Meet Jimmie Williams of Power Fitness Chicago LLC in Roseland Neighborhood

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jimmie Williams.

Jimmie, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
My early years me, my sister, my mom and grandmother live in a low-income housing called Germany Millgate on the far southeast until shortly after 4th. Then, we moved to the West Englewood areas of Chicago where I lived up until my late teens.

I was never much for sports or even the athletic type, I more so was into music and just hanging out. Shortly after high school, I had my daughter at 19 then my son at 22. To stay in shape, I started weightlifting and running, just the normal stuff to stay fit. I wasn’t the confrontational type coming but up after lifting and working I figure I could hold my own. One of my lifting partners was an ex-wrestler and one day, I decided to lock up with to see if I could stop a takedown or stay on my feet needless to say I couldn’t. From that door on, I decided I need to learn something new.

I was always a fan of the 1st UFC but after watching a documentary on Mark Kerr, I decided I wanted to try some form of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu or MMA. At the time, I was living in Hammond IN with two kids and not a lot of extra money for memberships. After asking around, I found then Shooto Champion Miguel “Angel” Torres in a local Reck Center and began my journey. He gave me my first guy always allowed me to train with little to no money.

As a kid coming up, I was a big Samurai Sunday Fan. I would sit and watch Karate movies all day on Sunday and always wanted to take karate lesson but karate suites, sign up fees and monthly fees are never in the budget for a single mother of two… rightfully so. Fast forward to today, after starting BJJ life gets in the way and I take six years off and in 2012, I start back full time to know become a three stripe purple belt, and 1x IBJJF Masters World Bronze:
1x PanAm Bronze
5x IBJJF Gi Gold Champion
1x IBJJF No-Gi Silver

In 2014, during the realistic low point me and my wife had the chance to purchase a commercial storefront that had been vacant for ten plus years. Shortly after purchase, we toyed with different business ideas. By using both having over ten years of fitness experience, we decided to create our on full-service fitness facility with affordable training but high-end quality. We, as a team, worked together using our own funds and labor to create a Gem of a Gym for the south side of Chicago.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Being born and raised in Chicago on the side south is never an easy process. I have managed by the grace of God to open my business to offer service locally to the community that I know for a fact impact and improve lives. Our core belief is empowerment through fitness.

We started with a blank canvas. Our now gym had no infrastructure. No plumbing, no electrical, no wall or doors and no heat or cooling. The design, layout, and construction were completely done by us.

Our construction process took over two years and we faced every obstacle you could imagine. From failed inspections to shortages of funds to just simply wanting to give up on our dream. From having kids starting college to working full-time jobs and still trying to find time for family and our own fitness it has been far from easy but well worth it.

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Power Fitness Chicago LLC story. Tell us more about it.
Power Fitness Chicago is a full-service family friendly and family ran gym on the south side of Chicago.

We proudly offer women and men’s Bootcamp’s, dance classes, adult and kids self-defense and boxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu along with weight loss challenges which include: accountability coaches, weekly weigh-ins and meal plans.

We pride our selves on having multiple rooms to have youth and adult classes simultaneously and at an affordable rate for the moderate income household.

We offer free Brazilian Jiu Jitsu every 3rd Saturday to less fortunate kids in the Roseland neighborhood.

We offer a free month of self-defense to any kid being bullied who is nominated by a local church in the Roseland area.

We offer self-defense class to the local battered women’s shelters and single mothers charities.

Cloths, shoes, and coat drives… Giving Back.

Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I have never believed in luck. I truly believe with grace and hard work, any and all things are possible. We plant a small seed daily to grow in every aspect of life.

By me being in the construction industry, I knew that with consistency and our love for fitness and martial arts, this dream can be our reality.

Pricing:

• Adults UNLIMITED membership to include Bootcamp, Soca Dance, Glow Pounds, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Cardio Boxing more than 70 classes a month for $79
• Kids UNLIMITED membership to include Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Boxing, Self defense and Wrestling for $79

Contact Info:

• Address: 10903 S Michigan Ave Chicago, IL 60619
• Website: Www.powerfitnesschi.com
• Phone: 844-FIT-6096
• Email: info@powerfitnesschi.com
• Instagram: Instagram.com/powerfitnesschicago
• Facebook: Facebook.com/powerfitnesschicago

Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.