Kids Are Working Out in a Pole Barn Because Rochester is Missing Something HUGE
The majority of people in Rochester, Minnesota have never stepped foot in my favorite place.
About 10 years ago I stepped into a building in Rochester that soon became one of my favorite places ever. I made lasting friendships, worked my butt off with the people I met, and learned how to hit people...and hit them hard. It is in this space that I fell in love with boxing, so much so that I became a USA Boxing Coach. Yep, the boxing ring is one of my all-time favorite places to be. And right now it is a favorite place for a bunch of kids but since Rochester doesn't have a space for them, they are hanging out in a pole barn.
Yep, a town with over 100,000 people in it doesn't have a boxing gym.
The Rochester DJ that used to hit people for fun is...ME!
My form is horrible in this but here is proof that I have actually been in a ring.
Back in the day, I spent hours at 4th Street Boxing Gym in Rochester. I remember the first time that I was invited to take a class there I was scared out of my mind. The building did not look that nice and I was walking into something I had zero knowledge about and knew I'd probably get beat up pretty easily.
That all happened but what I wasn't expecting was the feeling of community and support inside that building and ring. With every punch that we threw, people were cheering us on. It was loud, dirty, completely full of sweat, and just plain awesome.
Where should the next boxing gym be located in Rochester?
I'm not going to even ask if we should have a boxing gym because I already know the answer. And it isn't just me that is wanting this to happen. There are actually people practicing in a pole barn right now and getting ready for competitions. Yes, in a pole barn. Why? Because we don't have a space in Rochester.
Check out the video below created by Charles Jackson with D3507 Productions to learn more about the program happening in Dexter, Minnesota right now.
Awesome, right?!
How do I get involved with Conqueror's Boxing in Rochester, Minnesota?
I love these guys, the Conqueror's program, and everything that they are doing and if you've got a kid interested in participating, you want to learn how to hit a bag or even get in a ring, or maybe you have a space that would be perfect in Rochester, the guy you will want to chat with is Tierre Webster. Send me a message on my Facebook page - Jessica On The Radio - or Instagram and I'll get you two connected.
What should go in the old Chuck E. Cheese building in Rochester?
I actually asked this question to a bunch of people and the top answers are below. Scroll through and see if your pick made the list. Personally, I think this space would be an amazing spot for a boxing gym! Plenty of space for a few rings, even enough for some seating so matches could happen in Rochester.