This past winter, the Minnetonka-Hopkins Gymnastics Association (Mini-Hops) began a new adventure, relocating from its old Minnetonka location to a larger gym space in Plymouth. With the new space, the nonprofit has plans for more programs and opportunities, all while staying close to Mini-Hops families and clientele and keeping its community focus.
Executive director Michaela Chelberg says they searched for the right building for years, eventually finding the current location on Campus Drive.
“We’re a pretty big club to begin with and already had quite a few members in the area, and the businesses around us have been fabulous. They’ve been very welcoming,” says Chelberg. She also says Plymouth has been groundbreaking in advocating for small business, including support from Plymouth mayor Kelli Slavik.
Mini-Hops offers extracurricular and competitive gymnastics programs for boys and girls from ages 1 to 18. It provides several different gymnastics courses, including Special Olympics, along with dance and karate curriculums and birthday parties. There are also academic pre-school classes, which Chelberg calls the best-kept secret of Mini-Hops.
The lessons and teaching philosophy at Mini-Hops help to give kids a strong foundation both physically and mentally, says e-marketing manager Jessica Chavez. The association offers a one-class free trial for newcomers, along with a referral program and open gym events.
