Boxer. Coach. Believer. This gym exists because of one man's second chance — and his calling to pass it on.
My name is Jamey Ellison. I was born and raised in Athens, TN, and graduated from McMinn County High School. After high school, I went off to college to play football — but instead, I quickly fell in with the wrong crowd and the wrong path.
I stayed on a rough road for many years, until I found Jesus in 2016. That's when I went back to one of my favorite sports, boxing, which I'd first been introduced to in high school. Through Jesus and boxing, my whole life has been changed.
I have ten years of ring experience, and I'm now a coach. I've been able to do all of this through the Monroe County Boxing Club in Madisonville, TN. My coach, National Champion Jesse Byers, helped me transition from boxer to full-time coach.
Now, God has led me to open my own gym in my hometown of Athens, TN — 2nd Chance Boxing Club. The name is perfect, because that's exactly what Jesus and boxing did for me: they gave me a second chance at life. Now it's my turn to help kids have that same opportunity.
This gym is a safe place for kids to come and learn discipline, hard work, respect for one another and their elders, and of course, how to box.
But the most important thing they'll learn in this gym is about Jesus. I've seen Him change kids' lives through boxing like no other sport — it helps with anger, teaches self-control, strengthens the heart, brings on lifestyle changes, helps kids lose weight, keeps them physically healthy, introduces new friendships, and most importantly, gives them a whole new meaning of confidence.
2nd Chance Boxing Club is partnered with the Englewood Church of God, and runs mainly on donations for equipment, the building and gym, and trip expenses — so it can stay free for kids under 18. Adults are charged a fee, which helps us reach kids from every background who might not otherwise have the means.
As kids progress, they'll get the chance to compete all over the United States, with donations helping cover gas, food, and hotel costs along the way.
This gym is a dream God placed on my heart — now made into a reality. It's time to let God move through McMinn County and shake young lives.
Jamey Ellison, Founder & Head CoachMy passion is to help kids choose the right path in life, so they never have to walk the road I did. Any donation helps change a kid's life — and is always greatly appreciated.
