Dark Horse Gym
About
Dark Horse Gym in Chicago offers comprehensive training in MMA, boxing, and kickboxing with a coaching team that brings diverse competitive backgrounds. The gym's boxing program is particularly notable, featuring structured sessions that emphasize proper technique, conditioning, and discipline rather than aimless bag work. Members appreciate learning how to move, breathe, think, and fight smarter in a clean, organized facility that includes all necessary equipment and offers city views from its spacious location. The gym maintains an up to date online class schedule for convenient planning.
reviewsWhat Members Say
Members consistently praise the gym's top tier boxing program with structured, intense training that emphasizes proper technique and skill development. They highlight the welcoming yet focused atmosphere where people of all skill levels can train without ego in a supportive community. Specific coaches like Huey Gao receive frequent mention for being knowledgeable, patient, and attentive to detail while pushing athletes appropriately. The clean, spacious facility with city views and controlled sparring sessions also earns regular positive feedback.
rate_reviewGoogle Reviews (5)
Patrikkkwit3k’s 4667
2 months ago
I’m a student and collegiate boxer who attends school out of town, but every time I come back, I make it a point to return to the Dark Horse community. They consistently leave a lasting impression through the quality of their training you truly can’t find it anywhere else. Beyond the incredible amenities, the people make this gym special. From the staff to the members, everyone is welcoming, driven, and supportive. They’ve created an environment where people of all ages show up consistently and put in the work. As a seasonal member, I’m always excited to return, motivated to push myself even harder than before. This is a gym I recommend to anyone looking to start boxing, get an intense workout, or continue their journey toward becoming great.
Jon Spight
a month ago
Easily been one of the best places I have trained. The atmosphere is motivating, welcoming, and the coaches genuinely care about helping you improve. On top of a great workout they focus on real technique and skill development so you actually learn. You’ll leave each class knowing you got better.
Michael Yep
5 months ago
Great community here at Dark Horse! You leave your ego at the door, and the pace of training is flexible to skill level. I’ve grown in my fitness and knowledge of training, and it’s thanks to a welcome environment that I felt safe to grow in. You can ask questions, put in the work, and take ownership of your own physical health journey with the community at Dark Horse!
Matthew Jaime
5 months ago
The gym is very nice, clean, and spacious. The gym is in a building that has a nice view of the city which is really cool for a boxing gym. The class schedule online is always up to date which makes planning trips to the gym easy for people that live outside of the city. Coach Huey is very knowledgeable and very helpful with all members. The sparring that I saw take place was controlled with high intensity. I have been to a lot of gyms where the trainers and coaches just let fighters take each other's heads off and you won't find that here. I highly recommend this gym if you're close to Chicago.
Kuagen TTV
2 months ago
Dark Horse Gym is hands down one of the best gyms I’ve trained at. From the moment you walk in, you can tell this place is about real work, real progress, and real community. The environment is focused but welcoming everyone is there to get better, regardless of skill level. The boxing program is top-tier. Training sessions are structured, intense, and purposeful, with a strong emphasis on proper technique, conditioning, and discipline. You’re not just hitting bags aimlessly you’re learning how to move, breathe, think, and fight smarter. The gym has everything you need, and it’s always clean, organized, and well-maintained. I especially want to shout out my coach, Huey. Huey is an incredible coach who truly cares about his athletes. He’s extremely knowledgeable, patient, and motivating, and he knows how to push you without breaking you down. He pays attention to details, corrects mistakes immediately, and makes sure you’re improving every session. Whether it’s footwork, defense, conditioning, or mindset, he knows how to bring the best out of you. If you’re serious about boxing, strength and conditioning, or just becoming the best version of yourself, Dark Horse Gym is the place to be. I can’t recommend it enough.
Contact
329 W 18th St Suite 711, Chicago, IL 60616, USA
scheduleHours
Monday: 5:00 – 8:30 PM
Tuesday: 6:00 – 7:30 AM, 5:00 – 8:30 PM
Wednesday: 5:00 – 8:30 PM
Thursday: 5:00 – 8:30 PM
Friday: 4:00 – 7:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Sunday: Closed
groupCoaches & Instructors
Huey Gao
Head Boxing Trainer
Former competitive boxer
Former competitor turned coach. Coached university boxing club. Opened Dark Horse Gym to create a positive, inclusive community.
Paolo Vasquez
Boxing Trainer
Exhibition fighter for Hector Macho Camacho Promotions
Trained in gyms across London, the Philippines, Thailand, and the U.S. Aims to inspire fighters to discover confidence and sharpen skills.
Brendan Lally
Boxing Trainer
Collegiate national champion, professional boxer
Won a collegiate national championship. Fought professionally against Emmanuel Pacquiao Jr. Coached a female collegiate national champion.
Joe Bergquist
Boxing Trainer
Chicago Golden Gloves Tournament competitor
Boxing for 4 years, coaching for 2. Coached at local kickboxing gyms. Competes and mentors others.
Nick Takaki
Boxing Trainer
Muay Thai competitor
Started martial arts at age 9. Competed in boxing exhibitions and local/national muay thai tournaments.
Alex Rodriguez
Strength Trainer
StrongFirst SFG1, TRX Suspension Training, UFC FIT certified
Over 15 years of experience. Focuses on functional strength and conditioning to keep clients physically strong and mentally resilient.