Our Mission

"MORE THAN GYMNASTICS — BUILDING CHARACTER FOR A STRONG FUTURE!"

 

Our Story

​

Rising Starz Fitness, Inc. began in the summer of 2008 with just a minivan, a few pieces of gymnastics equipment, and a big dream.

My coaching journey started in 1999 during my freshman year at Aquinas College. I loved working with kids—it was a perfect fit! I quickly fell in love with the sport and dreamed of one day starting my own gymnastics program. Over the years, I had the opportunity to train under incredible coaches, travel, and work with so many amazing young athletes.

​

The original dream wasn’t a van and a few mats—it was a 20,000-square-foot multi-sports complex for kids and families. But as life often does, things unfolded differently. With the help of two great friends—my very first employees—we launched a mobile preschool program, bringing gymnastics and fitness classes to Appletree Learning Centers and Cottonwood Christian Learning Center.

​

Growing the Dream

​

By 2010, we expanded our mobile business with a second van and deepened our partnership with Appletree Christian Learning Centers, providing gymnastics and fitness classes to around 400 preschoolers each week.

In 2011, we began offering evening gymnastics classes through community partnerships with Legacy Christian School and Rockford Community Services, serving youth in both the Kentwood and Rockford communities.

Our programs continued to grow through 2012. The Rockford program doubled in size, and we proudly launched our first competitive team, training out of Rockford High School’s gymnastics facility.

By 2013, our team program had grown from 15 to 45 athletes, and our community classes were at capacity. It was time for a new home! In October 2013, we opened our first physical location—a 4,500-square-foot space inside a small baseball facility in Rockford—while continuing our partnership with Rockford Community Services.

​

Finding Our Home

​

In 2014, after months of searching, we found a more permanent home at 943 West River Center Drive in Comstock Park, officially opening Rising Starz Gymnastics and Fitness that August.

By 2019, our preschool and recreational programs had grown rapidly, and we seized the opportunity to purchase a local gym that was closing. We finalized the purchase in November 2018, and our team moved into the GR-Turner facility in January 2019—freeing up space to expand our preschool and recreational programs at our Comstock Park location.

Then, in 2021, a new chapter began. We moved into our current 17,000-square-foot facility on Dodge in Comstock Park, bringing all of our programs and teams together under one roof. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we retired our mobile program to focus fully on in-house classes and training.

 

Our Family

​

Rising Starz has always been more than a business—it’s my family. I started Rising Starz the same year my husband, Derik, and I welcomed our first daughter. As the gym grew, so did our family. We’re now proud parents of four amazing kids: Claire, Audrey & Owen, and Blake.

I am deeply grateful for every coach, staff member, and family who has been part of our journey. Each person who walks through our doors helps make Rising Starz what it is today—a place where kids grow in strength, confidence, and character.

If you’re new to our gym family, welcome! We’re so excited to have you join us. And to those who have been with us through the years—thank you for believing in the dream and helping it shine.