Building a movement of strength, confidence, and community.
Box United uses boxing as a pathway for girls to unlock their full potential- inside and outside the ring.
Our Program: Fight Like a Girl
Fight Like a Girl is a school and community-based program that exists to solve three problems: limited access to sport for girls, rising mental health challenges, and declining confidence and self-esteem.
FLAG is the only all-girls boxing program that focuses equally on physical and mental wellbeing — using boxing to build discipline and mind-body connection, paired with our Social Emotional Wellbeing Curriculum, The Fighter's Mindset.
All programming is free for every participant. 100% of individual donations go directly to program delivery.
Our Story: Founded on the power of sport
Box United was founded in 2019 through a U.S. State Department grant designed to inspire leadership in girls around the world through sport. Mary Kate Vanecko founded Box United after completing a Fulbright fellowship in South Africa, inspired by boxing's power to unite communities.
In 2021, Box United evolved to focus exclusively on Chicago, launching Fight Like a Girl in 10 schools. Today we operate in 20 schools and three satellite gym locations, serving over 400 girls annually.
2025 by the numbers
Corporate and Foundation Partners
We are grateful for the support of partners committed to bringing boxing and positive mental wellbeing to more Chicago girls.
