Iconic Boxing Institution, KRONK Gym Returns to Detroit in the Historic Brewster Wheeler Recreation Center

One of the most legendary names in boxing, often referred to as Detroit’s 5th Franchise, recently announced at a press conference along with Detroit Mayor, Mike Duggan, that is making its long-awaited return to the city where it all began.

KRONK GYM, the world-renowned training ground of champions, will reopen its doors in Summer 2025—this time in the iconic Brewster Wheeler Recreation Center, restoring a powerful legacy of athletic excellence and community empowerment in the heart of Detroit.  Under new ownership, with the continued involvement of Mrs. Marie Steward and Sylvia Steward-Williams, along with several of KRONK’s original World Champions, KRONK is committed to reigniting the spirit of its founder, Emanuel Steward. KRONK GYM will be located at The Brewster Wheeler Recreation Center, at 670 Wilkins Street, Detroit. 

During its early years in the 1930s and 40s, the Brewster Wheeler Recreation Center was the training site for some of the world’s greatest boxing champions, including the “Brown Bomber” Joe Louis, Sugar Ray Robinson, Eddie Futch & Emanuel Steward, founder of KRONK GYM. Emanuel Steward started his boxing career at the Brewster Center before moving on to train the likes of Thomas Hearns, Hilmer Kenty, Lennox Lewis, Oscar De La Hoya and Wladimir Klitschko. 

After sitting vacant for nearly two decades, KRONK’s history of producing Olympic Medalists and World Champions will restore the historic landmark to a center for boxing in Detroit as well as around the world.

Located at the corner of Wilkins Street and The Walter P. Chrysler Freeway, Detroit’s iconic boxing institution, KRONK GYM, will serve as a hub for young fighters, aspiring champions, and World Class professionals, all with a focus on community involvement and carrying forward the KRONK tradition of excellence.

With new investments in training facilities, youth programs, and community outreach, KRONK GYM aims to become a cornerstone once again in the city’s athletic and cultural fabric.  The 3500 Sq/Ft facility will feature high performance training areas, set up specifically to cater for all levels of Boxing training.  KRONK’s training staff will focus on developing elite level talent at both the amateur and professional levels of the sport.  Just as important as developing the next generation of champion boxers is KRONK’s commitment to fostering a deep connection with the Detroit community, as KRONK founder Emanuel Steward always intended, and continuing the legacy of the Brewster Wheeler Recreation Center which provided youth from the neighborhood with athletic training and a variety of other activities from its opening in 1929 until it closed in 2006. 

The KRONK leadership team, featuring Detroit natives, Boxing enthusiasts, and longtime KRONK affiliates, includes Paul Bhatti, John Lepak, Amer Abdallah, Mikey Shumaker, Marie Steward, Sylvia Steward-Williams, and KRONK’s first World Champion Hilmer Kenty.  With a bold vision for fighter development, boxing advisory services, licensing, creative partnerships with Detroit based businesses, community engagement, and global expansion. KRONK is poised to play a pivotal role in Detroit’s amazing resurgence.

“Can you imagine a more perfect use for this building than the Kronk Gym? And to have Emmanuel Steward’s family, Maria and Sylvia Steward being a part of it – they have been working to keep the legacy alive.  We are so lucky to have Paul Bhatti and the team step up and say, ‘we are not going to let the legend die’, said Mayor Mike Duggan.  Duggan added “Kronk Gym has given Detroit such pride. This is the city we are building; the city where we honor our history, and we keep it alive.” 

“Seeing KRONK return full circle to the Brewster Wheeler Recreation Center, where his journey began, is deeply meaningful. It’s not just a building—it’s history, heart, and home. I’m very impressed by the new team’s vision and direction. My father left KRONK in a place where it could one day become exactly what he had always envisioned—and that time is now. He would be incredibly proud of our efforts. We are committed to giving back to Detroit while also ensuring KRONK’s influence grows on a global scale.” Said Sylvia Steward-Williams.

“This isn’t just about reopening a gym. It’s about reigniting a culture of excellence, mentorship, and opportunity for a new generation of Detroiters. Situating KRONK GYM squarely in the heart of Detroit reinforces our commitment to be active members of the community all the while training future Olympic and World Champions and restoring Detroit to a center of the boxing world.” Said Paul Bhatti, CEO of KRONK.

“I’ve loved the city of Detroit since I was a kid. Being from Monroe, MI and becoming friends with Bronco McKart—a World Champion from my hometown inspired me early on. It’s an honor to be part of the team behind this iconic brand and to help bring KRONK back into the heart of the city.” Said Mikey Shumaker, Director of VIP Relations.

As KRONK GYM prepares for its official opening Summer of 2025 at the Brewster Wheeler Recreation Center, stay connected at www.kronk.com for more details on opening events, fighter announcements, and special programming.

You can also follow KRONK GYM on social media:

KRONK SOCIAL MEDIA CHANNELS

Facebook: @RealKronkGym

Instagram: @RealKronkGym

YouTube: @RealKronkGym1

TikTok: @RealKronkGym1

LinkedIn: @KRONK

X: @RealKronkGym

Disclosure – Detroit Mommies, owned by Shannon Lazovski LLC, is a lifestyle blog that aims to share parenting tips, product reviews, family activities, and local insights for parents and caregivers. As a genuine advocate for transparency, the blog discloses that it may contain affiliate links and partnerships, meaning that when readers click on certain links and make purchases, it’s writers and Shannon Lazovski LLC may earn a small commission at no additional cost to them. Additionally, sponsored content may appear on the site, but all opinions expressed are based on personal experiences and honest assessments to ensure that the recommendations are trustworthy and valuable to the audience.

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Shannon Lazovski

Owner & Senior Editor of Detroit Mommies, Shannon has 20 years of experience in the digital marketing space specializing in the subjects of fashion, beauty, travel & parenting. She obtained Detroit Mommies in 2017 and has been perfecting its digital footprint and sharing her reviews, parenting advice, and offering local Michigan event announcements ever since. Shannon is also the Senior Fashion & Beauty Editor of DetroitFashionNews.com and is known for her original fashion, beauty & travel blog, Glamorous Moms now shannonlazovski.com. As a writer, Shannon is known for her service & product reviews, travel reviews, fashion & beauty trends, and styling advice for women and moms on the go. She is currently the President & Founder of the Glamorous Moms Foundation, the CEO of the beauty brand Glameselle, and has been awarded the Elite 40 under 40 award and featured on numerous print and television media outlets both locally and nationally.

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