Gymnastics Center offers a variety of classes for kids of all ages
By Heather Ruenz
SLN Staff
Though the age range of students that utilize the Walworth County Gymnastics Center is from 18 months old to 18 years old, the 4- to 5-year olds is generally the biggest group.
“They have a lot of energy,” Kelly Zimdars said with a smile.
Another thing that makes Zimdars smile is the success of the gymnastics team.
In the most recent competition, a meet held two weeks ago at WCGC in Elkhorn, more than 420 athletes competed on 14 different teams from throughout the state.
“We did very well, placing fourth in Level 3 and fifth in Level 4,” Zimdars said.
Local All Around Champions at the meet included: Mylee Hahn, 12 years old, in Level 4; Takiyah Bolton, 11, in Level 3; and Esmae Klewin, 6, in Level 3.
The WCGC, located on Commerce Court on the south side of Elkhorn, has been there since the late 90s, when the previous owners –who had a gym in Gurnee, Ill. and lake houses in this area – decided to also build a gymnastics center here.
Zimdars is the team director and also runs the center. She’s been coaching gymnastics for 36 years and began at the WCGC in 2000.
A few years ago, Rick and Kathy Nelson took over as owners. Zimdars said they own other businesses related to gymnastics so the transition was smooth.
“We have about 20 staff in all and it’s a great group. We have a lot of fun and offer so many things people probably aren’t aware of,” she said.
The facility, at nearly 20,000 feet, is a big, open space, which allows for a variety of activities and events. There are several areas for tumbling on mats, balance beams and bars.
Zimdars said those that use the center come from throughout the county and beyond including northern Illinois.
She said kids who compete in gymnastics are good kids, good students and have good time management skills.
“There’s a lot of accountability. That kid is up there alone on the balance beam and if they fall off, they get back up and finish in front of all those people. It’s very empowering,” Zimdars explained.
“It’s also a team sport because they spend so much time together. But they also know what it’s like to be that person up there and so they cheer each other on,” she said.
Zimdars said gymnastics is not unlike many other sports.
“Balance, coordination, being coachable… those all tie into any other sport out there, and life, in general,” she said.
Membership at the center is a monthly, online tuition program that renews automatically. Zimdars said the cost varies depending on ages and how many classes they attend with some kids coming in once a week while others are there several times.
Sign up is open at all times and those who are interested should call to set up a time for a free trial class.
“If they’ve done gymnastics elsewhere they can do an assessment with us and that helps us put them in the correct class level,” she said.
More than gymnastics
The center offers a variety of classes and open gym times outside of gymnastics classes including Ninja classes, one of the areas Zimdars hopes to see expand.
“We have a Ninja instructor and a cage and rock wall. It’s all about speed, agility and climbing as students learn how to deal with different obstacles. It can help with any sport and is a great avenue for boys and girls. It shows them how to be agile but is also competitive,” Zimdars said.
The cost for the Ninja classes varies depending on how many classes are held in a month but is between $47 and $74 for three to five weeks.
New Saturday morning girls classes are being offered at a special discount price of $59 (based on four classes in the month) for Shining Stars and Rising Stars from 9 to 10:15 a.m., and for Shooting Stars and Super Stars from 10:15 to 11:30 a.m.
Open gym is available at set times at a cost of $7 for members or $10 for nonmembers. Current open gym times are: Preschool, Friday, 10 to 11:30 a.m.; Ninja (ages 17 and younger), Fridays, 7:30 to 9 p.m.; Family (6th grade and younger), Saturday, 6 to 7:30 p.m.
The center also offers Tae Kwon Do classes and it’s where the Walworth County Cloggers practice (information and registration for both are available on the website.)
Last but certainly not least, the center is an option for birthday parties, with a package rate starting at $239 for 15 guests plus the child celebrating their birthday.
Called the Birthday Bash, it features an hour of gym time utilizing giant inflatables, the warped wall, bouldering wall, Ninja cage, foam pit, in-ground trampoline and more.
“After an hour of play they head to the party room for 40 minutes. They bring their own cake, gifts and drinks but we supply the plates, cups, napkins, utensils, and we cut the cake, pour the drinks and even make the gift list to give to the parents at the end,” Zimdars said.
There is a $12 charge per guest beyond the limit and the center can accommodate parties for up to 25 children. The parties are best suited for kids 4 to 12 years old.
Zimdars said because of the high number of students they work with at the center, they’re always in need of more staff.
“Most of all, it needs to be people who enjoy working with children. They don’t need to have gymnastics experience,” she said, adding that the center has some high school gymnasts on staff and would welcome more.
“They bring a lot to the table and do a great job with the younger kids,” she said.
Zimdars has been involved in gymnastics since she was very young herself.
“I remember being 7 years old and asking, ‘is it gymnastics day?’ It’s fun to see that excitement,” she said. “And to see them have that ‘A-ha’ moment of remembering a routine. That’s a great thing to be part of.”
The Walworth County Gymnastics Center is at 213 E. Commerce Ct., Elkhorn. For more information call 262-743-1224, visit wcgcgymnastics.com.
