Legacy Youth Empowerment Organization is a proud 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to building champions in and out of the ring. Our mission is fueled by private donations, the dedication of exceptional coaches and staff, and the generosity of community members and professionals who believe in investing in our youth.
Every contribution changes lives.
Your donation helps us provide life-changing opportunities for young people who need it most. From covering registration fees so our athletes can compete on state, regional, and national stages, to donating equipment for kids who otherwise couldn’t afford it, to funding unforgettable extracurricular trips like our annual camping retreat—your support creates lasting impact.
No amount is too small—together we can give our youth the tools, discipline, and confidence to rise above challenges and succeed in and out of the ring.
Your generosity isn’t just a donation—it’s an investment in the future of our champions.
You can mail a check to:
341 Cortlandt Street, Belleville, NJ 07109
Or make a donation today using the form below.
Our President/Head Coach
Yessenia Montalvo is the founder of Legacy Boxing Club and a retired Newark Police detective. She discovered boxing in her early twenties, using it as a powerful tool to overcome stress, build resilience, and navigate her law enforcement career.
Now a part of the USA Boxing Youth High Performance Team Coach, a certified Silver-Level Coach, Level 2 Official, and Referee with USA Boxing NJ, Yessenia is also an event coordinator and a passionate advocate for women in boxing.
She leads the Legacy Youth Empowerment Organization, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that uses Olympic-style boxing, mentoring, and academic support to help youth develop confidence, discipline, and emotional strength.
Yessenia’s mission is to create a safe, inclusive space where boxing transforms lives—empowering individuals to rise above challenges and grow into strong, confident leaders.
Our Youth Boxing program offers a dynamic boxing fundamentals, boxing education, and character building skills to help kids gain confidence in order to help them achieve their future goals.
We focus on making the training as welcoming and inclusive as possible by teaching boxing skills, technique, and self-defense through teamwork and partner drills.
Our coaches teach acceptance, self-confidence and respect to help our young boxers learn skills that will help them become future leaders.
Pee Wees Boxing Classes This is a 45-minute boxing training class for children 6 yrs to 8yr olds. For Pee Wee Boxing Schedule, please contact the club at (973) 837-8220. Times and dates vary depending on season.
The Youth Boxing Program is for children 10 to 17 years of age. Training days are below:
New Students/Drop-Ins (Class Packs) / Bronze Medal Schedule
Mondays 5:15PM
Wednesdays 5:15PM
Saturdays 10:15AM
Sundays 10:15AM
Green Level Membership (new students) is currently $119 a month, which allows your kid to attend 12 classes per month or 3 per week. This is 1 FULL Hour of training.
Novice Level Membership (advanced youth boxers) is a new membership. It is for unlimited boxing training for GOLD medal students. This membership is $149 per month, and it will also be a month-to-month billing with a 30 day notification to cancel. At this level, the youth boxers can come to the gym for training everyday.
Students with Silver & Gold Medals Schedule in addition to the above days.
Tuesdays (Drills, Skills & Mitts)
Wednesdays (Technical Sparring)
Thursdays (Weight Training)
Saturdays (Bag Work)
For any questions or concerns, please contact Coach Yessenia at (973) 837-8220. NO WALK-INS! For up-to-date schedule, please follow our social media channels. Schedules are subject to change due to weather or emergencies. Always check our app or website.
Our Youth Boxing Program Award System consist of seven (7) levels to measure skills, knowledge, strength, and character of each boxer. Our award system provides a challenge and a tangible point of recognition for accomplishments.
The boxing medal award system consist of:
HERE ARE THE six categories and the order in which they will be taught:
1. Boxing Fundamentals
2. Footwork
3. Hitting Skills (Bag Work)
4. Defensive Skills (Partner Drills)
5. Mitt-Work Drills
6. Strength & Conditioning Exercises
7. Technical Sparring
Sparring is not mandatory at any time for all students. No coach is allowed to change this rule due to circumstances. Sparring is strictly on a voluntary basis.
All new boxers or returning boxers WILL NOT be allowed to spar until they have achieved a GOLD MEDAL AWARD.
GOLD MEDAL boxers are required to attend classes on a regular basis. If they missed 2 training sessions during the week, they will not be allowed to spar.
No parent will be allowed to give any instructions to boxers, unless that parent has a CURRENT USA BOXING COACH’S BOOK AND HAVE THE HEAD COACH'S APPROVAL.