Meet The Team

Joey Leonard is the founder and driving force behind BVL Boxing Solutions, a not-for-profit boxing gym located in Mokena, Illinois. 

 

With a deep-rooted belief in the power of boxing to transform lives, Joey created BVL as a safe and supportive space for individuals from all walks of life—especially those rebuilding themselves after addiction, trauma, or hardship. 

 

His mission is simple yet powerful: use the discipline of boxing to restore confidence, build community, and offer a second chance to those who need it most.

 

What sets Joey apart is his hands-on leadership and unwavering commitment to every person who walks through the gym doors. Whether he's running training sessions, mentoring new members, or organizing community events, his passion is evident in everything he does. 

 

Under his guidance, BVL Boxing Solutions has become more than just a gym—it’s a family, a movement, and a beacon of hope for those on the path to recovery and self-improvement.

Commodity Risk Analyst for RCM Alternatives in Chicago

MA in Pastoral Studies at the University of St. Mary of the Lake in Mundelein Illinois

Lay Ecclesial Minister in the Archdiocese of Chicago

Certified Pastoral Associate

Glenn Leonard brings 56 years of boxing experience to BVL Boxing. Glenn cut his teeth under the tutelage of his father, Vic Leonard, at Scottsdale Park.

 

He's competed in over 40 amateur bouts and has 25 years of coaching experience, the last 22 at GLW Boxing in Chicago's West Loop. 

 

Glenn focuses on fundamentals, as he says, "the little things."

 

Glenn is as intense as he is sarcastic. So be prepared to work (and laugh) your butt off!

Meet Gabby Barraco, one of the welcoming faces at BVL Boxing Solutions. 

 

Gabby is usually with the people, bringing warmth to our not-for-profit mission. Having lost her sister and cousin to a fentanyl overdose alongside enduring years of trauma within immediate family addiction challenges, she says, “My daughters carry this from both of our sides of family lineage, as so many children do today. This runs so deep in every family. People just pretend to not see it. Knowing this, we can choose compassion and support them with helpful tools now like youth boxing to avoid the pull to the rough path.” 

 

Gabby guides women through her own hard-won journey with empathy, occasionally facilitating youth classes where her daughters thrive. Founder and host of Beautiful Pain Podcast she is an ultimate advocate for women walking their path and honoring those who’ve paved the way; believing our souls grow through this experience we’ve chosen to understand. With community and lots of faith, she works to break the cycle to raises our next generation—it takes a village.

As a powerhouse coach, she delivers exceptional personal 1:1 boxing training, leads dynamic women’s classes, champions self-defense workshops, and inspires youth with her loving and leadership energy. Her brilliance shines beyond the ring — she checks in off-hours with our clients with unwavering care, always having everyone’s back. 

 

Gabby also prepares young adults to compete at their peak, molding them into their best selves with relentless dedication. Recognized as one of the hardest workers around, her commitment to building confidence, strength, and discipline has made her a cornerstone of our community, empowering all—beginners to competitors—at every level. “With Gabby in your corner, the possibilities are endless”

Meet Keith Werfelman, the While earning a certificate in drug and alcohol counseling at SRJC, Keith completed three semesters of boxing. It was there he discovered his drinking had greatly reduced. He continues to battle addiction though different physical activity. He had numerous personal boxing trainers throughout his life. And has come to learn, working to be fit and staying occupied significantly lowers the chance of relapse.

 

Keith has assisted coaches and teachers in the past with children, when an extra hand was needed. Many people find him easy to talk to and comforting when discussing personal issues. He has also volunteered on the San Francisco suicide hotline and majored in psychology while attending East Stroudsburg University. Keith is currently employed at BVL Boxing Solutions.

“One of my biggest goals in life was to always be a husband, a father, and a coach, and now I have all three here at BVL,” says Brett Bartnik, whose infectious positivity lights up BVL Boxing Solutions in Mokena, IL—where he was truly meant to be a coach. 

 

From age eight, he began with Shito-Ryu Karate, later exploring Taekwondo, boxing inspired as a kid loving the movie Rocky, and a rich blend of disciplines including Muay Thai, MMA, kickboxing, Jeet Kune Do, wrestling, Jiu-Jitsu, and Capoeira. His passion deepened in high school with boxing in Joliet, followed by MMA training in New Lenox/Mokena with JBMA, and a transformative stint in the Army as a combatives instructor. 

 

Brett’s personable nature shines as he coaches kids’ classes, supports recovery members, and fuels young adults’ hunger for competition, loving to see them smile as they prepare for their best selves. 

 

After battling his own demons, only because he’s walked that path that he can so compassionately hold space for others walking it now—Brett adds, “I love the unknown. I love going through the storm and fighting my way out—it’s like a fighter’s life, even if you’re not a fighter.” For Brett, seeing people leave the gym with a smile, mirroring his own sense of renewal, is the ultimate reward. His dedication to building confidence and strength, rooted in a lifelong love for the fight, makes him a cornerstone of our community—