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Knuckleheads Boxing Gym
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Knuckleheads Boxing Gym

star5.0/5
(61 reviews)Excellent

About

Knuckleheads Boxing Gym in Chicago offers comprehensive training across multiple disciplines including MMA, boxing, Muay Thai, and kickboxing. The gym is led by a team of highly experienced coaches with impressive credentials, such as Orlando Johnson, a 4x Chicago Park District Champ and 1980 Olympic Trial Qualifier; Ruben Galvan, who has 60 professional bouts; Marty Jakubowski, a former WBC/USBA title challenger with a 118-7 pro record; and Rodney Wilson, a 4x Golden Gloves Champ. This depth of expertise ensures that members receive top-tier instruction whether they are beginners or competitive fighters. The facility provides a range of amenities including gym equipment, showers, water refill stations, and loaner gloves, making it accessible for both locals and visitors.

Members consistently praise the welcoming and community-oriented atmosphere at the gym. Reviews highlight that coaches like Marty and Orlando are not only skilled but also friendly and approachable, creating an environment where newcomers feel immediately included. The gym offers drop-in sessions, eliminating the need for monthly memberships, which is particularly appreciated by travelers or those with flexible schedules. Classes such as Marty's boxing technique and Ruben's Mitts are frequently mentioned as favorites, providing fun and challenging workouts suitable for all fitness levels. The staff's dedication to cleanliness and safety further enhances the positive experience, making it a reliable choice for stress relief and fitness improvement.

Overall, Knuckleheads Boxing Gym combines professional coaching with a supportive community vibe. Members report that the gym is clean, well-equipped, and staffed by coaches who go the extra mile, such as providing free shirts or personalized attention. The laid-back yet focused environment appeals to both casual visitors looking for a great workout and serious athletes aiming to compete. With its flexible scheduling and emphasis on technique and conditioning, the gym stands out as a versatile and highly recommended destination for martial arts training in Chicago.

reviewsWhat Members Say

Members describe the gym as having a welcoming and non-cliquey community where coaches like Marty and Orlando are praised for being friendly, funny, and highly skilled. Reviewers specifically highlight Marty's boxing technique class and Ruben's Mitts class as favorites, noting that the coaches are experienced yet approachable. The drop-in sessions, clean facilities, and availability of loaner equipment make it convenient for both locals and visitors. Many appreciate the family-like atmosphere and the staff's efforts to maintain a safe and inclusive environment for all fitness levels.

rate_reviewGoogle Reviews (5)

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Shaun Tallon

a year ago

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If you're in the area and looking for a great workout or wanting to learn to compete, Marty and Orlando are your guys. Awesome people in general but even better coaches. You’ll be in great hands!

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Mingyu Qi

2 years ago

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An incredible place to improve your boxing technique and stay fit! The coaches are not only highly experienced but also extremely friendly. My favorite classes include Marty's boxing technique class and Ruben's Mitts class. The boxing conditioning and fundamental classes are also a lot of fun!

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S Sarin

a month ago

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A legendary, authentic music venue in the East Bottoms. It has character in spades, with multiple stages (including a converted train car) hosting fantastic blues, rock, and roots acts. The vibe is gritty, friendly, and all about the music. A true local treasure.

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Charlie Spence

9 months ago

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It's a a Wednesday, I have 4 hours before my flight. Chicago, like London, has a summer where one day it's f- hot, and the next grey and cold. Did a Google search to look for gyms. This boxing gym came up - I thought why not, beats walking in the rain for hours or paying for art that I just don't get. I entered. It was clean, welcoming, friendly and a great way to kill some time before sitting on a flight for 8 hours. Marty, the trainer (I think that was your name sorry if I got it wrong!) was a true gentleman. I've been to a lot of boxing gyms and sometimes the coaches spend the first ten sessions "sizing you up" before they smile. With Marty, he was funny, welcoming and open. He even provided a free shirt for my new baby. The guys and girls in there too introduced themselves, helped with technique and made the whole experience just great. There is a community there but not a clique. Plus - drop in sessions are available, so no need for monthly memberships. - gym equipment there too (weights etc) - showers, water refill, gloves you can borrow (which were nice). If you live here, I recommend. If you are visiting, I recommend. If you just want to get some stress out the system because of all the BS new politics - then I recommend!!!

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Kent Lau

5 years ago

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Really great gym with great trainers. I've followed these folks from when they were training at another South Loop gym and they are the best of the best. The classes are always fun and challenging. The location also adds to the laid back vibes. Staff goes the extra mile to actively keep everything clean and safe for all. The schedule is simple and accessible to all fitness levels. Really appreciate the family/community feel of the place.

Contact

location_on

633 S Plymouth Ct, Chicago, IL 60605, USA

scheduleHours

Monday: 6:30 AM – 7:30 PM

Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Wednesday: 6:30 AM – 7:30 PM

Thursday: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Friday: 6:30 AM – 6:30 PM

Saturday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Sunday: Closed

groupCoaches & Instructors

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Orlando Johnson

Coach

4x Chicago Park District Champ, Silver Gloves National Champ, 2x Golden Gloves Champ, 1980 Olympic Trial Qualifier

Over 40 years of boxing experience, 350+ amateur bouts. Joined Knuckleheads in September 2023.

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Ruben Galvan

Coach

60 professional bouts, fought Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., Jorge Paez, Zab Judah

Professional boxer known as the Modern Day Warrior, competed on PPV, HBO, and ESPN.

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Marty Jakubowski

King Knucklehead / Co-Owner / Coach

Former WBC/USBA title challenger, Pro record 118-7, Amateur record 125-35

Extensive amateur and pro career, fought for world titles against Julio Cesar Chavez, Miguel Angel Gonzalez, and Artur Grigorian. Teaches boxing and life lessons.

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Rodney Wilson

Coach

4x Golden Gloves Champ, 3x Illinois State Champ, IBO Welterweight Title Challenger

Over 30 years of boxing, 166 amateur fights. Joined Knuckleheads in 2022.