The original Gym Class Heroes formed in 1997 when Travis "Schleprok" McCoy and drummer Matt McGinley became friends during physical education class while at high school in Geneva, New York, US and joined forces with guitarist Milo Bonacci and bassist Ryan Geise.

The original GCH began playing birthday parties, clubs, and festivals which eventually led to numerous larger venues throughout the northeast, including four years on Warped Tour (2003, 2004, 2006, 2008). During this time, GCH released four self-produced CDs: "Hed Candy" (1999), "Greasy Kids Stuff" (2000), "For the Kids" (2001) and "Papercut Chronicles EP" (2004).