Risk Score
Pending analysis
Investment Range
$8,900 - $383,700
Franchise Fee
$14,900
Min Cash Required
$2,500
Total US Locations
31
Business Summary
I LOVE KICKBOXING operates fitness centers that specialize in boxing and kickboxing training. These centers offer scheduled classes in a group setting with instructors, utilizing a proprietary system of challenging workouts that combine strength and cardiovascular exercises. I LOVE KICKBOXING offers two types of locations: Standard Centers, which are stand-alone facilities with a minimum of eleven classes per week, and Lightweight Centers, which offer a minimum of three classes per week within existing recreation facilities. The brand maintains distinct interior designs, operating standards, and marketing approaches.
Corporate History
The I LOVE KICKBOXING brand's history dates back to January 2012 with the formation of ILKB, LLC, which offered I LOVE KICKBOXING franchises until 2020. ILKB TOO LLC then acquired the system in June 2020 and operated it until February 2024. In February 2024, 9Round Holding Company, LLC, which was formed in December 2023, acquired the I LOVE KICKBOXING franchise system, becoming the current franchisor. The parent company, 9Round Franchising, LLC, was established in December 2008 and also franchises the 9Round brand.
Financial Overview
Investment Range
$8,900 - $383,700
Franchise Fee (Low)
$14,900
Franchise Fee (High)
$24,900
Minimum Cash Required
$2,500
Royalty %
6%
Marketing %
2%
Equipment Costs (Low)
$3,400
Equipment Costs (High)
$251,300
Working Capital
$43,000
Audited Financials
Yes
Offers Financing
No
Audit Opinion
Unqualified opinion
Financial Health Notes
I LOVE KICKBOXING's financial health, as reflected by its parent company's audited financial statements, shows a shift from profitability in 2023 to a net loss of approximately $667,766 in 2024. Cash flow from operations also turned negative in 2024, at approximately ($1,026,350), compared to positive cash flow in 2023. The company's cash and cash equivalents significantly decreased from over $5.1 million in 2023 to about $2.5 million in 2024. Post-year-end, in April 2025, the company secured a $1,440,000 note payable to fund a repurchase of membership units, indicating a need for external financing for significant transactions. The auditors issued an unqualified opinion, meaning the financial statements are presented fairly, but the operational results show recent financial challenges.
Financing Details
I LOVE KICKBOXING does not directly offer any financing or guarantee loans for its franchisees. However, it may help connect franchisees with third-party finance companies or banks. If a franchisee is referred to Guidant Financial for a Rollover as Business Start-Up (ROBS) loan and proceeds with it, Guidant will pay I LOVE KICKBOXING a $1,000 referral fee. Franchisees are ultimately responsible for securing their own financing.
Performance Metrics
Total US Locations
31
Franchised Units
29
Corporate Units
0
Avg Square Footage
2,500
Franchising Since
2012
Legal & Compliance Analysis
Recent Litigation
Yes
Bankruptcy
No
Litigation Count
4
Litigation Summary
I LOVE KICKBOXING has been involved in several legal disputes, primarily inherited from its predecessors, ILKB TOO LLC and ILKB, LLC. There were three resolved lawsuits originally filed in 2020 against ILKB TOO LLC (as a successor to ILKB LLC). These cases involved allegations of Franchise Sales Act violations, breach of contract, fraud, and negligent misrepresentations by franchisees regarding their franchise purchases. One of these cases, Roddie McDowall, resulted in a default judgment of $831,078 against ILKB, LLC, and the case against ILKB TOO LLC was closed in October 2024 with the appeal dismissed in December 2024. Another, Roger Gould, saw ILKB TOO LLC's summary judgment granted in September 2024, but the case against ILKB LLC is ongoing. The third, Thomas Callen, was dismissed in February 2025. More recently, in March 2025, I LOVE KICKBOXING itself filed a trademark infringement lawsuit against Kyle Casamento for using a similar business name. I LOVE KICKBOXING states that if the court rules against them in this new case, they might not be able to use their trademarks in Mr. Casamento's immediate area.
Bankruptcy History
I LOVE KICKBOXING has no bankruptcy history to report.
Agreement Terms
Initial Term
10 years
Renewal Term
5 years
Renewal Conditions
To renew their franchise agreement, I LOVE KICKBOXING franchisees must meet the brand's current qualifications for new franchisees and provide written notice of their intent to renew between six and twelve months before their current term ends. They will need to sign the then-current franchise agreement, which may have different terms, fees, or even a modified Designated Area. A renewal fee must be paid, and the center must have met all modernization requirements. Franchisees must be in good standing, free of defaults, and have met all their obligations on time. If leasing their location, they must provide proof of their ability to remain in possession throughout the renewal term and provide any required lease addendum. They must also comply with current training requirements and sign a general release.
Training & Support Program
Franchisor Assistance
I LOVE KICKBOXING provides extensive support to its franchisees. Before opening, this includes assisting with site selection criteria, providing general center design, lists of approved suppliers, access to an operating manual with specifications and procedures, initial training programs, and grand opening assistance. Once open, I LOVE KICKBOXING offers ongoing support by updating supplier lists, evaluating business performance, providing refresher training, and offering strategies for pricing products and services. Marketing support is also provided through a Brand Building Fund, which covers creative development, public relations, web services, digital marketing, promotions, and sponsorships. Franchisees are also required to use a proprietary Technology System, including a point-of-sale system, app, body composition analyzer, music system, heart rate monitor, and coaching screen system, for which I LOVE KICKBOXING provides guidance.
Initial Training Hours
24
Training Location
Currently virtual, with potential for in-person training at corporate headquarters in Simpsonville, South Carolina, or nearby Greenville County, South Carolina.
Ongoing Support
I LOVE KICKBOXING provides ongoing support by evaluating franchisee businesses, offering necessary services, and providing refresher training courses. It also offers strategies for pricing products and services. Franchisees and their key employees may be required to attend ongoing training programs, conferences, meetings, or seminars, for which fees and travel expenses are the franchisee's responsibility. I LOVE KICKBOXING may also develop certification programs for fitness personnel. Additionally, the brand building fund provides continuous general marketing and promotional services, including creative development, public relations, web services, and digital marketing.
Franchise Requirements
Ideal Candidate Profile
I LOVE KICKBOXING seeks candidates who possess adequate financial resources and business experience. Franchisees, or their general managers, must be prepared to devote sufficient time and best efforts to the management of the center, providing direct on-premises supervision. They are also expected to stay informed about I LOVE KICKBOXING's organizational plans and initiatives.
Industry Experience Required
No
Management Experience Required
Yes
Sales Experience Required
No
Technical Skills Required
No
Operational Details
Location Type
Retail
Owner Participation
Supervisory
Territory Type
Limited
Territory Size Requirements
I LOVE KICKBOXING territories for Standard Centers are defined by location-specific factors. In urban areas, a minimum designated area is one city block. In suburban and rural areas, the territory may extend up to a three-mile driving distance from the approved location. The exact size and boundaries are determined based on factors such as population, median age, income level, population density, growth trends, density of residential and business entities, and major topographical features.
Staffing Notes
I LOVE KICKBOXING franchisees must maintain a competent, conscientious, and trained staff sufficient to serve customers properly, including handling daily opening and closing procedures. Employees are expected to provide good customer relations, adhere to a dress code, and follow I LOVE KICKBOXING's policies for customer complaints and refunds. Managers, instructors, and other employees with access to proprietary information must sign non-disclosure agreements and, if required, non-compete covenants. Franchisees are solely responsible for all aspects of employee management, including hiring, setting wages and benefits, work hours, and disciplinary actions.