About the Academy
A Place Your Kids Will Actually Want to Come Back To.
Ultimate Ninjas Academy Naperville is a kids' fitness and development center built around obstacle course training for children 9 months through 8 years. Founded by Melissa Rogers, it's a family-owned business with a simple belief: kids grow best when they're having fun.
Our mission
Obstacle Course Training for the Next Generation.
Most kids' gyms offer open play. We offer coached, age-specific programs designed around actual child development — the kind that builds real strength, real focus, and real confidence over time.
Our curriculum isn't random. Every class has a structure. Every obstacle is chosen for a reason. Every coach knows exactly what a 4-year-old needs that a 7-year-old doesn't.
What we offer
Four Ways to Be a Ninja.
Ninja Classes
Ages 9mo – 8yr
Weekly coached classes grouped by age. Mini Ninjas (1–3), Lil Ninjas (3–5), and Jr Ninjas (5–8) — each with their own curriculum and pace.
Open Play
Ages 1–8
Open gym sessions for kids to explore every obstacle at their own pace. Enrolled students get one free session per week. Drop-ins welcome.
Birthday Parties
Private events
Private gym access, a dedicated party room, and a party host — all included. Packages for every age group and size.
Camps & Events
Seasonal
School break camps, special events, and seasonal programming. Kids spend a full day in the gym with structured challenges and ninja fun.
Why we're different
What Sets the Academy Apart.
Coached, not chaotic
Every class is instructor-led with a real curriculum — not supervised free play. Kids learn, progress, and get better each week.
Age-specific programs
We don't mix 18-month-olds and 8-year-olds. Each program is designed around what kids that age actually need, physically and developmentally.
Small class sizes
We keep classes small so every child gets individual attention. Coaches know each kid by name and track progress from session to session.
Family-owned & operated
Melissa, Jeff, and their two kids are regulars at the Academy. They built something they'd want their own children to attend.
Zero prerequisites
No gymnastics background, no prior experience, no "sporty" kid required. The program is designed to meet every child where they are.
Built for confidence
Our coaches are trained to encourage without pushing. Every child works at their own level and celebrates their own milestones.
About the Academy
Your questions about who we are.
From what we do to who runs the place — the short version.
Founded
2023
Ages
9 months – 8 years
Location
Naperville, IL
01
What is Ultimate Ninjas Academy?
Ultimate Ninjas Academy is a division of Ultimate Ninjas built specifically for the youngest ninjas, serving children from 9 months through 8 years old. We offer obstacle course training on custom kid-sized equipment in a safe, supportive environment designed to help little ones discover the joy of movement.
02
What makes your program different from a regular gym or play space?
Our curriculum is built around obstacle course training — not generic play. Every class is age-appropriate and coached, focusing on strength, coordination, balance, and agility. Kids aren't just playing — they're developing gross motor skills, problem-solving abilities, and the confidence that comes from overcoming real physical challenges.
03
What age range do you serve?
We serve children from 9 months to 8 years old. Programs start with Parent/Child classes for babies and toddlers and progress through Pre-K and Grade School levels, growing with your child at every stage.
04
What activities do you offer beyond classes?
In addition to weekly ninja classes, we offer open play sessions, birthday party packages with private party rooms and obstacle course access, seasonal camps, and special events. There's always something happening at the Academy.
05
What skills will my child develop?
Our obstacle course program supports holistic development. Physically, kids build strength, agility, balance, coordination, and flexibility. Cognitively, they practice decision-making and problem-solving. Socially and emotionally, they build resilience, confidence, and perseverance as they tackle each new challenge.
06
Who runs the Academy?
Ultimate Ninjas Academy Naperville was founded by Melissa, a former collegiate dancer at Michigan State University and certified yoga instructor. After creating a mobile preschool ninja program in 2018, she brought the Academy concept to Naperville as a true family business with her husband Jeff and their two children.
