The Rogers native was a four-year letterwinner at Bentonville High School, playing for head coaches Leo Hernandez and Mike Devaney. Salinas helped the Tigers win the 6A state championship in 2026 after improving from second team All-Conference recognition as a freshman to first team All-Conference honors each of his final three seasons. He was also a three-time All-State selection as well as a two-time All-Tournament Team pick. Salinas was named the team's Most Valuable Offensive Player as a junior, then closed his career with Offensive Player of the Year, Player of the Conference, Top Goalscorer and Top Assists honors.

In club play, he competed for Club América International and Sporting Arkansas, helping the latter win five State Cup titles, before also playing in the UPSL and USL and for Ozark United in MLS NEXT.

Chriss is the son of Alberto and Janet Salinas and hopes to major in business.