A hybrid quantum-classical (HQC) computer prepares a quantum Boltzmann machine (QBM) in a pure state. The state is evolved in time according to a chaotic, tunable quantum Hamiltonian. The pure state locally approximates a (potentially highly correlated) quantum thermal state at a known temperature. With the chaotic quantum Hamiltonian, a quantum quench can be performed to locally sample observables in quantum thermal states. With the samples, an inverse temperature of the QBM can be approximated, as needed for determining the correct sign and magnitude of the gradient of a loss function of the QBM.