Lifetough Kids Boxing Club
About
Lifetough Kids Boxing Club offers a comprehensive martial arts program focusing on boxing, MMA, and Muay Thai disciplines for children. The gym features a large team of experienced coaches, including USA Boxing certified instructors, Golden Gloves champions, and martial arts practitioners with decades of experience. Coaches like Steve Linder, Patrick Healy, and Matthew Newman bring championship credentials and specialized expertise to create a structured training environment that emphasizes both physical skills and character development.
reviewsWhat Members Say
Members praise the exceptional coaching team for pushing children to reach their full potential while keeping training fun and motivating. Parents report significant improvements in their children's confidence, discipline, focus, and behavior, with special mention of benefits for children with ADHD. Reviewers highlight the positive, encouraging environment that builds character alongside physical skills, emphasizing lessons in respect, responsibility, and accountability. The strong sense of community and family inclusion, along with practical self defense training that prepares children for real world situations, receives consistent appreciation.
rate_reviewGoogle Reviews (5)
Amanda Graham
5 months ago
A one of a kind program with an incredibly unique approach to building character & strength within kids. If you get an opportunity to join this program, do not pass it up. The coaches are all gifted in their own way and work flawlessly together as a team. Thank you LifeTough!
Courtney Bell
5 months ago
My daughter LOVES LifeTough! Lifetough coaches enforce Respect, Responsibility and Accountability. Through strict coaching and firm guidance they are preparing her for situations we hope our children will never have to encounter. I feel they are paving a good foundation for her to be a confident individual.
Caitlin Tateo
5 months ago
This program has been a life saver, literally and physically for my 7 year old daughter. She has completed three sessions with LIfeTough and I have witness such a positive change in her behavior, attitude and self confidence since starting. This is not a class that focuses only on self defense and boxing. This program shapes the entire child. Since starting this program, she is more willing to help at home, has fewer outburst and carries herself in a manner that says "I've got this." This class is for the whole family. As a parent of a student in this program, I have learned many things that I needed to do to ensure the safety of my children. This class showed me what I needed to do. We live in a world that is not safe for a lot of children, and this program gives these kids the tools to be able to survive and defend themselves should they ever be in a situation where someone wants to harm them. This class is tough on the kids, and has extremely high expectations for everyone involved, not just the participants. There are no participation trophies. You have to put in the work and effort to become a successful adult. These are just a handful of things that this program teaches kids. Life is tough and this program prepares kids for greatness.
J. S.
5 months ago
Lifetough Kids Boxing Club is outstanding! The coaches are exceptional — they push the kids to reach their full potential while keeping the training fun and motivating. Every session focuses on building strength, coordination, and real boxing skills, all while boosting confidence and self-discipline. The progress these kids make — both physically and mentally — is incredible to see. The positive, encouraging environment created by the coaches helps every child believe in themselves and strive to be their best. Highly recommend for anyone looking to build athletic ability and confidence in their child!
Katie Barry Boychuck
5 months ago
LifeTough has been amazing for both of my boys, ages 9 and 7 now. For my oldest, it’s helped build real confidence — he’s stronger, more disciplined, and proud of his progress. For my youngest, who has ADHD, it’s incredible to see how movement-based learning helps him stay focused, listen, and stay engaged. The coaches are patient, encouraging, and truly care about each child’s growth — not just physically but mentally and emotionally too. What makes LifeTough even more special is the sense of community and friendships that form between the kids and families. Everyone cheers each other on, and it really feels like a team. On Mother’s Day, they even hosted a bonus class where moms got in on the fun — such a thoughtful and joyful way to include families! This program combines fitness, focus, and life skills in the best way possible. We’re so grateful to be part of the LifeTough family — it’s been a total game changer for us!
Contact
6649 N Oliphant Ave, Chicago, IL 60631, USA
scheduleHours
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: Closed
Thursday: Closed
Friday: Closed
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours
groupCoaches & Instructors
Jeff Weber
Head Coach
USA Boxing Certified Coach & Athlete
US Marines, 24 years Chicago Fire Dept.
Steve Linder
Founder, Head Coach
2023 Boston National Masters Boxing Tournament Champion, 2022 Chicago Golden Gloves Masters Champion
25 year Federal Law Enforcement Officer, USA Boxing Certified Coach & Athlete.
Gaspar Castro
Lead Coach
Crossfit Athlete, 16 years of CPD service.
Pat Jones
Lead Coach
16 years Chicago Fire Department.
Kirk Davis
Assistant Coach
21 Year Martial Arts Practitioner
Pat Fahrenbach
Assistant Coach
14 Years Chicago Fire Department, United States Marine Corps.
Jose Ronchetta
Assistant Coach
American Ninja Warrior Athlete
Trevor Stotts
Assistant Coach
23 Years Chicago Police Department.
Mike Mulcahy
Assistant Coach
Golden Gloves Boxer, 2006 Light Heavyweight State Champion
11 years Chicago Police Department, USA Boxing Certified Athlete.
Ryan Festerling
Assistant Coach
Certified Fitness Instructor, Defensive Tactics Instructor
US Army Combat Veteran (Iraq), 15 year LEO.
Victor Rivera
Assistant Coach
18 years CPD.
Jose Rojas
Assistant Coach
Winner 'Battle of the Badges', Winner 'SuperCop'
20 years LEO.
Matt Parisi
Assistant Coach
16 years federal law enforcement experience, 8 years Youth Explorers Advisor.
Eric Bianchini
Assistant Coach
Golden Gloves Boxer, Winner Battle of The Badges, USA Boxing Coach & Athlete
Nathan J. Myles
Assistant Coach
2019 Golden Glove Champion
United States Marine Corps (Combat) Veteran, Sergeant Chicago Police, MMA practitioner.
Nikki Marvel
Assistant Coach
Ultra Marathoner, 100 mile finisher
Eamon O'Mahony
Assistant Coach
30 amateur boxing matches.
Gianna O'Neill
Assistant Coach
John Setlak
Assistant Coach
20 years law enforcement, 10+ years coaching youth sports.
Patrick Healy
Assistant Coach
Chicago Golden Gloves Champion (2023, 2024), Golden Gloves Masters National Tournament Champion (2024), NCAA DIV III National Qualifier (Wrestling)
10 years Wrestling, 10 years of Football.
Matthew Newman
Assistant Coach
Judo Yodan (4th degree black belt)
Former US Army Special Forces combat veteran, Multi-year All-State wrestler.