ABOUT
Training, coaching and self esteem building are integral at LifeTough Kids.
Our program is TOUGH. We teach much more than boxing and self-defense tactics. We teach the kids to believe in themselves and that anything can be achieved if they work hard enough. We will cultivate and build self-confidence in your child, teach self defense skills from the most novice level. No experience what so ever is required.
Your child will learn boxing skills, kickboxing skills, ground defense and some basic wrestling techniques, all the while building their self esteem and confidence. The kids learn through repetition and practice.
Our goal is to have kids to come out of their comfort zone by putting them in tough situations that test them both physically and mentally. The transformation we see our students make over the course of the 12 weeks is amazing! In this day and age, simple important life skills are sometimes lost. We drill the importance of making eye contact, firm handshakes, and speaking, and walking with confidence.
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Our two basic philosophies are:
1) HARD WORK PAYS OFF
2) No matter what… WE NEVER QUIT
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We can’t stress enough, this is not a coddling program, we will be tough on your child. We will hold them accountable and a lot of that falls back on you, the parent/guardian. The program works and will work on your kids also. Your kids will gain confidence and self esteem and feel good about themselves, all the while learning how to protect themselves
Life Tough Kids
MEET THE COACHES
Read more about our dedicated staff of volunteer coaches.
Jeff Weber
Head Coach
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US Marines
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24 years Chicago Fire Dept
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USA Boxing Certified Coach
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USA Boxing Certified Athlete
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Specialties
Boxing, Kickboxing, Karate, Muay Thai
Steve Linder
Founder
Head Coach
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25 year Federal Law Enforcement Officer
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2023 Boston National Masters Boxing Tournament 189 lb. Open Champion
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2023 Chicago Golden Gloves Masters Open 189 lb. Runner Up
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2022 Chicago Golden Glove Masters 189 lb. Champion
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USA Boxing Certified Coach
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USA Boxing Certified Athlete
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Specialties
Wrestling, Striking,
Anti-Bullying
& Child Safety
Assistant Coach
Gaspar Castro
Lead Coach
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Crossfit Athlete
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16 years of CPD service
Specialties
Boxing, Child Safety, Strength Training
Pat Jones
Lead Coach
16 years Chicago Fire Department
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Specialties
Kickboxing
Kirk Davis
Assistant Coach
21 Year Martial Arts Practitioner
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Specialties
Muay Thai, Hapkido, Wing Chun, Boxing, Karate
Pat Fahrenbach
Assistant Coach
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14 Years Chicago Fire Department
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United States Marine Corps
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Specialties
Boxing
Strength Training and Conditioning
Coaching Youth Sports 10+ years
Jose Ronchetta
Assistant Coach
American Ninja Warrior Athlete
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Specialties
Boxing
Trevor Stotts
Assistant Coach
23 Years Chicago Police Department
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Specialties
Boxing
Strength and Conditioning
Nutrition
Mike Mulcahy
Assistant Coach
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11 years Chicago Police Department
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Golden Gloves Boxer
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2006 Light Heavyweight State Champion
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USA Boxing Certified Athlete
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Specialties
Boxing
Ryan Festerling
Assistant Coach
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US Army Combat Veteran (Iraq)
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15 year LEO
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Certified Fitness Instructor, Defensive Tactics Instructor
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Specialties
MMA, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu,
Muay Thai, FITE fitness strength and conditioning
Victor Rivera
Assistant Coach
18 years CPD
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Specialties
Wrestling/Strength Training
Jose Rojas
Assistant Coach
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20 years LEO
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Winner "Battle of the Badges"
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Winner "SuperCop"
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Specialties
Boxing
Matt Parisi
Assistant Coach
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16 years federal law enforcement experience
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8 years Youth Explorers Advisor
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Specialties
Wrestling
Strength training
Defensive tactics
Eric Bianchini
Assistant Coach
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Golden gloves Boxer
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Winner Battle of The Badges
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USA Boxing Coach
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USa Boxing Athlete
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Specialties
Boxing
Nathan J. Myles
Assistant Coach
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United States Marine Corps (Combat) Veteran
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Sergeant Chicago Police
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Specialties
2019 Golden Glove Champion
MMA practitioner
Coach/Coordinator for the
CPD boxing Team
Nikki Marvel
Assistant Coach
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Ultra Marathoner
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Endurance runner
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100 mile finisher
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2x Grand Canyon Double Crossing finisher
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Specialties
Kickboxing
Eamon O'Mahony
Assistant Coach
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30 amateur boxing matches
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Specialties
Boxing
Gianna O'Neill
Assistant Coach
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Boxing
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Nutrition
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Fitness
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Specialties
Boxing
Fitness
John Setlak
Assistant Coach
20 years law enforcement
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Specialties
10+ years coaching youth sports
Strength training
Child safety
Patrick Healy
Assistant Coach
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Chicago Golden Gloves Champion - 189 lbs (2023, 2024)
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Golden Gloves Masters National Tournament Champion - 189 lbs (2024)
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10 years Wrestling - NCAA DIV III National Qualifier (2004)
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CCIW Conference Champion - (2003)
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IHSA State Qualifier (2000)
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10 years of Football - St. Marys (Riverside), Fenwick
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Specialties
Boxing
Wreslting
Gianna O'Neill
Assistant Coach
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Boxing
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Nutrition
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Fitness
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Specialties
Boxing
Fitness
John Setlak
Assistant Coach
20 years law enforcement
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Specialties
10+ years coaching youth sports
Strength training
Child safety
Patrick Healy
Assistant Coach
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Chicago Golden Gloves Champion - 189 lbs (2023, 2024)
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Golden Gloves Masters National Tournament Champion - 189 lbs (2024)
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10 years Wrestling - NCAA DIV III National Qualifier (2004)
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CCIW Conference Champion - (2003)
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IHSA State Qualifier (2000)
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10 years of Football - St. Marys (Riverside), Fenwick
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Specialties
Boxing
Wreslting