Learn about The Bloc

Maximizing the youths full potential.

More than boxing

We contribute to the momentum of improving Chicago's future by attracting youth least likely to join mentoring and tutoring programs-- the kids who like
to fight.

We offer an enriching opportunity for no cost to the 100 youth enrolled and their families. Once enrolled, we connect them to mentors, engage them in academic services, and expand their horizons with college trips and explorational learning

Mentoring

Mentoring

Frequent check-ins with caring adults help our fighters navigate life's difficult circumstances-- from asking a date to prom or preparing for a job interview, to dealing with the death of a friend or family strife. Our fighters know they never have to be alone, and this fuels their success.
Academic Support

Academic Support

Ranging from silent study time to one-on-on tutoring, all fighters are supported in reaching rigorous academic milestones. College trips help fighters set goals, while volunteers devote their time to helping the fighters achieve those goals.
Boxing

Boxing

From the hobbyist to the Olympic enthusiast, all fighters receive character-first boxing training in a safe, warm environment led by proven trainers.
Pantry

Pantry

Since June of 2020, our pantry has distributed thousands of pounds high-quality fresh produce to our neighbors each month. Our fighters and neighbors know they can count on us for fresh food, canned goods, household items, period products and more.

The Bloc contributes to the momentum improving Chicago's future by attracting youth least likely to join mentoring and tutoring programs-- the kids who like to fight.
Jamyle Cannon

Our Team

Jamyle Cannon
Executive Director

Executive Director

Jamyle Cannon is the Founder and Executive of The Bloc. He is the 2009 National Collegiate Boxing Champion and a Teach for America Alumni member. He holds a Bachelors Degree in Social Work from the University of Kentucky and a Masters in Education from Arizona State University. In 2016, after building a popular boxing program in his classroom, Cannon combined his love for youth development, boxing, and education to form The Bloc.
He has been recognized as a 2022 Luminary Award winner, CNN Hero, a 4-Star Chicagoan by Windy City Live, an Economic Game Changer by the New Covenant Community Development Corporation, profiled as one of the Hardest Working Voices in Sports by Chicago Sun-Times, awarded the Rich O’Leary Community Sports Award at Notre Dame University, and is generally considered by the fighters in The Bloc to be the baddest man alive.
He has sincere plans to change the after school landscape of Chicago’s West Side and provide community-building resources to his neighbors.
Juli Cannon
Director of Operations

Director of Operations

Juli Cannon is the Director of Operations for The Bloc. A graduate of the University of Pittsburgh with a Masters Degree in Secondary Education from Arizona State University, Juli is a Teach for America Alum, former Director of Science Curriculum and Instruction for KIPP Chicago, and 10-year teaching veteran, who ensures the operational excellence of The Bloc. Outside of work, Juli enjoys spending time with her husband and son, rock climbing, and sewing clothing.
Sabrina Canchola
Program Manager

Program Manager

Sabrina Canchola is a Chicago Northwest side native and serves as one of our Program Managers at The Bloc. Her work ensures our fighters are experiencing high quality and meaningful programming, as well as managing our data to demonstrate The Bloc's success through our day to day activities. Sabrina is also currently earning her MA in Social Sector Leadership and Nonprofit Management at The University of Chicago, and is looking forward to growing as a nonprofit leader with The Bloc to continue bridging together grassroots community organizations so that we all prosper. Outside of work and school, Sabrina loves being crafty, spending time with family, and watching reality TV.
Erica Rodriguez
Program Manager

Program Manager

Erica Rodriguez is a Program Manager at The Bloc. She oversees the Boxing and Social Emotional Learning curriculums to ensure The Bloc is delivering high-impact programming to meet the needs and support the goals of every fighter. Erica studied Human Development in Context at Northwestern University and is currently pursuing a Masters of Social Work at Northeastern Illinois University. She comes to The Bloc with a winning amatuer boxing record, a Golden Gloves championship, and a dedication to spreading the love of the sport. When she's not running around at The Bloc, Erica can be found putzing in her garden, riding her motorcycle, or camping with her partner and 2 doggies.
Darleen Harris
Lead Youth Development Coordinator

Lead Youth Development Coordinator

Darleen Harris is the Lead Youth Development Coordinator at The Bloc. She ensures that we’re implementing programming in a way that engages the fighters and that positively impacts them. Darleen was born and raised on the West Side of Chicago, a member of the founding class of DRW, where the bloc originated, and a UIUC Alumni. At UIUC, she studied social work and gender & women’s studies. She is hoping to provide the right information to help fighters with mental health, academics, career planning and boxing. Outside of work, Darleen enjoys being a mother, business owner, and watching documentaries.
Dylan Morones
Data & Logistics Coordinator

Data & Logistics Coordinator

Dylan Morones is a Youth Development Coordinator of The Bloc. Dylan was a white-glove boxer for The Bloc before he graduated high school in 2019 and a member of the founding class of The Bloc. He now supports youth development and logistical functions of the program. He is currently pursuing a Bachelors for marketing, and he has lived on the South Side of Chicago his whole life and has two wonderful kids. On his off time Dylan likes to read and spend time outdoors.