Every Kid a Contender

  • Mini Contenders (4-6)

    A high-energy form of functional play that builds the physical and neurological foundations necessary for later development. This is strictly non-contact boxing.

    This 12-week program begins 1/21/26

    Register by January 8 to participate in this session. Once your registration is approved, we will reach out for payment.

    Schedule:

    Wednesdays from 3:15-4 pm and Sundays from 9:00-9:45 am at Maleek Jackson Boxing Gym at 926 N. 2nd St.

    The cost is $240, and space is limited.

    Click Here
  • A trainer giving a boxing lesson after school to two young boys at a gym with punching bags and other training equipment.

    Junior Contenders (7-17) (WAITLIST ONLY)

    Where every journey starts. The focus is internal—mastering the "how" of body mechanics and fundamental movements. All students begin at this level and remain until ADI assesses their readiness for Rising or Elite Contender status at a Saturday Grind.

    Schedule:

    Mondays and Wednesdays, 4 - 6 pm at Maleek Jackson Boxing Gym, 926 N. 2nd St

    Tuesdays and Thursdays, 4- 6 pm at Boxing on Broad, 910 McKean St

    This program is FREE thanks to generous donors!

    NOTE: As of Jan 16, 2026, this program is at capacity and not accepting new boxers. Sign up to join our waitlist, and we will notify you as soon as we have more space and coaches!

    Sign Up
  • Young person in hoodie

    Rising Contenders (7-17)

    These boxers have built a solid foundation of mechanics and emotional regulation. They are shifting their focus to the "application" of skills, including light technical drills.

    Note: Placement in this level requires assessment and approval from ADI—if you register but haven’t been assessed, you’ll need to attend Assessment Week or Saturday Grind (see below) to get started.

    Schedule:

    Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, 4 - 6 pm at Maleek Jackson Boxing Gym, 926 N. 2nd St

    This program is FREE thanks to generous donors.

    Sign Up

  • Elite Contenders (8-20)

    These athletes are ready for live sparring, focusing on external strategy and problem-solving under pressure.

    Note: Placement in this level requires assessment and approval from ADI— if you register but haven’t been assessed, you’ll need to attend Assessment Week or Saturday Grind (see below) to get started.

    Schedule:

    Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday from 6-7 pm Maleek Jackson Boxing Gym, 926 N. 2nd St

    This program is FREE thanks to generous donors, but participants must show proof of a USA Boxing Athlete Membership (see info below to purchase).

    SIGN UP

More Information for Families

1

When do programs begin?

The Junior, Rising, and Elite Contenders programs kick off on Monday, January 12, 2026— Joe Frazier’s birthday!

The Mini Contenders program kicks off on Wednesday January 21, 2026

How do I get into Rising or Elite Contenders?

2

Get assessed by one of our coaches at Maleek Jackson Boxing Gym (926 N. 2nd St.) during a Saturday Grind, our weekly community program for families. Saturday Grind is held every Saturday from 12:00-2:00 pm, starting January 10, 2026.

What are you offering on Saturdays?

3

Join us for boxing-centered family programming at the Saturday Grind, every Saturday from 12:00-2:00 pm, starting January 10, 2026. Monthly schedules are distributed via e-mail to registered students with active ProCare accounts.

How do I get a USA Boxing Membership?

4

Every Elite Contender must have an active USA Boxing Membership- Athlete Level. The cost ranges from $68 (for ages 8-10) to $78 (for ages 17-20). Click here to buy yours.

I registered— how do we start?

5

Step 1: Check your email for a note from ProCare explaining how to activate your account. That allows us to send you more information, including newsletters.

Step 2: Check the schedule for each program:

Junior Contenders — begin attending on January 12. This is a drop-in program that does not require advance sign-up for specific days. Once you are registered, you may start bringing your child during the assigned days, times, and locations listed above.

Rising Contenders and Elite Contenders— start with Assessment (see above). Once assessed, begin attending starting January 12. This is a drop-in program that does not require advance sign-up for specific days. Once you are registered, you may start bringing your child during the assigned days, times, and locations listed above.

Mini Contenders— Wait to hear from us about payment and related information. The program begins January 21.

How We Keep Our Programs Free

While our programs are free for families, they are not free to run:

  • After-School costs us $160 per child, per month.

  • Summer Camp costs us $500 per child, per week.

To cover these costs and eliminate fees for our families, we rely on generous support. You can join this effort! Please click here to offer your support and help us keep our doors open for Philadelphia's youth.