Dominique Dawes Academy Opens in Jersey Village, Bringing a Fresh Approach to Youth Gymnastics and Ninja Training
For many families, choosing a youth sports program is about more than learning a new skill. It's about finding a place where children feel encouraged, supported, and excited to grow. That philosophy is at the center of Dominique Dawes Academy, which officially opened its Jersey Village location on Saturday, May 30, marking the academy's first location in Texas.
Located at 19714 Northwest Fwy, Jersey Village, TX 77065 in Jersey Village, the new facility brings gymnastics and ninja-style training programs to Northwest Houston families while introducing an approach that intentionally emphasizes positive coaching, personal development, and overall well-being alongside athletic achievement.
The opening represents another milestone for an academy founded by one of the most recognizable names in American gymnastics and arrives as the Jersey Village area continues to attract new families seeking youth recreation and extracurricular opportunities close to home.
Olympic Champion's Vision Comes to Houston
Dominique Dawes Academy was founded by Dominique Dawes, a three-time Olympian and member of the legendary "Magnificent Seven," the first U.S. women's gymnastics team to win Olympic gold at the 1996 Atlanta Games.
Since retiring from elite competition, Dawes has become a prominent advocate for creating healthier environments within youth sports. Her experiences as a gymnast led her to speak openly about challenges within the sport and inspired her vision for a different kind of training environment—one that places children's mental and physical well-being ahead of rankings and competitive outcomes.
The first Dominique Dawes Academy opened in Clarksburg, Maryland, in 2020. Since then, the organization has expanded into multiple states and now operates eight locations, including the newly opened Jersey Village facility.
"Every day, I watch young girls and boys walk out of my facility sweating and smiling," Dawes has said of the academy's mission. "This journey has been more rewarding, more thrilling than standing on any Olympic podium."
What Families Will Find at the Jersey Village Facility
The Jersey Village gym was designed to accommodate children of varying ages and skill levels, whether they are trying gymnastics for the first time or exploring ninja-style obstacle training.
Features include:
- Professional gymnastics equipment
- Open layouts designed for visibility and supervision
- Parent viewing and seating areas
- Climate-controlled training spaces
- Programs focused on gymnastics and ninja fitness
According to the academy, classes are led by certified coaches and structured around building confidence, teamwork, physical fitness, and personal growth.
One distinctive feature is the academy's Gold Medal Moments program, which recognizes students for achievements beyond athletic performance. Coaches select participants who demonstrate qualities such as perseverance, kindness, leadership, courage, or positive energy during class.
The recognition program aligns with the academy's broader philosophy that success can be measured in many ways—not just by scores or medals.
Growing Youth Recreation Options in Northwest Houston
The arrival of Dominique Dawes Academy adds to the growing range of youth sports and recreational opportunities available to families in the Jersey Village area and surrounding communities, including Cypress, Copperfield, Willowbrook, and Northwest Harris County.
As Houston-area families continue prioritizing youth fitness, social development, and structured extracurricular activities, demand for programs that combine athletic training with character development has continued to grow.
Academy leadership has emphasized that their goal is to create a welcoming environment where children of all experience levels feel comfortable participating.
"Our goal is to always make fitness accessible and inspiring for kids," said CEO Adam Zeitsiff when the Houston-area expansion was announced earlier this year. "These new locations allow us to expand our reach, create local community connections, while providing families with a premier destination for youth athletics."
Looking Ahead
With the Jersey Village location now open, local families can begin participating in the academy's gymnastics and ninja programs while the organization prepares for its second Houston-area location in Spring later this year.
For parents searching for youth gymnastics programs in Jersey Village, kids ninja classes near Cypress, or family-friendly fitness activities in Northwest Houston, the opening adds another option focused on both movement and personal development.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
