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 20 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.
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.
Kaitlin started doing gymnastics when she was three and competed at Prairie Gymnastics Club for four years. She has been coaching recreational gymnastics for several years and is also the coach for the Xcel Silver & Gold girls teams.
Rachael started doing gymnastics when she was three years old and competed at Prairie Gymnastics Club for four years. She coaches recreational gymnastics and is also the coach for the GIJO girls team. Rachael is currently in school working toward her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and loves the additional exposure and experience of working with children.
David started out in gymnastics at 3 years old in recreational classes. He has been competing for the last 14 years and competed with Prairie for 4 years. He has competed at the elite level and is currently competing at the collegiate level with Northern Illinois University. His greatest accomplishments includes being selected on to the Region 5 Elite Team Cup squad, multi-year state champion, regional event titles, and national qualifier. He currently coaches the JO Level 4 boys at Prairie.
Coach Lexi started gymnastics when she was 7 and started competing shortly after that in the GIJO program. She has a passion for gymnastics because of everything gymnastics taught her growing up. Lexi loves coaching because it combines her love for gymnastics and working with kids. She currently coaches preschool and recreational classes at Prairie and also assists with the front desk.
