you pretty calm under the pressure?
I'm calm but it's stressful knowing that you fell once and seeing yourself go all the way down from first to sixth place.

But you still like doing Street League?
Yeah, I love it. It's great, but it's just hard.