We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Miguel Hernandez. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Miguel below.
Miguel, appreciate you joining us today. Can you tell us about an important lesson you learned while working at a prior job?
The biggest lesson I learned came from my 12 years working on the railroad. I started as a car inspector in Chicago, then later took a job in Kentucky as a yardmaster. But the turning point wasn’t just about career growth—it was about survival. I was terminated from the railroad in Chicago, leaving me jobless and having to start completely over. That experience forced me to re-evaluate everything. At first, I did what I thought was best—I found an opportunity in Kentucky as a yardmaster. It was a good position, but it took me away from my family. I was stuck between earning a living and being present for the people who mattered most. Eventually, I realized that I couldn’t keep sacrificing my time, my passion, and my family for a job that could replace me in an instant. That’s when I made the decision to take the leap—I left Kentucky, came back to Chicago, and started from nothing.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
The Passion Behind 3 Jmh Boxing
For those who may not have heard my story before, my name is Miguel, and I’m the founder of 3 Jmh Boxing in Brighton Park, Chicago. My journey into the boxing world started over 20 years ago—my career began when I was 27 years old. Starting at that age, you might think I wouldn’t have had time to compete in 32 professional boxing matches and win two titles. Yet, that’s exactly what I did—all while working two jobs and raising three sons, which is where the name 3 Jmh Boxing comes from.
Boxing has been more than just training and competition for me; it has been a tool for discipline, self-improvement, and resilience.
How I Got Into This Industry
My path to becoming a business owner wasn’t a straight one. I spent 12 years working for the railroad as a car inspector in Chicago. After being terminated, I found an opportunity in Kentucky as a yardmaster, but the job took me away from my family. That experience—feeling replaceable after years of dedication and being forced to start over—made me realize I needed to take control of my own future. That’s when I decided to return to Chicago and build something from the ground up, something that aligned with my passion: boxing.
What I Offer
At 3 Jmh Boxing, I provide:
Personalized Training – One-on-one coaching tailored to individual goals, whether it’s weight loss, strength training, or improving technique.
Kids & Teen Classes – Structured programs designed to build confidence, discipline, and physical fitness in young athletes.
Competitive Boxing Training – Coaching for fighters who want to compete at a high level.
Fitness & Mental Well-being – Boxing isn’t just about fighting; it’s about self-improvement. I work with clients of all backgrounds who want to use boxing as an outlet for stress relief, mental toughness, and personal growth.
What Problems I Solve
My gym isn’t just a place to throw punches—it’s a place where people come to transform. Many of my clients come in feeling lost, lacking confidence, or looking for structure. Whether it’s kids who need discipline, adults who want to get in shape, or fighters preparing for competition, I help people push past their limits and become the best version of themselves. I also recognize that not everyone has access to training due to financial struggles, so I work to provide opportunities for those who might not be able to afford it otherwise.
What Sets Me Apart
I believe my experience and dedication set me apart from other trainers. I know what it’s like to start over with nothing, to fight for something greater, and to build a future from scratch. That’s the energy I bring to my clients—I don’t just teach boxing, I teach resilience. Unlike big-name gyms where clients can feel like just another number, 3 Jmh Boxing is personal. I make sure each individual gets the attention, motivation, and training they need to succeed.
What I’m Most Proud Of
I’m most proud of the impact I’ve made, especially with the youth. Seeing kids grow in confidence, discipline, and skill through my program means everything to me. I’ve also been honored with the Chicago Star Award for my work in the community, and I’ve partnered with schools to bring boxing as a tool for education and personal development. But beyond the accolades, what truly matters to me is knowing that I’m giving back—helping others build strength, both physically and mentally.
What I Want Potential Clients to Know
If you’re looking for a gym that’s more than just a place to train—where you’ll be challenged, supported, and pushed to become better—3 Jmh Boxing is the place for you. Whether you’re beginner or an experienced fighter, I’ll meet you where you are and help you reach your goals. This gym isn’t just about boxing; it’s about building strong, confident, and resilient individuals.
I started with nothing, but through hard work and passion, I built something that helps others find their own strength. If you’re ready to take that step, I’m here to help you do it.
Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?
The most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been results. When people see real progress—whether it’s weight loss, increased strength, improved boxing skills, or boosted confidence—they talk about it. Word-of-mouth referrals have been my biggest driver of growth because my clients know that the training they receive at 3 Jmh Boxing delivers real, measurable results.
When someone walks into my gym, they don’t just get a workout; they get a structured program tailored to their goals. Whether it’s a kid learning discipline, an athlete preparing for competition, or an adult trying to get in shape, I make sure they leave better than when they came in. Seeing those transformations fuels my business because when people see results, they stay, they refer others, and they become part of the 3 Jmh Boxing family.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
One of the biggest tests of my resilience came when I was terminated from the railroad after 12 years. I had built my life around that job, providing for my family and securing what I thought was a stable future. Losing it all in an instant left me at rock bottom. I had to start over from nothing.
I found an opportunity in Kentucky as a yardmaster, but it took me away from my family during a very difficult time. That’s when I made the hardest but most important decision: to walk away and bet on myself. I left the job and returned to Chicago. During that transition, my brother-in-law Angel Figueroa and his wife opened their doors to my wife and me, giving us a place to stay until we got back on our feet.
One day, during a conversation with Angel, he mentioned a storefront in a building he was renovating. What I didn’t realize at first was how familiar that place actually was. That storefront ended up being a spot from our childhood—where I used to buy candy as a kid. Life had come full circle, bringing me right back to Brighton Park, where I grew up.
That conversation changed everything—it became the space where 3 Jmh Boxing would begin. With that first stepping stone, I had the foundation to start my business. I’ll always be grateful to them. I launched
3 Jmh Boxing with nothing but my passion for boxing and the determination to make it work.
It wasn’t easy. I had no steady income, no guarantees—just a vision of what I wanted to build and my wife by my side. I refused to quit. I put in the work day in and day out, training clients, spreading the word, and showing people the value of what I offered.
Here we are two years later—3 Jmh Boxing has grown, not just as a gym, but as a place where people come to transform themselves, just as I had to.
Starting over taught me that resilience isn’t just about getting back up after a fall—it’s about having the courage to create something better. I lost a job, but I found my purpose!
We hope to see you at 3 Jmh Boxing, truly a “Fighters Sanctuary”
Contact Info:
- Website: https://3jmhboxing.com
- Instagram: @3JmhBoxing
- Facebook: 3JmhBoxing
