North Stars Gymnastics Academy

North Stars Gymnastics Academy offers recreational gymnastics classes, competitive gymnastics teams, Elite and National Team gymnastics, Xcel and USAIGC gymnastics, as well as birthday parties and open gym. Athletes use equipment such as the trampoline, foam pit, tumble track, swinging ring, Ninja Wall, hanging obstacles, uneven bars, balance beam, floor exercise, vault, rod floor, and a ballet bar, along with a conditioning area and elliptical machines.

• Ages: 3–18 years old
• Schedule: Open Gym on Fridays from 8pm–9pm; general opening hours Monday–Friday 8am–9pm and Saturday 8am–4pm
• Price: Open Gym $10

North Stars Gymnastics Academy’s stated purpose is to instruct children in a positive setting so they can set and achieve mental and physical goals in pursuit of their individual athletic journeys, teaching proper foundational skills and providing technical training for athletes at every ability level. According to the program, North Stars gymnasts gain confidence, perseverance, and time-management skills that prepare and empower them for success in sports and in life.

All coaches and teachers are gymnastics safety certified and have undergone full background checks. The leadership team includes National Team Head Coach Ashley Umberger (US National Team Member, scholarship to the University of Georgia, safety certified), National Team Coaches Melissa Jones and Jill Cookingham (both safety certified), Xcel Team Coaches Diane Breault and Crystal Doherty (both safety certified), Team Coach Jahnessa Morales, Recreational Coach Audrey McGowan (safety certified), USAIGC Coach Christine Meehan-Berg (safety certified), and Education Home School Director Leanne Belar.

North Stars Gymnastics celebrated its Golden Anniversary from 1973–2023, and for more than 50 years has been placing children at the National and International levels. It is described as a National Gymnastics Training Center with a long-standing Level 10 and Elite program, with athletes contending for spots nationally, in the NCAA, and in upcoming Olympic Games. More than 100 high-level gymnasts from North Stars have received college athletic scholarships and/or entrance into Ivy League universities, and some national league gymnasts have competed in the Olympic Trials and Pan-American Games, including competition at the World Gymnastics Championship in Liverpool, England in 2022.

North Stars is described as the most accomplished competitive gymnastics program in New Jersey and has been New Jersey Level 10 State Champions for 13 consecutive years. Its credentials include being 2024 NJ State Team Champions, 13-time Level 10 State Champions, Junior Olympic Optional Club of the Year from 2011 through 2017, and USAG National Club of the Year in 2015.

The gym includes NCAA-regulation equipment for all four national women’s development gymnastics program events (uneven bars, balance beam, floor exercise, and vault), a trampoline, rod floor, foam pit, conditioning area, elliptical machines, a ballet bar, beginner equipment, a Pro Shop offering leotards, supplies, and apparel, free parking, and an upper deck viewing area with seating. North Stars Gymnastics Academy notes strategic partnerships with professional affiliates that provide mental health support and wellness coaching, choreography and original music compilations, sports doctors, and an in-house injury prevention and rehabilitation team available to all of its athletes. Open Gym is described as being as easy as signing the policies and bringing $10 to the door.

Last updated April 17, 2026.