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Kids Obstacle Course & After School Classes Near Chicago, IL

Kids Obstacle Course & After School Classes

Looking for lively kids' fitness classes near Chicago, Illinois and Austin, TX? Our absolutely loved obstacle courses keep children fit and entertained. Hot Ground Gym's Junior Boots™ kids' fitness training classes combine obstacle negotiation with team-building challenges that keep kids engaged throughout the entire class.

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BUILDING TEAMWORK AND LIFE SKILLS THROUGH AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAMS FOR KIDS NEAR CHICAGO and AUSTIN

Junior Boots™, our military-inspired kids' obstacle course, and team-building classes for kids were created by veterans to teach kids valuable life skills. At Hot Ground Gym, we offer a powerful obstacle challenge experience for kids centered around physical, mental, and character development. Similar to American Ninja Warrior, we give children a structured, safe, and fun environment to learn and interact with one another, developing core everyday life skills like collaboration, discipline, confidence, and creativity.

Our 45-minute fitness classes for kids offer unique life skills and character-building experiences in an inspiring environment that encourages maximum effort. These programs work for kids of all abilities, including those with ADHD or social anxiety, or who simply don't enjoy traditional sports.

You'll find us in Arlington Heights and Libertyville, near Chicago, Palatine, Wheeling, Buffalo Grove, Vernon Hills, Grayslake, and Mundelein.  Also, meet our new location! Now we are available near Dripping Springs, TX!

Kids Tackle Life's Challenges Our Obstacle Course Training Gym

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Hot Ground Gym® - Where Kids & Teens Grow Their Confidence!
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Best Kid's Afterschool Classes EVER!
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Interesting Kids Classes
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Junior Boots™ After school classes
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ABOUT OUR JUNIOR BOOTS™ KIDS' After School Classesgrean smear

ABOUT OUR JUNIOR BOOTS™ KIDS' After School Classes

Don't worry, our one-of-a-kind child fitness obstacle course classes aren't a “boot camp”, but a high-energy, disciplined, engaging, and fun environment to learn in.

Each training session is highly structured and extremely engaging, aimed at teaching physical fitness, obstacle negotiation, and instilling positive group interactions during a fun-filled full-body workout. Activities during our classes focus on logistical movement, creative thinking, construction, role-play rescue missions, and improving strength and motor skills from a young age.
Our after-school kids' fitness classes are divided into three age groups and consist of indoor obstacle course fitness activities and team-building challenges that are designed to strengthen the physical, mental, and emotional grit of children. The themes of the class change every week and include some of the following:
  • Rope courses that involve pulling, dragging, hoisting, climbing, repelling, and knot-tying.
  • "Target practice" weeks with a hand-eye developing theme such as dart, ball, ring, and knife throwing.
  • Tires, medicine balls, "carts," grappling hooks, and "pipes" themed classes.
  • Role-play rescue themes.
  • “Adventure-inspired” obstacle course-themed classes.
ABOUT OUR JUNIOR BOOTS™ KIDS' After Schoolanother grean smear

AGE GROUPS FOR OUR JUNIOR BOOTS™ CLASSES

K-2 grade

ALPHA COMPANY CLASS
Grades K-2nd. Little nuggets ;) This class is dynamic and concise, ensuring eager young children are engaged and moving quickly through the fun new "challenges" each week. Super positive and fun!

3-5 grade

BRAVO COMPANY CLASS
Older and faster. Similar to parkour for kids, higher levels of physical demand in class, exposure to more diverse obstacles, and peer problem-solving skills, all in a faster-paced environment.

6-8 GRADE

CHARLIE COMPANY CLASS
Oldest and strongest. Here we offer higher levels of physical demands as gym obstacles are more diverse and challenging, and the problem-solving scenarios are much tougher. It's a blast!

Junior boots™ Rank Structure

CHILDREN EARN TRAINING RANK PATCHES

CHILDREN EARN TRAINING RANK PATCHES

A student's current rank in the Junior Boots™ exercise training program is displayed by a Velcro patch that is located on the right sleeve of their uniform (t-shirt).
WITH A HIGHER CLASS RANK COMES HIGHER RESPONSIBILITY

WITH A HIGHER CLASS RANK COMES HIGHER RESPONSIBILITY

As students progress through the ranks of HGG, they'll build confidence, and be showcased as good examples of conduct, fitness abilities, and understanding to newer students. Becoming a positive example to new students, to their family & friends, and to their community is the goal for the HGG Rank Patch Structure.

THE RANKs & PHASES OF OUR JUNIOR BOOTS™
KID'S OBSTACLE COURSE CLASSES

RED PHASE
Obstacle Course Fitness & Discipline
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White Phase
Teamwork & Problem Solving
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Blue Phase
Leadership
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Gold Phase
Junior Instructor
  • Red Phase: Obstacle Course Fitness & Discipline
    A student's beginning. Their goal is to develop a “training mindset” and grow every time they attend class. Red Phase is promoted during class, and after time requirements are met in their current rank (~2 months per).
  • White Phase: Teamwork & Problem Solving
    Their goal is to develop peer problem-solving techniques that are displayed during the teamwork “missions” of class. The White Phase is promoted during a “Rank Test Event.” A private event that is by invitation only, typically held every 2 months.
  • Blue Phase: Leadership
    Their goal is to develop and display good leadership traits during fitness obstacle course training and especially during “missions.” The Blue Phase is also promoted at “Rank Test Events.”
  • Gold Phase: Junior Instructor
    A student's final phase. The goal is to develop knowledge, confidence, and the ability to teach others what they have learned during our youth fitness classes. “Everyone can do, not everyone can teach.” The Gold Phase is promoted either at a “Rank Test Event” or meritoriously through exceptional conduct and assistance rendered during classes.

JOIN OUR KIDS OBSTACLE COURSE CLASSES Near Chicago and Austin

Ready to conquer the challenge? Enroll your child in Hot Ground Gym’s awesome obstacle course classes and watch them reach new heights of confidence and strength! Sign up today!

WHY CHOOSE OUR YOUTH FITNESS CLASSES NEAR CHICAGO?

grean smearWHY CHOOSE OUR YOUTH FITNESS CLASSES Near Chicago?
Hot Ground Gym's Junior Boots™ obstacle course program near Chicago cultivates engaging learning environments that promote the following:
  • Focus, Concentration, and Spatial Awareness:
    Our fun indoor obstacle course for kids requires participants to focus on the challenging task ahead of them. Through trial and error, kids improve their physical health, as well as explore their spatial awareness and flexibility.
  • Peer Cooperation:
    Kids shed “social awkwardness” while offering their creative ideas and completing inspiring team-building “missions”.
  • Gain Confidence:
    Each time a child overcomes an obstacle, their self-confidence increases. In that way, our sessions act as a healthy self-esteem-building class for children.
  • Develop Perseverance:
    While not strictly activities for discipline, through failing and succeeding on our obstacle course and missions, kids learn self-discipline and their perseverance pays off.
  • Welcoming & Supportive Environment:
    Our classes are designed to be inclusive and beneficial for all kids. We create a safe space for them to learn, grow, and thrive.
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Our High-Energy Kids' Fitness Classes Reviews

I cannot say enough about what the classes at HGG have done for my boy’s perseverance and patience and leadership qualities. And it’s a great workout too!
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Jill McEnery
5
My daughter has been attending Hot Ground Gym since January and we couldn't be happier. We love the physical workout she receives, but the teamwork, motivation, and practical skills are outstanding​. I love watching her and the other children excel and smile when they complete something that may have seemed too difficult moments before. All the coaches are professional and great with the kids. In short, they are the best! Our entire family highly recommends Hot Ground Gym.
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Denise P
5
Cannot say enough good things about this place. The staff are friendly - if I'm sitting waiting the ones that are not with kids come over and introduce themselves. My son loves the classes, he is beginning to show belief in his abilities and more confidence. Your kids will have a ball. Give it a shot!
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Emma F
5
Both of my boys love "working out" here once or twice a week. The instructors are wonderful and the sessions are very reasonably priced. A hidden gem during the winter!
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Geoff Geltner
5
"I LOVE THIS PLACE!" These are the first words quoted words by my two sons who spent a day actively running, climbing, going through obstacle courses, and working as a team with a whole group of kids they have never met before. It can be challenging to find activities that are safe, engaging, and age appropriate for two very active boys during no school days and it's too cold outside to enjoy nature. Hot Ground Gym in Arlington Heights was recommended to us by a friend and her son. After one full day of high energy fun, my sons (ages 10 and 8) are already planning ahead for their next days off of school and asking to be signed up at HGG. They raved about Sam, the manager, and how he's knowledgeable sharing safety lessons and tips to the kids. Knowing Sam has a background in being a first responder and an Army Veteran, I feel very secure dropping off my sons knowing that activities are planned with safety in mind. From a parent stand point, this is the highest compliment to HGG! They are choosing to climb, run, lift, partner up with kids they don't know, and accept challenges to physical activities instead of begging to play video games, go to the movies, or watch tv! They will be repeat attendees for sure and I know I won't hear any, "I don't want to go... " whining from them!
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Alena McCarthy
5
It is amazing to see what Sam and his team do every day for the kids. Every week they have a different concept / theme. My daughters self confidence has improved a lot. I love the way Sam pays attention to every kid in the class and pushes them to overcome their obstacles both physically and mentally.
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5

Gear Up for Adventure! 2024 Kid's Fitness Classes Schedule

TUESDAYS - FRIDAYS
SATURDAYs
ALPHA COMPANY CLASS
GRADES K-2
4:30 PM - 5:15 PM
9:00 AM - 9:45 AM
bravo company class
grades 3-5
5:30 PM - 6:15 PM
10:00 AM - 10:45 AM
charlie company class
grades 6+
6:30 PM - 7:15 PM
11:00 AM - 11:45 AM
Homeschool class
grades Vary
Fridays 1:00pm K-5th, 2:00pm 6th +

Tuesdays & Thursdays 1:00 PM All Grades
Arlington Heights & Libertyville

Dripping Springs

KIDS AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS PRICING

Hot Ground Gym's scheduling is flexible, allowing members to choose to attend any day in the schedule each week. Our after-school program cost per child depends on how many classes they wish to participate in. We're pleased to offer sibling, family, military, and first responder discounts.

RECURRING MEMBERSHIP (MONTHLY)

Once a week
Once a Week        $99per month

Arlington Heights
Book Free trial class
Twice a week
  Unlimited        $160per month

Arlington Heights
Class Enrollment
ONCE A WEEK LV
Once a Week        $99per month

Libertyville
Book Free Trial class
TWICE A WEEK LV
Unlimited        $160per month

Libertyville
Class Enrollment
Once a week
Once a Week        $99per month

dripping springs
Book Free trial class
TWICE A WEEK LV
Unlimited        $160per month

dripping springs
Class Enrollment

Pass-based membership (Punch card)

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5 Session pass   
 $165expires after 4 months
      
Arlington Heights
Book free trial class
red light on kid
10 session pass
$290expires after 8 months 

Arlington Heights
Class Enrollment
FIVE SESSIONЙ PASSES LV
5 Session pass   
 $165expires after 4 months

Libertyville
Book free trial class
TEN SESSION PASSES LV
        10 session pass           
$290expires after 8 months

Libertyville
Class Enrollment
FIVE SESSIONЙ PASSES LV
5 Session pass   
 $165expires after 4 months

dripping springs
Book free trial class
TEN SESSION PASSES LV
        10 session pass           
$290expires after 8 months

dripping springs
Class Enrollment
ABOUT OUR JUNIOR BOOTS™ KIDS' After School Classesgrean smear

🌟Member Perks!🌟

Member perks are the benefits that come with being a HGG member:
  • Unlocking of "Member Pricing" on all Day Camps. (This discounted rate can also be combined with any current promotions for huge savings!)
  • 10% off our Birthday Parties
  • 2 Guest Passes a month (to bring a friend to class free of charge)
  • Discounts on all HGG Merchandise
  • Access to Veteran, First-Responder, and Teacher Discounts
  • Sibling Discounts on camps and classes as well
  • Front-of-the-line customer service
Hot Ground Gym® Libertyville, IL
1950 US-45, Libertyville, IL 60048
Hot Ground Gym® Arlington Heights
8 W College Dr, Arlington Heights, IL 60004, USA
Hot Ground Gym® Dripping Springs
12475 Trail Driver St Unit 3, Austin Tx

We Are Located At

Hot Ground Gym® is located in Arlington Heights and Libertyville and serves areas close to Palatine, Wheeling, Buffalo Grove, Gurnee, Vernon Hills, Lake Zurich, Prospect Heights, Grayslake, and Mundelein. We're also bringing the fun to Texas with a new location near Dripping Springs!

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Contact Our Obstacle Course Gym Near Chicago, IL

Let your kid join in the fun at our fitness center located in Arlington Heights & Libertyville, Illinois!
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FAQ About Our Kids Classes

Are your obstacle course classes the same as parkour?

While we share the use of obstacle negotiation as a platform for “training” on our obstacle course in Chicago, our classes are not the same as parkour. Each activity in our gym classes for kids is specifically structured to achieve individual and team-building benefits that differ from the goals of parkour.

What clothes and shoes do children need for youth fitness classes?

Your child should wear comfortable gym clothing that allows for maximum movement flexibility and trainers that have a good grip so that they can jump, swing, climb and move their body with confidence on our obstacle course.

Are your classes for kids a "boot camp"?

Not really. Boot camp has a different meaning for us. We do, however, call our kids' program Junior Boots™. Our amazing classes are 45 minutes long, change every week, and consist of obstacle course negotiation, coordination and balance skills, exercise instruction, and team-building challenges. Far too much fun to call it a “boot camp” ;)

When do you offer classes?

Tuesdays - Fridays starting at 4:30pm, and Saturdays starting at 9am.

Will the fitness obstacle course training prepare my child for an obstacle course race or event?

Absolutely! If you let us know you and your child are preparing for a race/event, we will give you a little extra assistance ;)

Is there an open gym time where we can drop in?

Unfortunately, no. Although HGG is open to the public and parents, our services are attended by prior arrangement only. We do not offer an open gym or free-play time. We can, however, schedule you for a free trial class or a team-building event.

ARE PARENTS OR LEGAL GUARDIANS ALLOWED TO PARTICIPATE IN OBSTACLE COURSE CLASSES?

While parents or legal guardians are welcome to stay and observe the obstacle course classes at Hot Ground Gym, participation in the classes is generally limited to enrolled kids, with the focus on providing a dedicated learning experience for the participants.

Do you accommodate high-functioning autism?

Yes, the Hot Ground Gym team is proud to work with children with high-functioning autism. We offer a safe and stimulating environment that caters to their individual needs. We conduct a trial class to ensure a good fit and provide individual coaching and a comfortable environment.

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