Gregory Boxing marked the opening of a new facility at 679 South Addison Road in Addison with a ribbon-cutting and an on-site interview with Addison Community Television host Lucille Zucchero. Founder Wayne Gregory and coach/operator Joe Phelan described programs aimed at children, competitive athletes, veterans and people with health challenges.

The gym opened its Addison location on Dec. 1, Joe Phelan said, joining the organization's Des Plaines and Lombard operations. "We were in Lombard 5 years, and we just opened this past December 1 here in Addison," Phelan said. The gym's website is gregoryboxing.com, and Phelan provided a contact cell number (773-294-4788) for introductory appointments.

Why it matters: Gregory Boxing positions itself as both a competitive training center and a community fitness resource. Wayne Gregory described a family history in the sport dating to an earlier generation and said the gym intentionally serves adults, teenagers and children as young as 6. The staff said they work with people recovering from illness and with chronic conditions: "Our oldest member is 75. She's 1 of our Parkinson's athletes," Phelan said, and the coaches said boxing provides functional fitness and emotional benefits for participants.

Programs and safety: Staff emphasized that most participants begin with non-contact training. "95 percent of our members are here for non contact training," Phelan said, and the gym keeps competitive contact training separate: coaches noted a distinct room for fighters and said contact sparring only occurs after conversations with parents and with explicit consent.

Competitive track and members: The organization said it fields competitive athletes, including fighters who have reached high levels in boxing and mixed martial arts. Wayne Gregory and staff named notable competitors affiliated with the gym and said between the two clubs in 2025 they had 47 registered amateur boxers and five professional boxers. The Des Plaines/Lombard operation was said to have about 200 members and the new Addison facility was described as larger and able to expand capacity.

Community outreach: The coaches described targeted outreach to veterans and first responders. Wayne Gregory said his family has a military background and that the gym provides an outlet and community for veterans dealing with transition and post-traumatic stress. The staff said they welcome veterans, teachers, first responders and community members of all abilities.

Access and next steps: For adults the gym offers a free introductory class by appointment rather than walk-ins, Phelan said; the website and the gym's YouTube channel (Gregory Boxing) include instructional content. The host encouraged residents to try the one-hour intro session, and organizers said they will continue outreach to local departments and community groups.

Lucille Zucchero closed the segment thanking the coaches and guests for the tour and interview. The facility is open to scheduled visitors and membership inquiries via gregoryboxing.com and the contact number provided by staff.