Meet the team
The People Behind the Obstacles.
Ultimate Ninjas Academy Naperville is a family-owned business run by people who genuinely love working with kids. Small classes, trained coaches, and a team that knows every child by name.
Founder & director
Melissa Rogers
Melissa is a former collegiate dancer at Michigan State University who went on to teach yoga and work in early childhood education before founding the Academy. She created Ultimate Ninjas Academy to combine her love of movement, child development, and community into one place.
She and her husband Jeff — along with their two kids, James and Cecily — live in Naperville. They built the Academy they'd want their own children to be part of. That perspective shapes everything about how it runs.
How we coach
What Our Coaches Bring to Every Class.
We hire for temperament first, technique second. The best coach isn't the one who knows the most obstacles — it's the one a shy 4-year-old decides to trust.
Trained for young kids
Our coaches specialize in ages 9 months through 8 years. That's not a wide net — it means they understand what 18-month-olds need versus what a 7-year-old can handle.
Small classes, real attention
We keep class sizes small so coaches know each child by name, notice when they're struggling, and celebrate when they break through a challenge.
Gentle encouragers
Coaches don't push. They create the conditions for kids to push themselves. Nervous kids aren't rushed. Every child works at their own pace.
Development-focused
Physical skills are the vehicle. The real goal is confidence, focus, persistence, and the kind of grit that transfers to every other part of a child's life.
Team FAQ
Questions about who we are.
About our founders, coaching staff, and what makes this a family business.
Founded by
Melissa Rogers
Team size
Small, intentionally
Ages served
9mo – 8yr
01
Who founded Ultimate Ninjas Academy Naperville?
The Academy was founded by Melissa, a former collegiate dancer at Michigan State University who went on to teach yoga in Sydney, Australia. After seeing growing demand from younger age groups, she created a mobile preschool ninja program in 2018 called Lil Beast Ninjas — named after her daughter's ninja name — which evolved into Ultimate Ninjas Academy.
02
Is this a locally owned business?
Yes. Melissa, her husband Jeff, and their two children James and Cecily live in Naperville. The Academy is a true family business built from the ground up in and for their community.
03
What qualifications do your coaches have?
Our coaches are trained specifically to work with young children ages 9 months through 8 years. They combine movement expertise with an understanding of child development, creating a coaching approach that's encouraging, patient, and focused on building each child's confidence at their own pace.
04
How do coaches handle kids who are nervous or shy?
Our staff is experienced at working with children of all temperaments. Coaches gently encourage kids to try new things at their own comfort level — never pushing too hard, but always showing them what they're capable of. Parents consistently tell us their children come out of their shells after just a few sessions.
05
How big are your class sizes?
We keep class sizes small so every child gets individual attention and supervision from our coaching staff. This allows coaches to tailor their approach to each child's ability level and ensure safety throughout every session.
06
Can I meet the coaches before signing up?
Your child's first class is just $20, and it's the best way to meet our team in action. You'll see firsthand how our coaches interact with kids and get a feel for the Academy environment before making any commitment.
