Randall, young boxeur from The Crusher's Club, has already 3 win in 3 fights. Chicago has become notorious for its violence, and the neighborhood of Englewood on the city's South Side has more shootings than any other. So far this year (2014), more than 260 people have been shot in this 45-block community. Forty-one of those people have died. Crushers Club founder Sally Hazelgrove worked for years with the most troubled youth in the Englewood neighborhood. She found that boxing was the one sport that the boys most wanted access to. She learned to box and started a boxing program, and moved her family to Englewood. The program recruits youth from the street and pulls in the most defiant and troublesome boys from the local schools. She give kids an alternative to gang life by providing a safe heaven , an extended family where kids find they are loved, respected and expected to keep out of trouble. Some of the older boys are on the payroll to help run the program and coach the younger ones. “We are all about second chances. I don’t sweat the small stuff. Are they carrying a gun? Are they using drugs? Have they quit gang banging? This is what’s important for now”. (Photo by Jean-Marc Giboux)
Englewood, Chicago, IL. : Kids learn to boxe and spar in a safe environment at the Crusher's Club in Englewood on Chicago's South Side. The Crushers Club was founded by Sally Hazelgrove after working for years with the most troubled kids in Englewood. The program recruits youth from the street and troublesome boys from the local schools. She gives them an alternative to gang life by providing a safe haven, an extended family where kids find they are loved, respected and expected to keep out of trouble. Some of the older boys are on the payroll to help run the program and coach the younger ones. (photo by Jean-Marc Giboux ©) CHICAGO USA
Ivry in 2013, getting ready to train.
Isiah coaching the young ones, here with Randall.
Jimmy preparing for his fight at the Chicago Park District Thursday night fight at Taylor Park, with Terrence wrapping his hands
Jimmy getting to the ring surrendered by Terrence, Ivry and Dionte in his corner
Terrence coaching Jimmy Taylor Park Fights, Chicago
Terrence, after knocking out his opponent during the Chicago Park District tournament in Harrison Park on Chicago's Southside
Travel with his niece by the ring on Fight Night at the Crushers.
Dionte waiting for his final at the Chicago Golden Gloves with Isiah (right) and famous boxing coach Sam Colonna
Sam Colonna coaching Chris
Dionte getting ready
Dionte and his date on their way to the Prom
Boxing lesson in Ogden Park, Englewood Chicago
Randall and Rashad hanging out at the Crushers Club
CHICAGO, APRIL 9, 2015 : The Crushers compete in the Citywide annual Chicago Park Districts Fights at Curie High School in Chicago. Leton won his fight CHICAGO USA
Leton graduating at O’Toole High School
World Champion Evander Holyfield visits the Crushers while touring Chicago
World Champion Evander Holyfield visits the Crushers while touring Chicago
World Champion Evander Holyfield visits the Crushers while touring Chicago
Jojo with his son . Jojo started the Crusher’s Music Studio
Isiah on his High School graduation party and prom night.
Isiah with brothers, cousins and family during graduation celebration
T-Man, Ivry, Randall and Robert with the trophy he won at the Seward Park Thursday night Park Fights, organized by the Chicago Park District.
Isiah training for the Chicago Golden Gloves with Dionte
Isiah getting a hero's welcome from the Crushers, after winning the Chicago Golden Gloves in 2016
Ivry working with Marquis and Elijah
Ivry’s High School Graduation, Tilden High School.
Ivry’s High School Graduation, Tilden High School.
Ivry and Chris waiting for their bout in the Wintrust Bank during the Respect 90 charity event, organization started by (ex)Cub Manager Joe Maddon that sponsors youth boxing programs in Chicago
.(Photo by Jean-Marc Giboux©)
Ivry boxing for the Respect 90 charity event in the Hall of Wintrust Bank in downtown Chicago. Respect 90 was started by (ex)Cub Manager Joe Maddon and sponsors youth boxing programs in Chicago
Cubs manager Joe Maddon and his wife Jaye hosted the Fourth Annual Respect 90 Main Event to help benefit youth boxing programs in Chicago's underserved communities.(Photo by Jean-Marc Giboux©) Chicago USA
T-Man providing hair styling in the gym
Cup Cakes with cops at the 7th district police station, Englewood
Cup Cakes with cops at the 7th district police station, Englewood
Iraqui student group visits the Crushers – two groups of kids living in war zones…
Jadonis in the ring at Harrisson Park boxing tournament
Isiah in the corner coaching Man-Man during Bessemer Park Fights
Terell (left) in action during the Chicago Park district Boxing tournament in Bessemer Park
CPD Officer Cook playing basketball with the Crushers behind the church
CPD Officer Cook playing basketball with the Crushers behind the church
working with local businesses
During the pandemic, the Crushers Club had to stop boxing and the focus turned on Job training and jobs for the teenagers. Kobe got to work with beehives in XXX Farm in Englewood
Amari worked at the Hardware Store in Englewood through the Crushers’ Job program
Crushers training for their Drone Pilot Licence in Ogden Park
Crushers training for their Drone Pilot Licence in Ogden Park
Marquis
Rasheed
Kenneth
Sir Jayden
Javion
Jarvez
Elijah
Randall
