Venice gym offers hope to those once incarcerated

Thursday, January 15, 2026
VENICE, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Right off Lincoln Blvd is Deuce Gym, which used to be a vintage auto shop. Logan Gelbrich transformed it into a training facility back in 2013.

"The main thing we do is strength and conditioning for the general population. But all of our coaches have like a pillar focus," said Gelbrich.

For some, there's also a focus on helping others through the gym's non-profit, Deuce Community. They target those currently or formerly incarcerated, homeless, or seeking sobriety.

"Life's like highest aim is pursuing this space between where we are now and where we want to be, who we want be. And this program is about navigating that gap for people in that demographic," Gelbrich said.

Jose Bojorquez served 13 years behind bars. He met people from Deuce through a workout in a re-entry program. Once he saw how much they cared, his life started to change.



"But what I didn't realize is that, you know, these group of individuals and members that were here were gonna embrace me in a way that I've never been embraced before. And they believed in me," said Bojorquez.

Now, he's living a quality life, and giving back.

"I'm a father of a beautiful 11-month-old baby. I work multiple jobs. I pay my own rent. I pay own bills. I contribute," he said.

Kristen Schmitt was released from prison just three months ago after serving time at the fire camp in Malibu. That's where she discovered Deuce, which would come on site to offer workouts.

"It's so refreshing to have and know that people care from the outside, like to be seen. You know what I mean? And it wasn't just once, it wasn't just twice," said Schmitt.



Deuce is giving her tools needed to re-enter society.

"I've been incarcerated before, gotten out and been right back in. And what I did not have then was that mentorship, that guidance, I didn't have somebody that I could call necessarily and to help walk me through a situation," she said.

It's all about reaching their peak potential - starting with their bodies and eventually their minds and souls.

"We've got to have a world where people who are justice system-impacted know that, and it won't be easy, that if they are highly motivated, eager to learn, have a growth mindset, anything is possible," said Gelbrich.

For more information, go to deucegym.com
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