Since the election of Trump there has been a dramatic rise in violent attacks against minority and oppressed groups. Rather than give in to fear or turn to leaders who promise power, we believe that people should protect each other and organize their lives together. Haymaker will be a center for Popular Fitness & Self-Defense, bringing free martial arts and self-defense training to Chicago . We envision a space where people, regardless of ability, can learn the skills they need to stay safe in Trump’s America. We envision a new culture of fitness based on solidarity and mutual-aid. We not only want to improve ourselves, but help create a new world along the way.

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

As organizers, we believe in Autonomy, Strength, and Solidarity. Because we believe in autonomy, we know that we must learn to fight our enemies without relying on institutions that disempower us and macho gym cultures that weaken us. We must learn to fight for ourselves. Because we believe in strength, we know that we must be stronger than those who want us to suffer or wipe us out completely. 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. We will learn how to keep each other safe as we become dangerous together. 

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 [10 pairs, $150-200]
• Heavy Bags: $50~ each [5 bags, $200-250]
• Heavy Bag Stands: $20-100 each [depending on free-standing or wall-mounted; 5 for $300-500]
• Speed Bags: $20-50 each [depending on mounting options; 2 for$50-80]
• Timing Bags: $20-50 each [2 for $50-80]
• Headgear: $10-30 each [5 sets, $100]

Protective Flooring: 

• Interlocking Foam, 1" Thick: $2/sq ft [400 sq ft, $800]
• 2" Thick Folding Panel: $2.5/sq ft [400 sq ft, $1000]

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

Bottomline: $46,110 per year operating costs.

If we reach our goal, we will be able to run the gym at absolutely zero costs for the first year. 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?”

Besides the small percentage taken by IndieGoGo, 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 is Breakaway Autonomous Social Center?”

We are a non-profit organization based in Chicago. We exist to help legally run non-profit projects like Haymaker: Popular Fitness and Self-Defense. Our other projects include the Breakaway Autonomous Social Center which hosts a variety of events and serves as a meeting place for progressive activists on the Southwest Side of Chicago. We see the current political climate as one of ethical bankruptcy and of the same uninspiring political routines being played on repeat. We pose a new politics. HAYMAKER is a crucial aspect of our vision.

“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 $50,000, we will not be able to purchase equipment or rent a space with the full range of amenities necessary for a gym. Nevertheless, we have existing space and martial arts can be taught without equipment — we want the best facilities because people deserve to be able to defend themselves!

$25 zine bundle!

$75 T-Shirt + zine bundle!

$100 Anti-Fascist Poster Art!

$200 Custom Yoga Mat!

$300 track jacket! (2 possible designs)

$500 Boxing Gloves!

$1000 Speaking event / self-defense class