Gymnastics, Cheer, and Dance Mission Statement ❤️
“To inspire confident, respectful athletes through safe and fun gymnastics, cheer, and dance programs — fostering fitness, teamwork, and a love of movement, while giving parents peace of mind.”
About Us ✨
Gliders Gymnastics has been part of the Oak Forest Park District since the 1990s. The name “Gliders” is special to us — it was chosen by our very own Coach Mary Jo along with a few former coaches. Over the years, our team has earned multiple State All-Around titles and continues to make our community proud.
Many of our coaches were once Gliders themselves. Coach Brooke, for example, was on the team from 2010 to 2016 and has been coaching here since 2019. For our athletes and staff, Gliders has always been more than a team — it’s a family.
In the past, our teams were as large as 15+ gymnasts. Like many programs, we faced challenges during COVID-19 and had to pause for a while. We restarted in the 2023–2024 season with just two gymnasts, and we’re excited to see our team growing each year toward the size it once was.
Incoming Season Information 🏆
Gliders Gymnastics Team Tryout Information 💜
Tryout Date: Our official tryout date has passed, but don’t worry! If you are still interested in becoming a Glider for this season, fill out the form under “More Information” to contact Coach Brooke!
What to Expect at Tryouts: We will have the gymnasts come in and put their belongings in a locker then stretch and warm up as usual. Afterwards, Coach Brooke and Coach Destiny will be asking them to do a variety of skills to see what they are capable of and how willing they are to try new things. We will be evaluating them on their technique, courage and attitudes.
What to Expect after Tryout Result are Out: We will reach out to all parents of gymnasts that have made the team as soon as decisions have been made. Prior to tryouts, your child needs to be registered for their gymnastics class for the summer session. If your child makes the team, we highly encourage signing them up for a second day for extra practice and to get them use to practicing twice a week. At the end of summer session, we will be holding a parent meeting to go over more detailed rules, expectations and important dates throughout the season.
Team Practices: Our team practices Wednesdays 4-6pm and Saturdays 12-2pm. Practices will run from September through early May.
Team Fees: Registration/Competition $1,225.00
**Payment plans ARE available. The payment plans are split up into 5 different sections over the course of the competition season, which will be reviewed at a parent meeting (date TBD).**
Uniform Fees: Competition Leotard $150.00/Competition Warm-Up Jacket price TBD
Competition Information: Gymnasts will compete 4-6 each season (including the state meet). Competitions are held on Saturdays or Sundays starting in late February/early March. We will compete every few weeks until State which is late April/early May. Locations for all gymnastics meets should be ready by October. We travel to surrounding towns’ park districts (Alsip, Joliet, Lemont, Carol Stream, Itasca, Bloomingdale, etc.).
Gliders Staff 🤸
Recreation Supervisor: Jen Mikos
Program Coordinator: Brooke Fleming
Team Coach: Coach Brooke
More Information ❓
Inquiries for future seasons or gymnastics classes, please contact Brooke at 708-752-8120 or email bfleming@oakforestparks.org for more details. Let’s flip our way to an unforgettable season! 🥇
