Walk into 3557 Lexington Ave in El Monte, and the air hits you differently. It’s that thick, unmistakable scent of old leather, dried sweat, and floor wax. If you’ve spent any time in a real-deal "fight gym," you know exactly what I’m talking about. This isn't one of those high-end fitness studios with eucalyptus towels and neon lights.
It’s the Jerry Ortiz Memorial Boxing Gym, and honestly, it’s one of the last few places where the old-school soul of boxing still lives.
People usually find this place for one of two reasons. Either they want to learn how to throw a proper left hook, or they’ve heard the name Jerry Ortiz and want to see the legacy for themselves. It’s a community staple. It’s a sanctuary. For some kids in the San Gabriel Valley, it's basically the only thing keeping them from making some very bad life choices.
The Hero Behind the Name
You can’t talk about the gym without talking about the man. Jerry Ortiz wasn't just some guy whose name ended up on a plaque. He was a 15-year veteran of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department (LASD). Specifically, he was a member of the anti-gang detail at the Lakewood Sheriff’s Station.
On June 24, 2005, Deputy Ortiz was conducting a follow-up investigation in Hawaiian Gardens. He was looking for a suspect in a previous shooting. As he spoke to a woman at an apartment door, the suspect—a gang member—appeared from behind her and shot Jerry in the head.
He died instantly. He was only 35.
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What most people don't realize is how deep his roots in boxing went. Jerry wasn't just a cop who liked to watch fights; he was an avid boxer and a standout member of the Sheriff’s boxing team. He was the guy who arrived early and stayed late. He believed in the discipline of the sport. When the gym was established in his memory, it wasn't a random choice. It was the only fitting way to keep his spirit alive in the neighborhood he grew up in.
Inside the Gym: More Than Just Sparring
If you're expecting a quiet environment, you're in the wrong place. Between the rhythmic thwack-thwack of the speed bag and the heavy breath of teenagers doing floor work, it's loud. But it's a controlled kind of chaos.
The mission here is pretty straightforward: enrich the quality of life for at-risk youth. They do this by promoting physical activity and "good sportsmanship." That sounds like corporate speak, but in El Monte, it basically means giving a kid a place to go so they aren't hanging out on the corner.
What You Need to Know About Training
If you or your kid are thinking about signing up, here’s the lowdown on how they usually run things:
- The Registration: It’s roughly $60 to get started, which often includes your "starter kit"—gym shirt, shorts, hand wraps, and a mouthpiece.
- The Monthly Fee: After that, it’s incredibly affordable, often around $10 a month. Honestly, you can’t even buy a decent burrito for ten bucks these days.
- Schedule: They generally run Monday through Thursday, roughly 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. They’re usually closed on weekends unless there’s a special event like "Friday Night Fights."
- Focus: They take kids as young as 8. The sessions are split up so the younger kids aren't getting steamrolled by the adults.
The gym is affiliated with USA Boxing, which means the coaching is legitimate. This isn't just "box-fit" for weight loss. You’re learning footwork, defensive pivots, and how to take a hit without losing your cool.
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Why the Community Actually Needs This Place
El Monte has its rough patches. Everyone knows it. The San Gabriel Valley is a beautiful mix of cultures, but it’s also a place where it's easy for a teenager to feel invisible.
The Jerry Ortiz Memorial Boxing Gym acts as a "third space." It’s not home, and it’s not school. It’s a place where the coaches—like Carlos Rodriguez and others who have stepped into that ring—act as mentors. They aren't just teaching you to punch; they’re teaching you to respect yourself.
I’ve seen kids walk in there with chips on their shoulders the size of boulders. Six months later? They’re the ones helping the new 8-year-old wrap their hands. That’s the "Jerry Ortiz effect." It’s about building a hero's discipline in everyday people.
Common Misconceptions About the Gym
"Is it just for future pro boxers?"
Nope. Not even close. While some kids do go on to compete in amateur tournaments or the Golden Gloves, most are just there for the fitness and the community. It’s about building a healthy mind and body.
"Is it dangerous?"
Boxing has risks, sure. But the gym is heavily supervised. They follow USA Boxing safety protocols. Beginners aren't just thrown into a ring to get their heads knocked around. There’s a massive emphasis on "no-contact" or "light-contact" drills until a student is actually ready.
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"Who can join?"
It’s open to residents and non-residents, though the fees might vary slightly depending on the city’s current parks and rec agreements. Generally, if you're willing to put in the work, they have a spot for you.
The Legacy Lives On
Jerry Ortiz’s family remains involved in the boxing world. His son, Jeremy Ortiz, actually took up the mantle and became a professional boxer himself. It’s a powerful thing to see a son honor a father by stepping into the same squared circle where his father found so much joy.
The gym isn't just a building. It’s a living memorial. Every time a kid chooses a bag workout over a street fight, Jerry wins. Every time a young athlete learns the value of a hard day's work, the community gets stronger.
How to Get Involved
If you’re looking to support or join, don't just look for a slick website. This is an old-school operation.
- Show up in person: Go to 3557 Lexington Ave in El Monte during their evening hours (5 PM – 8 PM).
- Bring the paperwork: They usually require a membership application and a liability release. If you're a minor, you're going to need a parent or guardian to sign off.
- Donate: The gym often relies on fundraisers, like the BBQs hosted by the Cerritos Sheriff’s Station or local donations. You can usually make checks payable directly to the "Jerry Ortiz Memorial Boxing Gym."
- Check the Gear: If you want to represent, they sometimes have a "Tiendita" (little shop) where you can buy gym merch to help fund their youth programs.
Boxing is often called the "loneliest sport," but at the Jerry Ortiz Memorial Boxing Gym, it’s anything but. It’s a family. It’s a legacy. And most importantly, it’s a way to turn a tragedy into a triumph, one round at a time.
If you're in the San Gabriel Valley and need a place to find your grit, this is it. No excuses. Just show up, wrap your hands, and get to work.