Everyone deservesa Fighting Chance

Mixed martial arts (MMA), mentorship, and community support for young people delivered from our purpose-built facility in Long Beach. We support foster youth and those affected by the justice system, gang involvement, addiction, and trauma. Through MMA — a sport combining boxing, wrestling, and jiu-jitsu — we build confidence, discipline, and a sense of belonging, one round at a time.

A 501(c)(3) nonprofit

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Free Youth Program■Ages 12–18■Serving Local Communities■501(c)(3) nonprofit■Striking · Grappling · MMA■Free Youth Program■Ages 12–18■Serving Local Communities■501(c)(3) nonprofit■Striking · Grappling · MMA■Free Youth Program■Ages 12–18■Serving Local Communities■501(c)(3) nonprofit■Striking · Grappling · MMA■Free Youth Program■Ages 12–18■Serving Local Communities■501(c)(3) nonprofit■Striking · Grappling · MMA■Free Youth Program■Ages 12–18■Serving Local Communities■501(c)(3) nonprofit■Striking · Grappling · MMA■Free Youth Program■Ages 12–18■Serving Local Communities■501(c)(3) nonprofit■Striking · Grappling · MMA■

Our programming

Train like a professional. Grow like one too.

After-School Youth Program
Free
Fully subsidized (100% free) mixed martial arts training and mentorship, four times a week. Young people learn boxing, wrestling, jiu-jitsu, and MMA while building confidence, discipline, teamwork, and positive relationships.
- Monday, Wednesday and Thursday: 4–6 pm
- Tuesday: 3–4 pm
Community Membership
$150/month
50% subsidized from the full $300 monthly cost
Develop your striking and grappling with a team you can count on. Whether you're starting out or building your skills, find training, mentorship and community on the mat. Every dollar goes toward delivering our training and supporting the free after-school program.
- Monday and Wednesday: Grappling · 7:30–9 pm
- Tuesday and Thursday: Striking · 7:30–9 pm

Our story

Carrying his purpose forward

Chase's twin brother used mixed martial arts to help people. After his death, Chase, Amar, and Eric decided to carry his work forward by setting up A Fighting Chance, a place where MMA, mentorship, and community help people find confidence, support, and a way forward.

Our impact

In service of our community

A Fighting Chance has helped people find work, get clean, reconnect with family and find support through suicidal crises. We've helped students compete, build confidence and discover a sense of purpose. Through training, mentorship and a team they can count on, people find the support to move forward with their lives.

Students reached: 500Students reached
Classes delivered: 1,976Classes delivered
Program hours: 3,588Program hours

Our team

The people in your corner

Amar Marwaha
Co-founder and Executive Director
Amar leads A Fighting Chance's strategy, fundraising and relationships, helping secure the resources needed to sustain and grow its programs.
Chase Gibson
Co-founder and Program Director
A professional MMA fighter, Chase manages the gym and oversees the day-to-day delivery of training, mentorship and student support.
Eric Klein
Co-founder
Eric personally helped build both facilities, with substantial financial support from CAN-DO.ORG. He continues to support the programs and provides mentorship and guidance to the leadership team.
Nychol Lyna Woods
Operations Director
Nychol oversees operations and develops programs that help young people overcome challenges, drawing on a decade of experience in education and nonprofit work.
Edgar Tapia
Director of Strategic Partnerships
Edgar builds relationships that support A Fighting Chance's programs. An MMA practitioner and mental health advocate, he connects the organization with opportunities that help students build confidence and find purpose.
Jasmin Monge
Community & Growth Coordinator
Jasmin leads community outreach and engagement, connecting people with A Fighting Chance and growing participation in its programs.
Brandon Aviles
After-School Trainer
Brandon trains and mentors after-school students, helping them develop their MMA skills, confidence and discipline.
Tan
Legal & Compliance
Tan provides legal guidance and supports compliance, drawing on her expertise as a lawyer.
Alexander Nachurski
Technology Officer
Alexander develops and maintains the website and data collection systems, helping the team track participation and measure program impact.

Our Schedule

Class Schedule

All disciplines. Every week. Find your time and step on the mat.

Mon

3:00 PM—8:00 PM

Tue

3:00 PM—8:00 PM

Wed

3:00 PM—8:00 PM

Thu

3:00 PM—8:00 PM

Fri

3:00 PM—8:00 PM

Sat

9:00 AM—1:00 PM

SunClosed

Need a different time?

Private sessions tailored to your goals. Book a visit and we’ll build your path.

Book a Visit

In their words

“These classes changed my life's path. They gave me a place to go away from all the bad in the streets — and an opportunity with MMA I never thought I'd get.”

— Wyatt, 18 · youth participant

“I walked in with zero training. Two years later I'm confident I can protect myself, I'm practicing a sport I love, and I've made real friends. The community is lucky to have this gym.”

— Josh, 27 · member

“Joining this gym has been like gaining a new family. It's saved me in more ways than I can express.”

— Chyanne, 26 · member

“My training home—more than a gym!! I’ve been training here since 2023 and this gym has become a safe space for me to find peace, healing, and growth. My coaches, training homies and everyone who is involved has helped me to grow in my training and as a person. So thankful for this gym.”

— Chy · Google review

“Such an amazing boxing gym! Chase and his team of trainers (Eldar) are experienced, charismatic and well versed in not only boxing but yoga, meditation and breath work too. Thanks for the amazing experience!”

— Michael S. · Google review

“This gym is truly special. Love the intense training and the people who put us all to work! Jamal and Igor are so much fun and no matter how many people are training, they make sure everyone’s form is on point. Never the same routine so I love how they mix it up and I love that I’ve learned some cool combos. Would recommend this place for all ages.”

— Micky S. · Google review

Give someone a Fighting Chance

Sponsor a student's place in our free MMA after-school program for $50 a month, helping provide training, mentorship and a supportive team, or make a one-time donation of any amount.

Make a Donation

Find your place at A Fighting Chance