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 where she taught boxing and was inspired by the power of sport to unite communities. In 2021, Box United evolved to focus exclusively on Chicago, launching our Fight Like a Girl program in 10 schools. 

Box United currently operates in 16 Chicago schools and three satellite gym locations, serving over 300 girls annually. Programming runs 3:30-5:30 Monday-Thursday for over 40 weeks of the year, with optional spring break, summer, and CPS holiday camps.