Girls Gymnastics Teams


GIJO (Greater Illinois Jr Olympic) Program
The Greater Illinois Junior Olympic Program was initially started over 20 years ago to give girls who did not have the time, skills, or money available to compete in the USAG Program an opportunity to do so in a friendly environment. The program has grown all over Illinois and each gym has its own mission. Our goal is for gymnasts to improve, have fun and decide whether they like competitive gymnastics. Gymnasts must have 80% of the skills in a routine to compete, spotting is allowed.

GIJO Level 3 (PreTeam)
This level is non-competitive, but practices twice a week for 90 minutes to gain the skills necessary for level 4. The emphasis is on strong basics with correct technique and form to ensure consistency for future skills progressions.

GIJO Level 4
This is the first competitive level. Much time is spent learning 'compulsory' routines, meaning every level 4 gymnast does the same routines. Practice is held twice a week for 2 hours during the competitive season (fall through spring). When routines are perfected gymnasts begin working toward the level 5 skills.

GIJO Level 5
Routines are much more complex and contain more difficult elements than level 4. It is common to spend 2 years in this level to master the required skills and presentation necessary to advance. Practice is held twice a week for a minimum of 6 hours per week.

USAG (USA Gymnastics) Jr Olympic Program
USA Gymnastics is the national governing body for the sport of gymnastics. We follow the USAG rules and guidelines they have set forth. A gymnast must have reached her 7th birthday in order to participate in this program. Gymnasts practice 3 times a week (minimum) and attend meets starting in fall and ending with a state competition in spring.
The standard for this program is much higher than the GIJO program. Practices are more disciplined and are comprised of set warm ups, conditioning and dance to maximize the most out of much session.

Level 5
Gymnasts compete the same routines as in the GIJO Level 5 Program, but are expected to have mastery of each skill within the routine. Since most athletes in this level have already competed at least one year of GIJO 5 this allows us to immediately begin working level 6 skills while perfecting the level 5 skills for competition.

Level 6
Routines are very similar to Level 5, but certain elements are replaced with more difficult skills. A higher degree of difficulty and presentation is required in this level.

Level 7
This is the first 'optional' level. Each gymnast competes a completely original routine that must contain a certain degree of difficulty. This allows the coach and gymnast to be more creative and focus on skills that suit the needs and qualities of the gymnast. Music selection for the floor routine will be ultimately decided by the coaching staff with input from the gymnast. A choreographer will be hired in summer to choreograph floor routines. Routines will be kept for 2 years, regardless of level.

Level 8
This level requires more difficulty than Level 7, but it is very similar. Skills are not necessarily more difficult, however, they must be put into combinations and execute more individual skill than Level 7. If an athlete qualifies to the state meet they have the opportunity to advance to the Regional competition which consists of the best Level 8 gymnasts from: Illinois, Michigan, Ohio and Kentucky.