Milwaukee Boxing Club Seeks Help After Fire Damage

ACE Boxing Club faces thousands in repairs to keep serving youth programs.

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

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A Milwaukee boxing club that has served the community since the 1960s is asking for donations after an electrical fire caused significant damage to its building. The nonprofit ACE Boxing Club relies on donations to operate and now needs thousands of dollars to repair broken wood, a damaged ceiling, and other debris left behind after the fire.

Why it matters

ACE Boxing Club has been a vital community resource, offering free training and mentorship for at-risk youth in Milwaukee. The damage threatens the club's ability to continue its longstanding youth programs, which aim to keep young people off the streets.

The details

The fire caused extensive damage to the ACE Boxing Club facility, including broken wood, a damaged ceiling, and debris. Firefighters were able to save the building, but the repairs are estimated to cost between $10,000 to $20,000 to cover the electrical and insulation work needed. The nonprofit relies on donations to operate and now faces an uncertain future unless it can raise the funds to make the necessary fixes.

  • The fire occurred on February 4, 2026.

The players

ACE Boxing Club

A Milwaukee nonprofit boxing club that has served the community since the 1960s, offering free training and mentorship programs for youth.

Frank Porter

The current operator of ACE Boxing Club, which was founded by his father and grandfather to help keep at-risk young people off the streets.

Ismael Hernandez

A youth member and volunteer at ACE Boxing Club who has helped with the cleanup efforts after the fire.

Mike Keller

A volunteer who works at Infinity Exteriors and has assisted with assessing the damage, estimating the repairs could cost between $10,000 to $20,000.

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What they’re saying

“The repairs only come and only come from what we get from donations.”

— Frank Porter, Club Operator (fox6now.com)

“Thank God it didn't, but yeah, it really makes me sad, because this place is an amazing place.”

— Ismael Hernandez, Youth Member and Volunteer (fox6now.com)

“Just the door is a couple thousand dollars for that size of a door. It's significantly much more. We are taking 10-20 thousand dollars in damage, probably between the electrical and insulation.”

— Mike Keller, Volunteer, Infinity Exteriors (fox6now.com)

What’s next

Club leaders are determined to reopen ACE Boxing Club and continue serving the community. They are actively seeking donations to cover the thousands of dollars in repairs needed to fix the fire damage.

The takeaway

This fire threatens the future of a beloved community institution that has provided vital youth programs and mentorship for generations in Milwaukee. The outpouring of support from volunteers and the community will be crucial in determining whether ACE Boxing Club can overcome this setback and keep its doors open.