3504 W 111th St
Chicago, IL 60655
(773) 253-9404
3504 W 111th St Chicago, IL 60655
(773) 253-9404
About Us
Everything you’ll need to transform, under one roof.
Who Are We
Established in 2010, Southside Knockout is your one-stop transformation center. We build programs around members’ lifestyles, and provide a culture that is second to none. We get results while making members feel a part of something bigger. Let us show you how we get down!
TRANSFORMATION EXPERTS
Meet Our Transformation Experts
Our A-Team of trainers can fit any training style or preference, as each trainer has their own unique style & skillset. Meet our team below!
Ryan Phelps
Owner of Southside Knockout
Ryan Phelps is the driving force behind Southside Knockout, blending his passion for fitness, coaching, and community into a one-of-a-kind training experience. A lifelong athlete and high-energy motivator, Ryan believes fitness is about more than just workouts—it’s about building confidence, resilience, and lasting relationships.
As owner of SKT, Ryan leads by example, pushing members to crush their goals while keeping the atmosphere fun, welcoming, and full of energy. Known for his no-nonsense coaching style, relentless positivity, and ability to bring out the best in everyone, Ryan has helped transform countless lives inside and outside the gym. For Ryan, Southside Knockout isn’t just a gym—it’s a Fit Fam, and his mission is simple: to create an environment where ordinary people achieve extraordinary results.
Paige Phelps
Paige Phelps is the heart of Southside Knockout, combining her passion for fitness, nutrition, and community to help members transform their lives from the inside out. As co-owner of SKT, Paige leads with care and connection, showing members that success isn’t just about sweating in the gym—it’s also about fueling your body, building healthy habits, and believing in yourself.
With her expertise in nutrition coaching and her ability to motivate through encouragement and accountability, Paige has guided countless members to lasting results. She’s known for her creativity, compassion, and commitment to the Fit Fam, always going above and beyond to support every client’s journey.
For Paige, Southside Knockout isn’t just a business—it’s a family, and her mission is to empower others to feel strong, confident, and unstoppable.
Cordell Haynes
If you’ve ever walked into SKT and heard the hype before class even started… that’s probably Coach Dell. With over 10 years of experience, Dell is Southside Knockout Certified and brings the energy, the knowledge, and the no-excuses mindset every time he steps on the floor. His own transformation inspired him to help others, and now he’s out here changing lives one rep at a time.
Credentials & Experience
• 10+ years coaching and training
• SKT Certified
• Group training (small & large), high school athletes, and 1-on-1 sessions
• Specializes in strength, endurance, and targeted muscle training
Training Style & Philosophy
Dell’s sessions are fun, exciting, and laser-focused on strength and endurance. You’ll focus on form, posture, and technique—but make no mistake, you’re going to sweat. “It’s only one of me, and I’m gonna get the best outta you.”
Mindset & Motivation
Coach Dell stays ready so he never has to get ready He motivates by working out WITH you, hyping you up, and making sure you leave stronger than you walked in.
His advice: “Take your time. Don’t start off too hard—it’s a marathon, not a sprint.”
Personal Touch
• Favorite formats: Pyramids, Snake, Unbreakable, Supersets—anything that keeps the gym guessing • Fun fact: He’s a sports car junkie • Quote to live by: “Stay ready so you don’t have to get ready.”
❤️ What He Loves About SKT
“The team, the clients, and making every day count—one at a time.”
One of his most powerful moments? Watching client Veronica Barrera lose a tremendous amount of weight while pushing through a tough season of life. That’s what this is about.
If you’re training with Coach Dell for the first time, expect the best workout in the world—led by an awesome trainer in a one-of-a-kind gym.
Fred Czech
Coach Fred has been professionally teaching fitness for over 20 years. He has had the opportunity to coach in a wide variety of disciples and is always eager to learn and teach the most efficient and sound training methods available.
He holds many national certifications with very cool names such as: Performance Enhancement Specialist, and Certified USA Cycling Coach. Of all his certifications, two stand out as his proudest and most significant.
According to Fred: One of the most meaningful certifications was my very first one. My Jeet Kune Do Martial Arts Teacher Cert. I got the chance to train and be certified by Jerry Poteet, who was one of Bruce Lee's original students, and an amazing teacher. He instilled in me that a good teacher is one that shows students not what to learn, but how to learn. My next significant certification was my most recent and one of my most challenging. Corrective Exercise Specialist. This course shows how the human system is connected and how to affect change using stretching and mobility work combined with exercises to achieve optimal health and movement. This modality mirrors the way I had been training myself and clients for years, but at a deeper level.
“Fitness has given me so much and I love to share these gifts with all who are open to it.”
Elaine Esparza
Elaine brings a powerful blend of experience, motivation, and heart to every session. With 20 years of Taekwondo training, a 4th-degree black belt, and a background in working with athletes and individuals with special needs of all ages, she’s built her life around empowering others.
Credentials & Experience
• Certified in Fitness Training
• Studying Kinesiology + preparing for ACE Personal Trainer Certification
• 5+ years coaching, including Taekwondo
• 10x National Champion + 5x National Team Member
• Specializes in form, mindset, and tailored modifications for every fitness level
Training Style & Philosophy
Elaine’s sessions are adaptive, and client-focused. Her motto: “There’s no such thing as ‘I can’t.’ There’s always a modification.”
You can expect her to hold you accountable, correct your form, and push you to be your best—because she knows what you’re capable of, even when you don’t.
Mindset & Motivation
Elaine stays fit to lead by example—for her son, her clients, and herself. Her advice for anyone just starting:
“Remember why you started. Everyone starts somewhere. The only difference is the ones who succeed stayed committed.”
She motivates through progress—reminding clients how far they’ve come and what they’ve already accomplished.
Personal Touch
• Favorite workout: Sprint format—cardio + weights = perfect mix
• Favorite exercise: Battle ropes
• Fun fact: She’s a 10-time national champ
• Favorite quote: “Do what you love and love what you do.”
❤️ Why She Loves SKT
“The community. Everyone’s friendly, motivated, and it’s a space where people grow—physically and mentally.”
When you train with Elaine, expect to be challenged, supported, and pushed to 100%. She knows when you’re holding back—and she’s not letting you settle
Carol Keel
For new faces and longtime members—if you haven’t met Coach Carol yet, now’s your time!
Carol brings a thoughtful, supportive energy to every session, as well as every meeting. She’s on a mission to help others discover the same joy she found through training—and she does it with heart, intention, and a deep belief in the power of mindset.
Credentials & Experience
• Certified in Personal Training & Nutrition
• 1+ year of training and coaching
• Passionate about making fitness feel approachable and rewarding
Training Style & Philosophy
Carol’s sessions are gentle, individualized, and full of encouragement.
Her motto: “You don’t have to feel ready to begin.”
She meets clients where they are and creates a space where progress feels possible—no matter your starting point.
Her focus? Mindset and form. Because without the right mindset, goals don’t stick—and without proper form, the journey’s cut short.
Mindset & Motivation
What keeps her going? Staying in good health for the people she loves.
Her advice for those just getting started:
“Keep pushing and developing—even when it’s hard. Stay teachable, gain knowledge, and most importantly, enjoy the journey!”
Personal Touch
• Sessions are chatty, fun, and client-focused
• Loves creating a space where clients feel seen and supported
• Encourages clients to grow mentally as much as physically
Carol Keel:
“The community and the encouragement—it's unmatched. Coaches support clients, and clients lift each other up. That’s what makes SKT special.”
When you train with Coach Carol, expect a coach who truly listens, inspires growth, and reminds you that the journey is just as important as the destination.
Not to mention, her warm welcome when she see's you walk in!
Bryan Harney
Founder
Bryan Harney built Southside Knockout from the ground up with one mission — to create a place where people feel empowered, supported, and unstoppable. What started as a passion for fitness turned into something much bigger — a community that thrives on energy, connection, and accountability.
Bryan isn’t just about the workouts — he’s about the people. He genuinely cares about every member who walks through the doors, and that’s what makes SKT different. His love for the gym runs deep, but it’s the relationships, transformations, and team spirit that fuel him every single day.
Through his leadership and example, Bryan has turned Southside Knockout into more than a gym — it’s a family, a mindset, and a movement.
Hi! We're A Local Gym In Chicago, IL.
Established in 2010, it’s our mission to help people in the Chicagoland Area get fit, stay healthy, and live life on their terms without fitness being an obstacle.
Important Info
Staffed hours
Monday through Thursday
5:00 AM - 7:15 PM
Friday
5:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Saturday
7:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 10:30 AM