Israel “Izzy” Gonzalez

Israel Gonzalez is the founder and president of Izzy Duz It Fitness Boxing (I.D.I.F.) and licensed certified amateur USA Boxing competition, coach. Izzy grew up in Chicago in the Humboldt Park neighborhood. As a youth, he was very active in sports and played baseball and football at Clemente High School. He studied Hapkido and Taekwondo in 1992-1995. While attending school Israel Gonzalez created the Northeastern Illinois University (NEIU) Boxing Club from 1998-present. Izzy fought at the Chicago Golden Glove finals in 1998 and also competed in USA Boxing from 1995-2001.

Today he dedicates his time as a boxing coach teaching youth and adults boxing, self-defense, and training for competition. He also volunteers and has volunteered in the community as a leader in partnership with local leaders and community organizers. Izzy has participated in back to school programs with Illinois State senators, Illinois State representatives, and the Cook County Commissioner.

In 1998, Israel Gonzalez was awarded a plaque of recognition for youth intervention in the 25th and 14th district after-school program from the Street Intervention Unit. In 1999, he attended North Eastern Illinois University with a major in Social Work and a minor in Criminal Justice. In 2004, he attended Northwestern Business College with a major of Criminal Justice and a minor in Social Work and was awarded a Scholastic Honor for a 4.0 GPA in Criminal Justice. Izzy began working for the city of Chicago Department of Human Services as an intervention worker for the homeless and families in need. In 2015, he was awarded a certificate from the 25th district police station for participating in “National Night Out Awareness”.