Minneapolis isn’t stuffed with boxing gyms but there are some real gems here like Firehouse, Element, and Minnesota Top Team. Let’s dive in…
My preference is always for those rare, pure, old school boxing gyms, free of ego, and full of passion for the sport. But sometimes I include the odd boxercise place because I know that not everyone wants the nitty gritty of actual combat.
Why listen to me: I’ve been boxing as an amateur for 6 years and trained in countless boxing gyms around the world from Seattle to Spain. I’ve learnt that picking the right gym can literally change your life and want to help you do the same. Learn more about me here.
PLEASE leave your own opinions and experiences about Minneapolis boxing gyms in the comments at the bottom and I’ll continuously update this page to make it as useful as possible!
The 6 Best Boxing Gyms in Minneapolis🥊
1️⃣ Firehouse Gym
- Summary: a super friendly, authentic boxing gym
- Address: 555 Mill St NE, Columbia Heights
- Google rating: 4.8
- Opening hours: M-F: 5:30-8pm, Sa: 11am-2pm
- Pricing: $75 / month
- Best for: beginners, experienced fighters, and everyone in between
- Online: Facebook
Firehouse Gym is the real deal. One of the few pure, old school boxing gyms in Minneapolis that’s all about the true art of the sport.
They’re so focused on their boxing that they haven’t got round to setting up a website but you can keep up with them on their Facebook page.
Everyone is welcome here. It’s very inclusive of beginners and kids, and at the same time they train fighters for amateur bouts. So if you’re looking to get in the ring and fight for real, then this could be the place for you.
What stands out about Firehouse is its friendly atmosphere. Kids train alongside competitive boxers in a respectful, supportive, and motivating manner, all thanks to the laid back but experienced coaches.
The top value here is “Have Fun”. Can’t ask for anything more than that. Definitely one of the best boxing gyms in Minneapolis. Go check it out!
2️⃣ Element Gym
- Summary: a top boxing gym with something for everyone
- Address: 655 Fairview Ave N
- Google rating: 4.8
- Opening hours: M-F: 10am-8pm, S-S: 10am-2pm
- Pricing: n.a.
- Best for: beginners and intermediate boxers
- Online: website, Instagram, Facebook
Element Boxing was founded back in 2011 by former pro boxer Dalton Outlaw (cool name, right), and since then has been training many a happy fighter in the true art of boxing.
They have two main programs here: Competitive Boxing (for those wanting to spar and fight), and Train Like A Boxer (for those wanting to get in insane shape through boxing fitness). Both programs are welcoming of newbies and pros alike.
It’s hard to find a bad word said about Element Boxing, with members raving about the quality of the workout, the diversity of the class, and knowledge of the coaches.
They have 3 or 4 different classes everyday to choose from which includes fitness classes and technical classes, as well as some kickboxing if you want to give that a go. And, open 7 days a week, they must be the hardest working boxing gym in Minnesota.
In case all that isn’t enough, they have a massive heart and offer free boxing coaching to local disadvantaged kids, as well as discounts to vets, teachers, healthcare pros, and emergency response.
3️⃣ Minnesota Top Team
- Summary: a much loved boxing and BJJ gym. Great with kids.
- Address: 3500 Dodd Rd, Eagan
- Google rating: 4.9
- Opening hours: M-F: 11am- 8pm, Sa: 8:30am-12pm
- Pricing: $200 / month (unlimited classes)
- Best for: kids, adults, everyone really
- Online: website, Instagram, Facebook
Minnesota Top Team isn’t quite a pure boxing gym (they also train BJJ and crossfit) but they have an extensive boxing program with several boxing classes 6 days a week and it’s a top class place to learn to fight.
Everyone who steps into this place quickly becomes obsessed. In large part thanks to the strong community that owners Jeremy and Jennie and their team have built which makes everyone feel comfortable yet motivated.
The facility itself is awesome: it’s huge, well equipped, and always clean (which is more than can be said for many damp, sweaty gyms).
Minnesota Top Team is particularly good with kids so if you have a young one who needs to gain some confidence or burn of a bit of energy then this is place for them.
Definitely one of the best boxing gyms in Minnesota.
4️⃣ Ludy’s Boxing Gym
- Summary: a humble but mighty pure boxing gym
- Address: 2235 E 38th St
- Google rating: 4.9
- Opening hours: varies day by day, see website for details
- Pricing: $125/month (unlimited classes)
- Best for: aspiring competitive fighters
- Online: website, Instagram, Facebook
The motto here is “champions only”. It’s not a membership requirement but a mindset and an ambition.
Everyone who trains at Ludy’s does so because they’re truly passionate about boxing, want to hone their skills, and perhaps work towards a competitive fight or two. Don’t let that put you off if you’re a beginner: everyone is welcome so long as you’re willing to put the work in.
Ludy’s is a rare, old school boxing gym that is all about the sweet science. It has created an intimate, personal environment, and is the opposite of those large soulless gyms that feel like money making machines.
The coaches are friendly and knowledgeable, and they have plenty of classes throughout the day to chose from so you should have no trouble finding a class to fit your schedule.
5️⃣ Northside Boxing Club
- Summary: an awesome non-profit boxing gym training local kids for free
- Address: 1704 N 33rd Ave
- Google rating: 4.6
- Opening hours: M-F: 3:30-6:30pm, S: 11am-2pm
- Pricing: free
- Best for: local kids
- Online: website, Instagram, Facebook
What an amazing place. Northside Boxing Club is a non-profit that offers free boxing coaching, a space to do homework, and free meals, to local kids.
Northside has become a sanctuary for these kids, and you’ll often see 30 of them training if you pay it a visit. Others might be helping in the kitchen, while others might be doing some school work. The community here is invaluable to these kids.
And they teach a lot more than just boxing here: there’s a big push to instill values of discipline, respect, and hard work here so that these kids can excel outside of the ring as well.
If you’re below 21 and looking to box in Minneapolis then I’d highly recommend Northside. You’ll come away with a lot more than just boxing skills.
6️⃣ Minneapolis Boxing Club
- Summary: a down to earth, friendly, family run boxing gym
- Address: 2905 Garfield Ave
- Google rating: 4.5
- Opening hours: M-F: 8am-12pm, 4-6pm, Sa: 9-11am
- Pricing: $179 / month (unlimited classes)
- Best for: beginners and fitness fanatics
- Online: website, Instagram, Facebook
Minneapolis Boxing Club is owned and operated by the hugely popular husband and wife pair Joe and Heidi. They met back at former favourite Uppercut Boxing (sadly now closed) where Heidi was an instructor and the rest is history.
The couple have built a much loved gym with a very supportive environment that’s welcoming for boxers of all ages and abilities. You’ll get in serious shape here while also learning the proper art of boxing.
I’d say the focus at Minneapolis Boxing Club is slightly more on the fitness side of things rather than the nitty gritty of real combat but they do have sparring sessions so you’ll have the chance to hit and get hit if that’s what you’re after!
The facility itself is clean and well equipped and the classes are well though out so no matter how long you’ve been training here, you’ll always learn something new.
They have 3 to 4 different boxing classes each day for you to choose from or you can just come and train by yourself in “open gym”.
Related articles:
- The Best Boxing Gyms in Chicago
- The Best Boxing Gyms in Kansas City
- Should I Start Boxing? (7 Reasons Why Hell YES!)
How to pick a Minneapolis boxing gym❓
- Coaches – an experienced, motivating coach makes all the difference. Not just when it comes to improving your technique but also in encouraging you to keep coming back time and time again. Becoming a good boxer takes a long time and so it’s important you find a coach that you click with if this is something you want to do for many years. Reviews will often focus on coaches so try looking for those for some insights.
- Convenience of location and class timings – this is key. My boxing gym is on the same block as my home so I have no excuse not to go almost everyday, even if I’m not feeling up to it. Finding a gym that’s close to home or work will make your life much easier and help to make going to boxing training a habit. The same applies to class timings, if you have to massively disrupt your day to get to a class because it doesn’t fit your schedule then you’re going to be less likely to go.
- Gym focus – I don’t have a problem with boxercise classes, but make sure you know what you’re signing up for if you join one of these. Boxercise is very different than actually learning how to fight and getting sparring experience. If you truly want to learn how to box then you need to box. That involves punching other people and getting punched yourself.
- Trial class – most boxing gyms will allow you to have a free trial class so you can get a feel for the place before you sign up. This is a great way of evaluating whether you like the coach, the energy, and the focus of the gym. Always worth asking for a free trial class if you’re not sure whether it’s offered.
How much do boxing gyms in Minneapolis cost? 💰
- Monthly memberships: most places charge a monthly membership and expect to pay around $100 per month for boxing classes in Minneapolis. Some places offer unlimited classes to their members. Be sure to check for this.
- One-on-one personal training: Depending on the gym, costs are around $50 per hour as a minimum.
- Drop-in boxing classes for non-members: ~$15 per class
- Initiation fee: not all places make you pay one of these (and I’m not a fan of it) but those that do usually charge a one-off fee of $50-100
12th Round 🔔
With the likes of Element, Firehouse, and Minnesota Top Team, there are some really great boxing gyms in Minneapolis for you to chose from. Don’t spend too much time deliberating, go try one out and see for yourself.
Happy fighting! 🥊🥊
“Boxing is the ultimate challenge. There’s nothing that can compare to testing yourself the way you do every time you step in the ring. On the downside, you meet a lot of really bad people in boxing, at all stages of your career.”
Sugar Ray Leonard
