The Champaign-Urbana area has a variety of offerings for kids classes, activities, lessons and teams during the school year
Activities that keep your kids active and engaged? Check. Activities that stretch your kids’ brain power? Check. Activities that your kids will be asking to go to? Check. We have the info on a variety of extra curricular activities that kids will enjoy all year long.
Registration for fall activities are up and running at many organizations, although some may not have information ready yet. Please note that all listings are paid sponsors of chambanamoms.
Top Tier Lessons
About Top Tier Lessons: Top Tier Lessons offers private and small group sports lessons from University of Illinois student-athletes. They work with swimming, soccer, football and basketball and are adding more sports soon! They believe that lessons are more than just learning skills, they’re about growth. Every child deserves more than a coach, they deserve a mentor and a role model. Top Tier Lessons was created to do that by partnering with current student athletes at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign who are passionate about inspiring the next generation of athletes. Your coach may be an All-American, national champion, or even an Olympic contender. Every time a lesson is booked through Top Tier Lessons you are helping support local college athletes. Their teaching team is composed of current student-athletes who understand the demands of college athletics and are committed to helping you in any way possible.
How to enroll: As a parent, you are able to browse their selection of college athletes and book a lesson then and there. They offer flexible scheduling most days of the week and allow you to book as few or as many lessons as you would like. They work with children starting at age 3 up to 18 years old and each lesson is tailored to their needs.
For more information: Website, Facebook or Instagram
Gallo Dance Studio
About Gallo Dance Studio: They offer Tiny Tot Combination classes for dancers ages 2-4 years old and Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop, Contemporary and Baton Twirling classes for students ages 4 & up.
Their 2023/2024 Recital Session will begin September 5, and they will have multiple class time options for dancers of all ages. Come learn from a talented staff of instructors who love sharing their passion with students.
How do parents enroll in your classes or activities? Online enrollment is available on their website at gallodancestudio.com.
Location: 308 Meadow Street, St. Joseph
For more information: Website, Facebook, Instagram or email
Illini Tutoring
Illini Tutoring offers one-to-one math and science tutoring for 6th-12th grade courses at regular weekly times starting August 20. There are full semester and monthly tuition options for in-person or Zoom tutoring. Office hours are Mondays-Thursdays 2:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. and Sundays 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Math and Science Fall Semester Options
They also offer one-to-one tutoring for the SAT, ACT, PSAT, and college application essay writing. All Illini Tutoring instructors graduated from the University of Illinois and have several years of middle school and high school tutoring and academic coaching experience.
How do parents enroll in your classes or activities? Registration Form
Location: 2500 Galen Drive, Champaign
For more information: Website, email or call 217-714-8395.
I-Power School of Gymnastics
About I-Power School of Gymnastics: I-Power School of Gymnastics offers quality, professional gymnastics instruction. Through their preschool, recreational, competitive program, and ninja classes, they have fun while working hard! They strive to instill self-confidence, strength, and responsibility, and develop their students’ individual potential. Beyond their instructional programs, they offer birthday parties, parents’ night out events, summer and schools day out camps, and a kindergarten-readiness preschool program.
How to enroll: Enrollment for all classes and events is available through their website.
Location: 215 S. Staley, Champaign
For more information: Website or email
Lycan’s Den MMA
About Lycan’s Den MMA: Lycan’s Den MMA are a mixed martial arts academy located in Urbana, IL. They offer Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and MMA classes to children starting as young as three years old! During these classes, your child will learn self defense as well as the fundamental movements of mixed martial arts, play related games, and have the opportunity to participate in tournaments and a belt grading test every 3-6 months. There are countless benefits of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and MMA for kids of all ages. A few of these include improved focus, boosted self confidence, positive social interactions, anti-bullying education, and it promotes healthy exercise through an engaging and fun atmosphere! All of their youth programs are available year round from 5:30-6:30 p.m., Monday-Friday.
How to enroll: To make sure that their youth programs are a good fit for your child, they are offering their first week of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and MMA classes completely for free! Please contact them to schedule their first appointment. Enrollment will take place in person at their facility!
Location: 1305 E. Colorado, Urbana
For more information: Website, Facebook, Instagram, email or call 217-550-3877
Soccer Planet
About Soccer Planet: Soccer Planet offers programs for all skill levels and ages, from recreational to competitive. Whether you are trying soccer for the first time, looking to push your game to the next level, or interested in elite skill-specific training…they have something for you! Toddler classes are also available.
How to enroll: Call (217) 367-9999, register in-person, or register online. Online registration link available by clicking here.
Location: 2310 N. Willow Rd., Urbana
For more information: Website, Facebook, Instagram or call (217) 367-9999.
Stephens Family YMCA
About Stephens Family YMCA: The Stephens Family YMCA offers programming and memberships centered around youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. It strives to be a ray of hope for the community that inspires us to be better. Programs include swim lessons, youth and adult sports, after-school and child care, personal training and many more. Included in your membership is the opportunity to take part in land and water group exercise classes and utilize up to 90 minutes per day of child watch while you’re at the Y.
How to enroll: Registration can occur online at www.sf-ymca.net or by stopping by in person to the Y member service desk.
Location: 2501 Fields South Dr., Champaign
For more information: Website, Facebook, or call (217) 359-9622.
Urbana Park District
The Urbana Park District offers a wide variety of activities for kids, all year long! There are swim lessons offered at the Urbana Indoor Aquatic Center (during the school year) and Crystal Lake Park Family Aquatic Center (summer). There are also a wide variety of nature programs at Anita Purves, athletic programs, language classes, performing arts and more.
Each activity has different pricing.
For more information: Website, Facebook, Instagram
HMD Academy of Taekwondo
About HMD Academy of Taekwondo:HMD Academy is a highly disciplined, safe and fun martial arts center focused on self-defense, self-confidence, and personal growth. Children learn how to focus attention, and follow instructions with a positive attitude, and improved motor skills. Afternoon and evening classes are available throughout the week.
How to enroll: Copy and paste the following link to visit their website connection page, complete the form, and they will contact you for enrollment.
https://www.hmdacademy.com/
For more information: Website, Facebook or Instagram
Champaign’s Best Kids
About Champaign’s Best Kids: Champaign’s Best Kids are the BEST! CBK is dedicated to the empowerment and development of children and families. Its goal is to teach the life skills of confidence, discipline, and respect all while having fun in a safe environment!
How to enroll: Spots are filling up quickly! Get your first week FREE! Call or Text (217) 278-1900 or visit ChampaignsBestAfterSchool.com.
For more information: Website, Facebook or Instagram
Class Act
About Class Act: Class Act is chambana’s only studio offering performing arts training and opportunities for ages 5 to adult. Check out their variety of classes in Musical Theatre, Acting, and Improv, taught by experienced theatre educators.
How to enroll: Sessions vary in length and begin Sept. 14. Register through classactchampaign.com. A Pay-What-You-Can Plan is offered for those in need. Email director@classactchampaign.com for more information. Families can also receive a $20 discount for siblings and multiple classes.
Location: Academy High, 2001 Fox Dr., Champaign
For more information: Website, Facebook, email, or call (217) 689-1493
YMCA HEAT Swim Team
About YMCA HEAT Swim Team: The HEAT is based at the Stephens Family YMCA. It offers stroke development levels up to national- and international-level competitive swimming. Under the guidance of Head Coach Will Barker, HEAT offers high quality, professional coaching and technique instruction for all ages and abilities. At HEAT, we provide every athlete an opportunity to improve swimming skills and achieve success at his or her level of ability, from novice to international competitor. We intend to do this by challenging each athlete to harness the power of positive thinking, learn the values of good sportsmanship and teamwork, develop good time management skills, set goals that will foster personal improvement both in the pool and on land, and value each other, coaches, parents, and our program through honesty, caring, and respect. HEAT is registered with Illinois Swimming, Inc. (ISI), USA Swimming, and YMCA Swimming.
How to enroll: Learn more and register online.
Location: Stephens Family YMCA, 2501 Fields South Dr., Champaign
For more information: Website, Facebook, or call (217) 239-2806.
More places to find kids’ classes in Champaign-Urbana:
- Amara Yoga & Arts