About Us
Our mission is to provide disadvantaged young men and women with an alternative to dangerous decisions, drug use and gang violence. Founded on the principles that physical well being, moral strength, emotional health and a positive outlook can be nurtured simultaneously; we aim to provide the community with a space free from hopelessness and despair.
Who We are
Building Strength, Inspiring Hope
The Ring of Hope Boxing Club (formerly Schenectady Youth Boxing & Fitness) is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization, serving young people and adults in Schenectady and surrounding communities; with physical fitness programs, a competition team and mentoring and support.
We provide a structured space where kids and adults alike build confidence, discipline, and life skills through boxing and mentorship.
Ring of Hope also serves as a fully equipped gym, offering members access to top-notch equipment for independent workouts and training.

Empowering Youth and Adults Through Boxing and Fitness for 20+ Years
Coach Vince Kittle opened his first boxing gym in 2004 as a safe haven for young people, especially high school students in the Albany and Schenectady area. The U.S. Marine Corps Boxing Hall of Fame champion, recognized the need for an outlet — a club — that offered an alternative to dangerous decisions.

Photo by filmworks109 (2015)
Our STORY
IT ALL STARTED WITH COACH KITTLE

Photo by filmworks109 (2015)
Coach Vince Kittle opened his first boxing gym in 2004 as a safe haven for young people, especially high school students in Albany and Schenectady, NY. The U.S. Marine Corps Boxing Hall of Fame champion, recognized the need for an outlet — a club — that offered an alternative to dangerous decisions. “Many of the young people we serve are at risk just by virtue of the fact that they live in difficult circumstances. They’re at risk of making poor choices. Boxing and boxing fitness are an attractive draw for many of them,” Kittle said. When the building Kittle used was sold in 2006, Jeff Christiana entered the picture. Today, we offer boxing instruction and boxing fitness programs to youth and adults at the Ring of Hope Boxing Club, located at 118 Erie Blvd. Schenectady, NY.
Boxing has a long tradition of serving urban youth by introducing tools for self-discipline, character-building and dedication to a greater goal. It is an important outlet for many kids who are not interested in other sports by virtue of peer pressure or other circumstances. Under the direction the Ring Of Hope coaches and staff, the gym offers a variety of boxing and fitness programs for kids, teenagers and adults; as well as brain boosting activities such as a chess club and faith based programs such as bible study group.
More Than a Gym
Ring of Hope is a space where individuals discover their potential, overcome challenges, and achieve personal growth through boxing and fitness. From mentoring youth to empowering adults, our programs build more than strength—they build community and character.
Meet Our Team
The Heart of Ring of Hope

Vince Kittle
Director Emeritus
Founder and retired Head Coach, Vince Kittle had 35+ years experience as a boxing coach and mentor to young people and adults alike. He retired as a USA Boxing certified Silver Level Coach. Coach Kittle was inducted into the Marine Corps Boxing Hall of Fame and is an All Marine Corp Gold Medalist, as well as an All Services Silver Medalist. “Coach”, as he is referred to at the gym, would rather ignore the accolades and simply say, “We love what we do”!

Nasir Mayfield
Director of Training
Nasir has over 10 years boxing experience and is a two-time Silver Gloves champion, winning the title in 2013 and 2015. “Coach Nas”, shifted gears in 2018 to bring his knowledge and skill set to coaching. He is a certified USA Boxing Bronze Level coach. His positive mindset and ability to motivate others, serves us well, as Coach Nas leads our Youth Program and Train Like a Pro adult classes. In addition, Coach Nas is actively training our competitive boxers and running push-in programs in several Schenectady schools.

Kenneth Brooks
Coach
Kenneth has been coaching boxing since 2016 and has been with the Ring of Hope for over 7 years. Kenneth currently oversees the Youth Program with Coach Nas and runs several push-in programs at various Schenectady schools. Additionally, Kenneth founded and leads our ROH Chess Club and and is a certified USA Boxing Bronze Level coach. Outside of boxing, Kenneth is the Assistant Director for Community Fathers and Coordinator of the Urban Environmental Study Team at the Schoharie River Center. Kenneth has a passion for enhancing the lives of our youth.

Jacki Kinnicutt-Sawyer
Operations Coordinator/Trainer
Jacki has been with the Ring of Hope for 10+ years. She handles our administrative needs, leads the Tuesday/Thursday evening and Saturday morning Train Like A Pro class and runs push-in programs in multiple Schenectady schools. Jacki is a USA Boxing certified Bronze Level coach and Level I official, as well as a certified Trauma Informed Coach. Outside of boxing, Jacki is a mom to two young men and an active community member.

Brian Hernandez
Coach
Brian is a ROH boxer who has added employee and coach to his resume. Brian has over 5 years boxing experience and is a soon to be USA Boxing green level coach. Brian is a high school senior attending SCCC in the Early College program and will graduate high school in 2025 with an Associates Degree in addition to his HS diploma. When he is not in school or the gym, Brian is tending to his MANY reptiles and researching best practices for them.

Hear From Our Community!
Support Ring of Hope: Empower Lives Through Donation
At Ring of Hope, your generosity fuels our mission to create a safe haven for youth and adults, providing opportunities for growth, mentorship, and personal transformation. Every contribution, big or small, makes a difference. Together, we can continue to empower individuals and strengthen our community one punch at a time.
Support At-Risk Youth:
Fund after-school programs and mentorship initiatives that build confidence and life skills.
Maintain Our Gym
Keep our facilities equipped and accessible to all members of the community.
Expand Opportunities
Help young boxers participate in competitions and programs that inspire discipline and success.
Thank you for being part of the Ring of Hope family and investing in a brighter future!