1.8.7 Boxing Club has been shaping lives since 2016. What began as a local gym has grown into the leading boxing club in the Sauganash area, known for its highly trained coaches, family atmosphere, and commitment to helping members transform physically and mentally.

The club serves children, teens, and adults starting at age eight. The space is filled with energy, discipline, and encouragement. Every person who walks through the doors has a goal. Some are seeking weight loss, some want to build confidence, some crave a high-intensity fitness routine, and others dream of stepping into the ring as amateur or professional fighters.

1.8.7 Boxing Club gives them a place to grow, learn, and discover their strength.

A Coach Who Knows the Journey

Head coach and owner Sammy Merza brings experience, passion, and heart to the club. A retired professional boxer and proud inductee of the 2017 Illinois Boxing Hall of Fame, Sammy understands the power of discipline and the courage it takes to show up for yourself.

Known throughout his career as a knockout artist, he earned the nickname “Homicidal” for his powerful results in the ring. Today, he pours that intensity into training others, transforming his personal story into motivation for every athlete who enters the gym.

This spirit inspired the club’s motto:

“Where We Kill Body Fat.”

It is said with humor and grit, but the meaning runs deeper. The gym helps people defeat doubt, fear, insecurity, and every barrier that stands between them and a healthier, stronger life.

A Place Where Youth Find Mentorship and Direction

Many young people enter the gym searching for purpose, belonging, and guidance. 1.8.7 Boxing Club gives them a safe environment to:

• Build discipline
• Strengthen confidence
• Learn self-respect
• Develop leadership
• Train with intention
• Channel emotions into something positive

The coaching staff understands that mentorship is as important as fitness. Boxing becomes a tool that teaches responsibility, respect, and resilience.

A Positive Force in the Community

1.8.7 Boxing Club is more than a fitness center. It is a community hub where people uplift each other, push through challenges together, and celebrate progress. Families trust the club because they see the difference it makes in their children. Adults stay because the atmosphere feels like home.

The club promotes physical health, mental strength, and emotional well-being, creating ripple effects that impact families and the wider community.

Why Giving Tuesday Support Matters

Your Giving Tuesday contribution helps 1.8.7 Boxing Club:

• Provide youth memberships for families who cannot afford training
• Purchase equipment and supplies for safe training
• Support community outreach that keeps young people engaged and active
• Maintain a safe, structured environment for children and teens
• Expand programs that promote confidence, health, and mentorship

Every donation helps a young person gain direction and a community member gain strength.

Together, We Can Help More People Step Into Strength

The mission of 1.8.7 Boxing Club is rooted in empowerment. With your support, more youth can find positive outlets, more adults can reclaim their health, and more families can experience the life-changing impact of a strong, supportive fitness community.

Thank you for standing with 1.8.7 Boxing Club.
Thank you for helping create a place where discipline builds character, confidence grows, and strength is discovered one round at a time.

1.8.7 Boxing Club

Team Members