“Can’t you catch dat lil’ chicken?”
The Rocky chicken chase scene in Rocky II is one of the funniest, most memorable training moments in the entire franchise. It’s old-school, it’s ridiculous, and it’s 100% Mickey Goldmill at his best.
To get Rocky Balboa ready for his rematch against Apollo Creed, Mickey traps the Italian Stallion in an alley and throws down a live chicken. “If you can catch dis thing, you can catch greased lightning!”
Rocky scrambles after it, looking like a fool, but there’s a method to the madness. Believe it or not, real fighters used this trick back in the day to improve footwork. Boxing legends like Jack Dempsey, Joe Louis, and Rocky Marciano allegedly chased chickens in their training—no fancy equipment, just pure hustle.
If it worked for them, it’s good enough for Rock. Even if it meant feelin’ like a Kentucky Fried Idiot.
Where Was the Rocky Chicken Chase Scene Filmed?
Here’s the kicker—this Rocky II scene wasn’t shot in Philadelphia. Nope. It was actually filmed in downtown Los Angeles, right in the middle of Skid Row.
The Rocky chicken chase sequence takes place in an alleyway off 5th Street. If you watch closely, you’ll spot the old El Rey Hotel in the background. This location sits less than a mile from the real interior of Mighty Mick’s Gym, which was filmed at the legendary Main Street Gym.
Can You Visit the Rocky Chicken Chase Location Today?
In short? You probably shouldn’t.
Back in 1979, this area wasn’t exactly prime real estate, but today it’s even rougher. Skid Row has become one of LA’s largest homeless encampments, and it’s not a place you want to wander around with a camera looking for Rocky filming locations.
If you’re a hardcore Rocky fan, you’re better off checking out other Rocky II locations that are easier (and safer) to visit. But hey, if you do go, just make sure you’re faster than Rocky—because you definitely don’t want to get caught in that alley.
