Help us open our doors to every person who wants to stand up for the fight ahead!

                                            www.HaymakerGym.org

As organizers, we believe in Autonomy, Strength, and Solidarity. 

Because we believe in autonomy, we know that we must learn to fight without relying on those who disempower us and macho gym cultures that weaken us.  

Because we believe in strength, we must learn to be unafraid as we become a force capable not only of self-defense, but of social transformation. 

Because we believe in solidarity, we know that our personal transformation is at once collective transformation and that an injury to one is indeed an injury to all.

Pacific Standard, "The Long, Fascinating History of Leftist Self-Defense"

"Introducing Haymaker: Chicago's New Antifascist Gym"

Haymaker on the Final Straw

Haymaker Collective interview on Fox News

Martial arts gyms are expensive. Here's a break down of all our projected costs so you know where your money is going.

Martial Arts Equipment:

• Gloves: $20~ each 
• Heavy Bags: $50~ each
• Heavy Bag Stands: $20-100 each 
• Speed Bags: $20-50 each 
• Timing Bags: $20-50 each 
• Headgear: $10-30 each 

Protective Flooring: 

• Interlocking Foam, 1" Thick: $2/sq ft
• 2" Thick Folding Panel: $2.5/sq ft 

Workout Machines:

• Rowing Machine: $200-800 each
• Treadmill: $200-600 each
• Misc. Other Machines, "All-In-One" Machines: $200-600 each
• WEIGHTS: $300-500 [full set of dumbbells, barbells, one or two benches]

Rent:

• $ 2000 / month.
• $24,000 / year

Trainers:

• $15 / hour 
• 20 hours / week x 52 weeks = $15,600

Insurance:

• $1000 / year

If we reach our goal, we will be able to run the gym at absolutely zero costs for the first six months. This will allow us ample time to build a base of sustaining donors who will help the space run indefinitely into the future.

“How much of the money raised will go directly to funding Haymaker: Popular Fitness and Self-Defense?”

Every single dollar will go immediately toward the physical space, weight lifting equipment, a boxing ring, and paying our wonderful trainers. No money goes toward our 501c(3) non-profit.

“Is Haymaker: Popular Fitness and Self-Defense really going to be free?”

Yes! While we will accept donations for participating in training, nobody will be turned away at the door for lack of funds. We firmly believe self-defense training is a human right, not a commodity reserved for the rich.

“What if you don’t meet your goals? Can the project be funded without meeting your immediate goal?”

Yes! We will still be able to move ahead with the project, however, we will have to do so in an abbreviated form. With less than our campaign goal we will not be able to open a space with the equipment and amenities necessary for a full gym. We have completed an initial fundraiser for a series of summer workshops and some equipment, but need to reach our goal here to cover rent and insurance for a space.  Martial arts can be taught without equipment, but we want the best facilities because people deserve to be able to defend themselves!

"What does your name mean?"