How to Finance a KickHouse Franchise: Kickboxing Studio Costs
By Marc Cornella
A KickHouse franchise loan funds a boutique kickboxing studio built around coached group classes, heavy bags and a membership model. KickHouse markets its franchise as a small-footprint concept with a fast development timeline, which shapes how much buyers need to borrow and how lenders look at the opening period.
Below we cover what the brand shares about its model, which FDD items to study, its SBA Franchise Directory listing, and the financing options that fit a new or existing studio.
US Professional Funding is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by KickHouse; the name is used only to describe the business. Figures in the franchisor’s disclosure document can change, loan programs and terms vary by lender and borrower, and every loan is subject to lender review and approval. Nothing here is legal, tax or investment advice, and buyers should review the current disclosure document and franchise agreement with a qualified franchise attorney and accountant.
KickHouse Franchise Loan at a Glance
- Concept: coached kickboxing classes for all fitness levels, with no experience required.
- Brand origin: KickHouse says the concept was born in 2020.
- Studio model: a small footprint that the brand says is meant to minimize time to break-even, with a development timeline it says can have owners open within 7 months.
- Growth options: the brand advertises multi-unit and area developer territories.
- Membership model: a free first class and unlimited class memberships.
- Franchise fee, royalty and total investment: not published on the franchisor’s pages; request the current Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) and read Items 5, 6 and 7.
- SBA Franchise Directory: listed under code S6229, with no additional notes.
What Is KickHouse?
KickHouse describes itself as a concept born in 2020 at the intersection of franchising and fitness. Every workout is rooted in kickboxing, with other fitness elements layered into each class type, and the studios promote real technique in a supportive, community-focused setting.
Class formats. The brand’s class lineup includes KickStart, an introduction to stance, footwork and basic combinations; Kickin’Beats, choreographed combinations set to music; PowerKick, a Muay Thai-based class focused on power and pacing; and Core+, coached mitt work and conditioning for experienced members. That range lets one studio serve beginners and advanced members on the same schedule.
Where it operates. KickHouse lists studios in several states, including Arizona, California, Colorado, Illinois, Pennsylvania and Virginia.
Why lenders view it the way they do. Boutique fitness lenders look at recurring membership revenue, the cost of the build-out and how quickly a studio can reach its target member count. A small-footprint model with modest equipment needs can mean a smaller loan, but a younger brand gives lenders less system history to rely on, so the owner’s capital and plan carry more weight.
KickHouse Franchise Costs
KickHouse does not publish its franchise fee, royalty or estimated initial investment on its own pages, and it states that franchises are offered only through its FDD. Use the current FDD for every number in your loan request.
Initial franchise fee. Item 5 shows the fee and when it is due. The brand has promoted occasional discounts on the initial fee, so confirm the exact amount in your franchise agreement. The fee is usually paid at signing, before the loan closes.
Real estate and build-out. Most studios lease space in a retail center. A kickboxing studio needs an open workout floor, bag-hanging structural support, impact-absorbing flooring, locker or cubby areas, restrooms, sound and lighting, and HVAC sized for high-intensity classes. Leasehold improvements are often the largest cost.
Equipment. Heavy bags and mounts, gloves and wraps for loaner use, mitts and pads, conditioning equipment, audio systems, screens and a front-desk setup.
Opening costs and working capital. Presale marketing, staff hiring and training, opening inventory of retail items, deposits, insurance and a reserve for the ramp-up.
What to look for in Item 7. The Item 7 table should show ranges for:
- Initial franchise fee
- Leasehold improvements and construction
- Bags, fitness equipment and audio-visual systems
- Signage, furniture and fixtures
- Technology and software
- Grand opening and presale marketing
- Training expenses
- Additional funds for the initial operating period
Check the studio size the table assumes and how many months of additional funds it includes.
Ongoing Fees and How They Affect Your Loan
Item 6 lists recurring fees. For a boutique fitness brand, expect a royalty on gross sales, a brand or marketing fund contribution, a local marketing requirement and technology fees for booking and membership software.
How lenders factor these in. A lender projects membership revenue, subtracts rent, coach payroll, royalties, marketing and software, and checks that the remainder covers debt service. Because fees are often tied to sales, the margin left for debt service depends on reaching a stable membership base.
Remodel and refresh obligations. Ask what equipment replacement or studio refresh the franchise agreement requires, and plan reserves for it.
Franchisor Requirements for New Owners
KickHouse does not publish net worth or liquidity requirements on its pages. Ask the franchisor and confirm them in the FDD. Lenders will typically look for:
- Liquid funds for the equity injection, franchise fee and reserves
- Management, sales or fitness industry experience, or a strong studio manager
- A site in a market with the right demographics and visibility
- Completion of the franchisor’s training
The approval process. Expect an inquiry, introductory calls, delivery of the FDD, a review period, discovery meetings and approval before signing. Begin financing conversations while reviewing the FDD.
Ways to Own a KickHouse
A new studio. Most buyers open a new location. Financing covers the franchise fee, build-out, equipment, presale marketing and working capital. See our fitness center start-up financing page.
Buying an existing studio. Existing KickHouse studios occasionally come up for sale. A buyer can use the studio’s membership and financial history to support the loan, subject to franchisor approval. Our articles on buying an existing gym and buying a boutique fitness studio cover what to examine.
Multi-unit and area development. KickHouse advertises multi-unit and area developer territories for buyers who want to build several studios.
Financing Options for a KickHouse Franchise
SBA 7(a) loans. With KickHouse on the SBA Franchise Directory, an SBA 7(a) loan can finance the franchise fee, build-out, equipment and working capital together, which suits a studio with mostly soft costs.
SBA 504 loans. The 504 program finances owner-occupied real estate and long-lived equipment. Because most studios lease space, 504 financing usually fits only when an owner buys a building.
Conventional term loans. Experienced fitness operators or buyers with strong collateral may use a conventional business loan.
Equipment financing. Heavy bags, mounts, conditioning equipment and audio-visual systems can be financed separately to preserve cash. See our fitness equipment financing and leasing options.
Working capital and lines of credit. Studios often run presales before opening and then build membership over several months. Fitness demand also tends to swing with seasons, peaking in the new year. A reserve or line of credit covers rent, coach payroll and marketing through the ramp-up. Learn about fitness center working capital.
Seller financing on resales. When buying an existing studio, the seller may carry part of the price. A seller note is typically subordinate to the senior loan, and SBA rules may limit it.
SBA Loans for KickHouse Franchisees
The SBA Franchise Directory lists brands whose franchise documents have been reviewed for SBA lending. SBA lenders generally confirm the listing before making an SBA-guaranteed loan, but a listing does not approve any borrower.
The brand’s listing. KickHouse is listed under code S6229 with no additional notes, meaning no special addendum or document change is flagged for this brand. The franchise relationship is cleared for SBA review, and each borrower must still qualify.
Program limits and tips. The SBA 7(a) program maximum is currently $5 million, though program rules can change. Prepare the FDD, franchise agreement, lease or letter of intent, build-out bids, equipment quotes, a personal financial statement, tax returns and projections. Our SBA loan calculator gives planning estimates only.
How Lenders Evaluate a KickHouse Deal
Personal credit and financial history. Lenders review credit, tax returns and a personal financial statement, and typically require personal guarantees.
Net worth and liquidity. Expect lenders to look for the equity injection plus reserves after closing, especially with a younger brand.
Industry and management experience. Fitness, sales or multi-unit management experience helps. Lenders also want to know who will run the studio day to day.
Business plan and projections. Projections should model presales, monthly membership growth, member retention, coach payroll and the fee schedule. Our article on gym membership agreements explains how lenders view recurring membership revenue.
The FDD and franchise agreement. Lenders review the term, renewal, transfer conditions, Item 10 franchisor financing and whether Item 19 includes financial performance representations. Read about how lenders use the FDD.
Site and lease. Visibility, parking and nearby residents matter. Lenders want a lease term, with renewals, at least as long as the loan.
Historical financials for resales. Expect to provide membership reports, profit and loss statements and tax returns.
Studio Equipment and Build-Out
A kickboxing studio’s signature asset is its bag floor. Heavy bags need secure mounting, whether ceiling-hung on structural supports or freestanding, and the floor must handle constant impact. Audio and lighting help create the class atmosphere, and a front desk and retail area support sales.
Because the equipment package is modest compared with a full-size gym, the build-out often matters more to the budget than the equipment itself. Get contractor bids early, confirm that the landlord’s structure can support hanging bags, and negotiate tenant improvement allowances where possible.
Multi-Unit Growth and Development Agreements
KickHouse promotes multi-unit and area developer territories. A development agreement typically sets the number of studios and an opening schedule, and each studio still needs its own financing.
Financing additional studios. Once your first studio has steady membership, lenders can underwrite combined cash flow for the next opening. Keep separate books for each studio. Our article on multi-location gym financing explains how lenders approach growing operators.
Real-World Scenarios
A first-time owner opening a studio. A former corporate manager signs for a single studio, uses an SBA 7(a) loan for the build-out, bags and working capital, and runs a presale campaign before opening.
A fitness professional with an area agreement. An experienced coach signs a multi-unit agreement, finances the first studio with SBA 7(a), and plans to finance the next studios as the first one matures.
A buyer purchasing an existing studio. A buyer purchases a studio with an established member base. The lender relies on membership and financial history, and the seller carries a subordinated note.
An owner upgrading equipment. A studio owner finances new bags and an audio upgrade separately to keep working capital intact.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Relying on cost figures from listing sites instead of the current FDD
- Underestimating build-out costs for bag mounting and flooring
- Assuming presales will cover the ramp-up
- Ignoring seasonal swings in membership
- Signing a lease shorter than the loan term
For more, read about fitness center loan mistakes.
Next Steps to Finance Your KickHouse Franchise
Step 1: Request the FDD. Ask KickHouse for the current FDD and owner requirements.
Step 2: Review it with advisors. Study Items 5, 6, 7, 10, 17 and 19 and the franchise agreement with a franchise attorney and accountant.
Step 3: Talk with a financing specialist. Learn your borrowing range before choosing a site.
Step 4: Secure a site. Get bids and lease terms and confirm the space can support hanging bags.
Step 5: Build projections. Model presales, membership growth, payroll, rent and fees.
Step 6: Apply, close and open. Submit your loan package, coordinate with franchisor approval and keep reserves for the ramp-up.
KickHouse Franchise Loan FAQs
How much does a KickHouse franchise cost?
KickHouse does not publish its total investment on its own pages. Item 7 of the current FDD gives the estimated range, and your KickHouse franchise loan should be sized from it.
What is the KickHouse franchise fee?
The fee is disclosed in Item 5 of the FDD. The brand has promoted fee discounts at times, so confirm the amount in your agreement.
What royalty does KickHouse charge?
Royalties and marketing fund contributions are disclosed in Item 6 of the FDD.
Is KickHouse eligible for SBA loans?
Yes. KickHouse is listed on the SBA Franchise Directory under code S6229 with no additional notes.
How long does it take to open?
KickHouse says its development timeline can have owners open within 7 months. Actual timing depends on site, permits and construction.
Can I finance equipment separately?
Yes. Bags, mounts, conditioning and audio equipment can often be financed separately.
Can I buy an existing KickHouse studio?
Yes, with franchisor approval. Lenders use the studio’s membership and financial history.
Can a first-time owner get a KickHouse franchise loan?
Yes, if approved by the franchisor and the lender. Management experience and a strong studio manager help.
Does KickHouse offer financing?
Check Item 10 of the FDD. Most buyers arrange their own SBA or conventional financing.
Can I open multiple studios?
KickHouse advertises multi-unit and area developer territories. Each studio is typically financed separately.
Final Thoughts
A KickHouse franchise loan works best when it is sized from the current FDD, covers a realistic build-out for a bag floor and includes enough working capital to carry the studio until membership stabilizes. With an SBA Franchise Directory listing and no special notes, SBA 7(a) financing is a practical route for qualified buyers.
US Professional Funding helps franchise owners and buyers finance start-ups, acquisitions, equipment and working capital. Learn more about our franchise financing and fitness center financing solutions.
