The United States is home to some of the world's most legendary boxing gyms and one of the best highway systems anywhere. Combine the two, and you have the perfect setting for a boxing road trip you’ll never forget.
Ready to hit the road and explore iconic gyms across the country? In this Gladius Fight Trip Guide, we’ll lay out a complete itinerary you can follow (or customize) for your next vacation.
Important note before we start
The USA is a massive country, so expect long drives between stops and be prepared to spend several hours on the road.
To make this journey easier to plan, we’ve split the guide into two separate road trips: East Coast and West Coast.
If you want to combine both into one big trip, that’s possible. Just be ready for some long days behind the wheel and a few breaks from training while crossing the country (especially in the middle).
Feel free to adapt the routes to your own goals. Some fighters might want to include sightseeing, national parks or tourist spots along the way, which we highly recommend. Just keep in mind that doing so may add extra days to the proposed itinerary.
East Coast boxing gyms road trip itinerary (6 days)
Our East Coast itinerary starts in New York and ends in Chicago, covering 5 iconic gyms in 6 days. You can also reverse the route depending on what works best for your travel plans.
Day 1 - Gleason's Gym - Brooklyn, NY
130 Water St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Website: https://www.gleasonsgym.com/
Step into the most legendary boxing gym in America.
Since 1937, Gleason’s Gym has been the proving ground of over 130 world champions. From legends of the past such as Muhammad Ali, Mike Tyson, and Roberto Durán to modern champions as Lomachenko, Amanda Serrano, and Shakur Stevenson.
Located beneath the Manhattan Bridge in Dumbo, Brooklyn, the gym is a classical old-school boxing gym with aura and history. Don't expect anything fancy or too modern.
They offer daily passes, welcome walk-ins and have great staff to offer private training. It's the ideal place to launch your boxing road trip.
Day 2 - Church Street Boxing Gym – Manhattan, NY
125 Park Pl, New York, NY 10007
Website: https://csboxinggymparkplace.com/
While Gleason’s holds the weight of tradition, Church Street Boxing Gym represents the modern spirit of New York combat culture. This is a great contrast for your second day.
Founded in 1997 and located just steps from the World Trade Center, Church Street quickly became NYC’s most accessible and versatile fight gym. With a vibe that’s intense, professional and welcoming, this gym quickly gained a cult following in the city.
You can drop in for a class, but we highly recommend you book a private. Church Street Boxing Gym's staff is one of the best we've experienced as far as attention and training intensity.
Once you’ve wrapped up training on day two, hit the road. Philadelphia is just a two-hour drive away and your next stop on the boxing road trip.
Days 3 - Front Street Gym – Philadelphia, PA
2076 E Clearfield St, Philadelphia, PA 19134
Website: https://www.frontstreetgym.com
Welcome Rocky’s city. Old-school, gritty, and full of soul.
Tucked away in the Kensington neighborhood, Front Street Gym is one of the most authentic gyms in the whole country. It’s raw, tough, and exactly what you’d expect from a place that helped forge champions in a city that breathes boxing.
The gym may look familiar when you walk in. Its rugged, old-school atmosphere was featured in the Creed movie series. But make no mistake: this isn’t just a film set. Fighters like Meldrick Taylor and Gabriel Rosado have trained here, and the gym continues to produce top amateur talent from the Northeast.
If you want to train at Front Street Gym, our best recommendation is to call ahead. Visitor policies and drop-in fees may vary, especially during busy times.
After your training, take time to explore Philly’s boxing heritage. Do a quick “Rocky tour” around the city. Visit the famous steps, the Rocky statue, and Micky’s gym (note: it’s not a real boxing gym, but still worth seeing).
Days 4 - Travel day from Philadelphia to Detroit
Take a break from boxing, but prepare for a long haul: about nine hours of driving to reach Detroit.
You don’t need to power through in one go. Plan stops to eat, stretch, and recharge. Pittsburgh, Cleveland, and Toledo all make for great pit stops along the way.
Day 5 - Kronk Gym – Detroit, MI
32150 Dorsey St, Westland, MI 48186
Website: https://kronk.com/
The long drive pays off the moment you walk through these doors.
Once home to the legendary Tommy “The Hitman” Hearns and guided by iconic trainer Emanuel Steward, Kronk Gym is a dynasty of American boxing. It revolutionized the sport in the 1980s and built one of the most feared stables in boxing history.
The original Kronk gym (located in the basement of the Kronk Recreation Center) burned down in 2006. Many feared it was the end. But the Kronk legacy gym has reopened in a new location, carrying the same energy, coaching style, and iconic red-and-gold trunks.
Important: Kronk is now an appointment-only gym and may be too costly for your budget. Be sure to call ahead and schedule your visit. If it’s unavailable during your dates, skip Detroit and continue your road trip.
After training, hit the road for a 4-hour drive to Chicago, your next and last boxing stop.
Day 6 - Windy City Boxing Club - Chicago, IL
2150 S Canalport Ave, Chicago, IL 60608
Website: https://www.windycityboxing.com/
Windy City Boxing Club is one Chicago’s best kept secrets. The gym is an authentic revival of the historic gym originally founded in 1923 by Johnny Coulon and reopened in 2018 by 1992 U.S. Olympian and 1997 WBC Light-Heavyweight Champion Montell “Ice” Griffin.
This gym genuinely surprised our crew. It blends deep heritage with modern coaching and good facilities. An ideal way to close out the 6-day itinerary.
Breakdown of costs: Gladius East Coast USA boxing road trip
| Category | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Accommodation (6 nights – mid-range Airbnb/hotel) | $900 |
| Car rental (6 days with tax) | $420 |
| Gasoline (~1000 miles) | $200 |
| Food & drinks (6 days x $40) | $240 |
| Gym drop-in fees (5 gyms x $25) | $125 |
| Private classes (2 sessions x $150) | $300 |
| Snacks, tolls & misc. expenses | $100 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $2,285 |
💡 Note: Costs will vary based on travel season, car model, and how often you eat out or book private training. Sharing costs with a friend or skipping some private sessions can lower the total significantly.
West coast boxing gyms road trip itinerary (Total 7 days)
Our West Coast itinerary starts in Colorado Springs and ends in Los Angeles, covering 4 gyms in 7 days. You can also reverse the route and start in California, finishing in Colorado.
Day 1 & 2 - Triple Threat Gym, Colorado Springs, CO
2518 Airport Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80910
Website: https://www.triplethreatgym.com/
Triple Threat Gym is a central training hub for fighters of all levels in Colorado Springs. It's known as the home of boxing superstar Terence "Bud" Crawford and UFC featherweight contender Raquel Pennington. If you’re lucky, you might even catch them training during your visit.
What truly sets this gym apart is the quality of instruction. The coaching staff is extremely technical, attentive, and among the best in the country. If you're making the trip, we strongly recommend booking a private session. The insights you'll gain are well worth the investment.
This gym is so good that we suggest dedicating two full days here. Take your time and enjoy it. You won’t be boxing again for the next two days of the road trip.
Day 3 - Travel day from Colorado Springs to Gallup
Day 3 is the longest drive in the itinerary, with around 7:30 hours on the road from Colorado Springs to Gallup, New Mexico.
We recommend making a few stops along the way to eat, stretch, and recharge. Santa Fe and Albuquerque are great places to pause and explore a bit of the Southwest.
Day 4 - Travel day from Gallup to Las Vegas
Day 4 brings another 6 hours of driving. From Gallup, follow the historic remnants of Route 66 all the way to Las Vegas. If you need a break along the way, Flagstaff is a great place to stop, stretch, and grab a bite.
Day 5 - Las Vegas - Ismael Salas Boxing Gym
2555 S Jones Blvd #110, Las Vegas, NV 89146
Website: Salas Boxing Gym doesn't have a website, but you can find their contact information on Instagram @salasboxingacademy_official.
Ismael Salas is one of the most respected boxing coaches in the world and a true specialist in the Cuban school of boxing. He has trained over 20 world champions, including Guillermo Rigondeaux, Jorge Linares, and Yordenis Ugas. His academy in Las Vegas is the perfect stop to shake off the rust after two rest days.
The facility is small but well-equipped, offering everything you need for a good session. The staff is experienced, professional, and most coaches speak both Spanish and English. Be sure to contact the gym in advance to confirm class availability or book a private.
After your training session, we recommend checking out two historic boxing landmarks in Las Vegas:
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Johnny Tocco’s Ringside Gym: Although no longer open to the public, this legendary gym remains one of boxing’s most iconic sites. Stop by to snap a photo of the famous mural featuring fighters who once trained within its walls.
- Mayweather Boxing Club: Floyd Mayweather's gym is a must-see for boxing fans. Training here comes at a premium: around $2,000 for 90 minutes through the "Mayweather Experience", so it might not fit everyone's budget. Still, it's worth visiting just as a guest. If you're lucky, you may watch a few rounds of the infamous "Dog House" sparring.
Once you’ve explored these landmarks, hit the road again. Los Angeles is four hours away.
Day 6 - Wildcard Boxing Club – Los Angeles, CA
1123 Vine St # 14, Los Angeles, CA 90038
Website: https://wildcardboxing.com/
Time to visit one of the most iconic boxing gyms in the world.
Founded by legendary trainer Freddie Roach, Wildcard Boxing Club is a historic facility in the heart of Hollywood. It has been home to champions like Manny Pacquiao, James Toney, and Miguel Cotto.
The atmosphere is gritty and old-school. Despite its global reputation, the gym has stayed true to its roots. This is not a polished tourist spot, it’s a real fight gym.
You can drop in for solo training, join a class, or book a private session with one of the gym’s seasoned coaches.
Day 7 - House of Boxing - San Diego, CA
2304 Reo Dr, San Diego, CA 92139
Website: House of Boxing doesn't have a website, but you can find their contact information on Instagram @houseofboxing.
The itinerary ends at one of the finest boxing gyms in the country.
House of Boxing is one of Southern California’s most respected fight gyms, known for excellent coaching in the Mexican boxing style. It has hosted elite names like Canelo Alvarez, Ryan Garcia, and Andy Ruiz Jr., while also welcoming beginners and amateurs.
The facility is clean, well-equipped, and gives you a true sense of Mexican grit. Be sure to contact them in advance to check class availability or book a private. Coaches fill up quickly.
Breakdown of costs for a 7-day West Coast Boxing Road Trip (USA)
| Category | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Accommodation (7 nights – mid-range Airbnb/hotel) | $1,050 |
| Car rental (7–8 days with drop-off fee) | $500 |
| Gasoline (~1200 miles including desert & mountains) | $250 |
| Food & drinks (7 days x $45) | $315 |
| Gym drop-in fees (4 gyms x $25) | $100 |
| Private classes (2 sessions x $150) | $300 |
| Snacks, tolls & misc. expenses | $120 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $2,635 |
💡 Note: Costs reflect a solo traveler estimate. You could cut the total significantly by sharing rides or lodging with a friend, skipping private classes, or choosing budget meals and hostels.
Notes on gym etiquette
To make the most out of your boxing road trip, keep these essential gym etiquette tips in mind:
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Contact gyms in advance: Reach out before finalizing your itinerary. Ask about drop-in policies, appointments, pricing, and private session availability. Many top coaches have packed schedules, so it’s best to pre-book.
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Keep your gear clean and in good condition: Dirty or worn-out gloves and wraps may not be accepted. Make sure your padding is in good condition and the leather isn’t cracked.
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Be punctual: Arriving late is disrespectful. Some coaches may cancel your session if you don’t respect their time.
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Bring proper sparring gear: If you plan to spar, pack 16oz gloves and a full sparring set (boots, headgear and groin protector). While some gyms rent gear, it’s easier to bring your own.
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Adapt to gym culture: Each gym has its own culture. Some are militant, others more relaxed. Observe, respect the culture, and adjust accordingly.
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Follow photo and video policies: Some gyms have strict no-filming rules to protect fighter privacy and avoid sparring footage leakage. Always ask before recording or taking pictures.
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Respect professional fighters' space: If you’re lucky enough to see a pro training, give them room. You’re on a trip, they’re at work. Don’t interrupt.
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Don’t expect to spar everywhere: Some gyms won’t allow unknown visitors to spar, or may charge extra for it. That’s normal. If sparring isn’t an option, focus on other areas of your game instead.
Pre-planning: What do you need before you start?
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Book your accommodations: Whether it's hotels, Airbnbs, or crashing at a friend’s place, make sure everything is booked in advance. Try to stay close to the gyms you'll be visiting to save time and energy.
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Call all the gyms you plan to visit and schedule your classes: We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: call the gyms ahead of time. Ask about drop-in rates, private session availability, and any policies you need to know.
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Rent a car: Choose a car big enough to fit everyone and all your gear comfortably. Look for rental services that allow you to pick up in one city and drop off in another to match your route.
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Inspect your gear: Before hitting the road, check all your equipment. If anything is damaged, worn-out, or missing—replace it. Don’t rely on finding gear on the go.
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A training partner (optional): While you can absolutely do this solo, having a friend along makes the trip more fun, more affordable, and often more productive. It's the perfect chance to bond with teammates from your gym on an unforgettable training journey.
What to take on your road trip
Apart from the basic things such as clothing, documents and other stuff you all know, we recommend the following 3 things to take on your boxing road trip:
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Full gear: Gloves, hand wraps, mouthpiece, and your full sparring set (headgear, boots and groin protector). Bring your own equipment so you're not dependent on rentals. And if you’re traveling with Gladius gloves, even better.
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Water and food: Long hours on the road require hydration and fuel. Keep a cooler stocked with water and a few high-energy snacks to stay sharp between stops.
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Extra gas for the car: While most highways are well-covered with gas stations, it's smart to carry an extra gallon in the trunk—just in case you're caught between long stretches.
Gym honorable mentions
While we’re confident this itinerary includes some of the most iconic boxing gyms in the country, a few legendary spots were left out due to their geographic location. Including them would require a significant detour, but we can't finish this guide without mentioning them.
The honorable mentions not included were:
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5th Street Gym (Miami, FL): Founded in 1951 by boxing icon Chris Dundee and later managed by legendary trainer Angelo Dundee, this gym reopened in 2010 in a new location. While the original structure no longer exists, the spirit and name of 5th Street Gym live on in its new modern facility.
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Cus D’Amato’s KO Boxing Gym (Catskill, NY): Founded by the iconic trainer Cus D'Amato, this gym is known to its connection to the peekaboo style, focusing on tight defense and explosive combinations. Mike Tyson trained here during summer camps.
Final thoughts: A trip for the ages
A boxing road trip is one of the peak moments of your training journey. If done right, it can teach you a lot and leave you with plenty of material to work on once you're back in your city gym.
We hope this guide gave you a clear blueprint to turn your dream trip into reality. Whether you hit every stop or just a few, the key is to enjoy it and learn as much as you can.
If you take on this journey, we’d love to hear from you. Share your experience with us. We are eager to learn more about boxers that visited this legendary training sites.
And don’t forget: every fighter needs the right gear for the road. Explore our Gladius glove collections before you go. One of them might just be the perfect companion for your fight across America.