CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- The basement of La Villita Community Church on the 2300 block of South Millard is the home to the Chicago Youth Boxing Club, which has been in business since 2006.
Executive Director Noah Pickens told WBBM that the gym is a "world in of itself. You walk in and you're transported somewhere else." He also said teaching kids to box makes them less likely to look for trouble.
"We've seen this time and time again with so many of our young members who are in school, they're having fights every day at school," Pickens explained.
"They're not doing well, and they come to us and over time, they develop that sense of purpose, that sense of mission and they find they don't need to fight."
Kevin Gutierrez, 14 said the boxing ring keeps him off the street.
"It's like my second home," Gutierrez said, sweat dripping off him after a workout. "Every time I come here I feel safe, I have confidence."
Raul Alcala started as a boxer and is now a coach.
"More than anything- boxing is a mental game, so it teaches kids how to control their emotions, how to be disciplined and consistent...gives them a different view of life in general," he said.
Pickens said the club accommodates about 70 members a day, ranging in age from eight years old to adulthood.
"I think boxing is starting to rise as a go-to sport as an avenue for youth character and development," he added.
Pickens spoke those words as young Chicagoans jabbed at the speed bag, flailed at the heavy bag, or stepped into the ring sparring with an opponent, hoping to knock out at least some of life's challenges.
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