Darion took over as the new owner of Prairie Gymnastics Club in January of 2018. Prior to that, he owned and operated Leaps & Bounds Mobile Gymnastics and Tumbling, LLC. Darion began participating in gymnastics at the age of three. During his gymnastics career, Darion won state and regional championships and was the IHSA floor champion in 1993. Darion was also a member of the regional team and the Junior National Developmental Team which allowed him to train at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Unfortunately, a serious injury to his shoulder ended his competitive gymnastics career. For over 25 years, he has coached all levels of gymnastics and has coached several gymnasts to state and national level competitions. Darion is a professional member of USA Gymnastics, the national governing body of gymnastics in the United States. He is also a certified USA Gymnastics National Judge as well as USAG safety certified. Darion is a member of the Illinois state coaching staff and is also a published author. CLICK HERE to order Coach D’s book today!
“Did I Make You Proud” by Darion Knight offers readers a candid and captivating look into his life journey. As a black gymnast raised in the streets of Chicago, Knight’s memoir unfolds with raw honesty and authenticity. Through the release of his first book, readers are invited to delve into his narrative, tracing his evolution from inner-city struggles to entrepreneurial triumphs. Knight’s inspiring memoir serves as a testament to resilience and self-determination, showcasing how he forged his own path to success against all odds. As you stay tuned for this compelling and empowering memoir, know that this read will encourage us all to cultivate a sense of inner pride and self-worth!
Jillian took over as the new owner of Prairie Gymnastics Club in January of 2018. Prior to that, she owned and operated Leaps & Bounds Mobile Gymnastics and Tumbling, LLC. In 2009, Jillian received her Master’s Degree in Social Work from Aurora University. While obtaining her degree, Jillian counseled at risk children with the goal of teaching them important life skills and helping them develop positive self-esteem. She is also the director of operations for her non-profit organization, Flippin’ for Fitness. Outside of the gym, Jillian enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter, Olivia.
With over 20 years of coaching experience, we are excited to have Coach Julius at Prairie! Julius started in the sport of gymnastics in Ohio at the age of 3 years old. He started coaching at age 16, primarily coaching cheer tumbling. While coaching tumbling, Julius assisted several Ohio High School Athletic Association Cheer State Championship teams as well as National Championship teams.
Julius has also had high levels of success while coaching Men’s Artistic Gymnastics. He is currently a member of our Region 5 Men’s Coaching Staff. Through the years, Julius has coached dozens of State Champions, several Regional Champions, and many National Championship qualifiers. He has also consistently placed athletes on our Region 5 Regional Team and Region 5 Future Stars Development Team.
At Prairie, Julius is the lead Tumbling coach and he is also the Boys Team Coach. In his spare time, he loves spending time with his children and giving them new experiences.
Genevieve started doing gymnastics when she was just three years old and competed up to JO Level 8 & Xcel Platinum. She was a varsity gymnast all 4 years of high school and she began coaching gymnastics at age 15. Genevieve has coached preschool classes, boys/girls recreational classes, and team gymnastics. At Prairie, Genevieve coaches preschool and recreational classes and is also the coach for the girls pre-team, Level 3/4 team, and Xcel Silver team.
Coach Lily started cheer when she was just 5 years old and cheered for 12 years. One of her greatest accomplishments was making a worlds team! Lily has worked at Prairie since April 2022 and despite not having a gymnastics background, she has learned the sport quickly. Lily currently coaches the Xcel Bronze team, our Gym Kids 3 girls, and preschool/recreational classes at Prairie. Lily loves working with children and seeing them master new skills!
Coach Julia started gymnastics when she was 7 years old and competed for 5 years! She was the Level 5 Floor State Champion and won 2nd place All Around in 2015. Julia has coached preschool and recreational gymnastics as well as girls pre-team and JD Level 3 & 4 . At Prairie, Julia assists with pre-team, JD Girls Level 3 & 4, and Xcel Silver team groups. She is eager to share her knowledge and love for the sport! In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her children and fiancé, making memories and having new experiences!
Coach Mia started gymnastics when she was only 5 years old and did gymnastics for 10 years. She was a 2x 2nd place All Around AAU National Champion. As a gymnast, her favorite events were bars and floor. Mia currently coaches preschool and recreational classes at Prairie and her favorite event to coach is floor. She loves seeing the kids grow and progress through their skills each week, and seeing the kids always brightens her day. During her free time, Mia loves to go shopping, babysit, and take naps.
Grace started gymnastics at the age of 3 and continued in the sport for 11 years. She competed up to level 6 and was also a cheerleader for 4 years. Grace is currently attending Waubonsee Community College, working toward a degree in nursing with a minor in psych.
At Prairie, Grace coaches preschool and recreational classes. She loves to help kids grow and learn to love gymnastics! In her free time, Grace enjoys reading, working out, and hanging out with her friends.
Cheyanne started gymnastics when she was 6 years old and continued for 12 years. She was a competitive gymnast up to Level 6. One of her biggest achievements was placing 2nd All Around at State Championships in 2015. Cheyanne also was a cheerleader for 2 years. She is currently attending Aurora University with the goal of obtaining her Masters Degree in Athletic Training. Cheyanne is also an artistic roller skater! In her skating career, Cheyanne has won 14 national championships and competed in the World Roller Games Championships in Barcelona, Spain as a member of Team USA. She was even in a Disney Channel show about roller skating!
At Prairie, Cheyanne coaches preschool & recreational classes. She’s excited to be back in the gym coaching a sport she loves! In her free time, she enjoys reading, watching Hulu & Netflix, and spending time with her friends and family.
Madyson began her journey in gymnastics as a young child and danced for 15 years! As a dancer, she competed at a studio and later joined her high school dance team, which made it to state during her sophomore year. While on the team, Madyson had the wonderful opportunity to coach children at dance camps. She loves seeing the moment of realization in a child’s eyes when they finally master a skill they’ve been working on.
At Prairie, Madyson coaches preschool and recreational classes. She is currently attending NIU, studying elementary education. In her free time, she enjoys reading and spending time with friends.