Your One-Stop Spot to Find Local Kids Classes and Teams In and Around Champaign-Urbana
When you’re looking for activities like gymnastics, martial arts, sports, fine arts, tutoring and more, we’ve got a comprehensive list for you
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. Below you will find five sections: Gymnastics Classes, Martial Arts Classes, Sports Classes, Fine Arts Classes (including music, art, dance, and theater), and Brain Power (which we use to describe STEAM, language, and tutoring).
Registration for fall activities are up and running at many organizations, although some may not have information ready yet. Don’t see your organization listed? Complete this form and we will be in touch soon. Please note that all listings are paid sponsors of chambanamoms.
Thanks to Empowered Learning for bringing us our list of kids classes in Champaign-Urbana. At Empowered Learning, their licensed, certified teachers and tutors help students raise their grades, get higher test scores, and navigate the stress and anxiety of middle and high school. No two students are the same: this is why one-on-one and group tutoring is the best way to help your student succeed in school and in life. Through our combined 30+ years of teaching experience, we help students become the heroes of their own success story through meaningful mentorships and one-on-one and small group teaching. Students come to Empowered Learning when their grades and test scores should be better. Parents enroll their children in Empowered Learning’s programs when stress, anxiety, and frustration due to school are taking a toll on the student and the whole family.
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Gymnastics Classes | Martial Arts Classes | Sports Classes | Fine Arts Classes | Brain Power
Where to find classes for your child to tumble, twirl and jump – gymnastics classes
Champaign Gymnastics Academy provides all of their athletes, competitive and recreational, with the highest quality gymnastics instruction in the Champaign-Urbana area. All of their programs are based around developing the core skills and values associated with gymnastics at all levels as well as the values of education, self-esteem, self-discipline, and work ethic. CGA was recently awarded the SafeWorks Illinois COVID-19 Best Practices Award in recognition of their extremely proactive and transparent approach to providing the safest environment possible for their families and staff.”
Dates of Programming: Ongoing
Ages or Grades Served: 2 years old to adult
Location: 219 S. Mattis Avenue Champaign, IL 61821
More information: Website, Facebook, Instagram or call (217) 398-4242
I-Power develops well-rounded children and young adults through gymnastics. I-Power strives to instill self-confidence, strength, responsibility and develop its students’ INDIVIDUAL potential. Programs include Preschool Gymnastics (beginning as early as 6 months) Preschool Educational Prep (Gym N Learn), Boys and Girls School-Age Gymnastics, Competitive Gymnastics, Ninja Classes, Special Events, Birthday Parties, Field Trips, Open Gyms, School Out Days and Summer Camps.
Dates of Programming: enrolling now
Ages or Grades Served: Classes begin at 6 months through high school age.
Location: I-Power School of Gymnastics, 215 S. Staley Rd, Champaign
More information: Website or Facebook, or Twitter, or email, or phone
Kick, jab, block – where to find martial arts classes for kids
“Come try out martial arts and discover the amazing benefits they will experience in all aspects of their lives!”
Dates of Programming: Programming is available Monday-Saturday from 4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Ages Served: All
Location: Online or 2413 Village Green Place, Champaign
More Information: Website, Email, or call (217) 351-8531
Grade School and Middle School Students – Enroll now for 2 weeks of FREE introductory online, outdoor, or indoor Tae Kwon Do classes at HMD Academy. Convenient class times are available throughout the week.
Dates of Programming: Grade school and Middle school students may sign up Monday through Thursday from 4:15-6:30pm at HMD Academy.
Ages Served: Grade school and Middle school
Location: Online or 1701 Woodfield Drive, Savoy
More Information: Website, Facebook, or call (217) 649-3880
Jade Fortress Shaolin Martial Arts Academy 
Jade Fortress is a Chinese martial arts academic center that specializes in teaching self defense and self awareness through the values of right speech, right action, and right livelihood.
What classes are offered: Jade Fortress offers classes in traditional and modern martial arts as well as Chinese language for ages 2 and up. The Tiny Titans program are for ages 2-5 years old and focuses on teaching little ones discipline, coordination, and basic form to develop strength, focus and respect. Shaolin XiaoZi program for ages 6-12: Students learn a variety of stances, kicks, empty hand, weapons, and multiple person forms with an emphasis on discipline, teamwork and self control.
Any special joining promotions: 6 weeks for $69
Location: 503 S. Dunlap Ave., Ste. E, Savoy
For more information: call (217) 904-8213 or website
Soccer, basketball, volleyball and more – find spots for sports
Join PA’s “contactless” workout after virtual or in-person learning! Project Athletes Speed School offers speed, agility, and conditioning training- a place to belong and a team to be a part of.
Dates of Programming: Mondays / Wednesdays: 3:30pm – 5:00pm | 3rd – 5th Grade Students.
August 31 – October 30, 2020.
*Prorated rates accommodated.
Tuesdays / Thursdays: 3:30 – 5:00pm | 6th – 12th Grade Students
September 21 – October 30, 2020
*Prorated rates accommodated
Ages Served: 3rd – 12th Grade
Location: Zahnd Park, Champaign, IL (southwest corner of Windsor and Staley Rds.)
For More Information: Website, Facebook, Instagram, or call (217) 722-8257
Currently, the Urbana Indoor Aquatic Center with be providing private swim lessons and private coaching only. Please check out website at www.urbanaparks.org/facilities/urbana- indoor-aquatic-center/ for the most up to date information. Private and Semi-private lessons provide very individualized instruction for anyone at any age. These lessons help the student become more confident in their swimming skills. We also recommend these lessons for anyone who wishes to perfect their strokes or for those who need a little extra attention before rejoining group lessons.
Urbana Park District also offers a year-round competitive swim team. The Tiger Shark Swim Team will provide an opportunity for experience and success at every level for the sport of competitive swimming. Development of character, skill proficiency, physical training, and joy for practice and competition are the goals for every swimmer and the team. The short course season runs from August 3, 2020 to April 16, 2021, at the Urbana Indoor Aquatic Center. Registration is ongoing throughout the year. Questions? Contact Ed Morford at 217-384-7665 ext.337 or email etmorford@urbanaparks.org.
Open gym basketball is available at Brookens Gym from October 2020 – May 2021. Youth basketball is scheduled to take place January – March 2021. Hoopster’s Co-Recreational Basketball is available for children in first and second grade. With a smaller ball and shorter basket, young children will have the opportunity to learn fundamental basketball skills. Youth basketball is available for children in third through eighth grades. A mandatory skill assessment must be completed for all fifth through eight grade students.
Dates of Programming: August 3 – December 17
Ages Served: All Ages
Location: Various Urbana Park District facilities
More Information: Website, Facebook, or call 217-367-1544
Creative classes for your child to experience fine arts
Music Together (age range: babies-4-year-olds): your child’s favorite Music class now offered outdoors and online! Get ready to explore:Musical Play/Dancing and Jamming!/ High Quality Songbooks & CD to use at home! Sing, Dance, Jam and Drum! Try your First Class for FREE! Join us for our Fall Collection!
Dates of Programming: August 24th – October 24th
Ages or Grades Served: Babies-4 year olds
Location: Champaign School of Music and ZOOM
More information: Website, Facebook or call (217) 359-0541
If you are looking for virtual classes to enhance your child’s development, the Urbana Park District is offering virtual tap classes. On location courses for beginning or continuing ballet are available, as well as for teeny ballereenies. Kids’ online art classes are available, as well as an online book club where youth ages 8-12 receive new books and a weekly link to discuss the week’s reading.
Dates of Programming: Varying availability from September – December
Ages or Grades Served: Varies depending on preferred course selection
Location: Online or at other Urbana Park District facilities
More Information: Website, Facebook, or call 217-367-1544
Where to find classes to grow that brain power this year
Empowered Learning (formerly Illini Tutoring)
Empowered Learning (formerly known as Illini Tutoring) has been serving students in Champaign-Urbana since 2010. Students trust their certified teachers and tutors to help them excel in their math and science classes. They also help students raise their scores on the ACT, SAT, and SSAT. They even provide Zoom cooking tutorials and classes for families wanting to expand their knowledge in the kitchen. Moms who want their kids to succeed in school – and in life – trust their tutoring services year after year, and they can’t wait to welcome you into their family of creative thinkers and problem solvers. Empowered Learning is a mom-owned company with a big heart for the community. They donate thousands of dollars each year to support the local public schools and other community projects.
Dates of Programming: Ongoing
Ages Served: All
Location: 2500 Galen Dr., Champaign
More Information: Website, Email, or call 217-714-8395
Little Medical School Central Illinois
Little Medical School inspires young minds by sharing our passion for learning, health and careers in medicine. Through hands-on activities, role-play, and interactive demonstrations, children explore the exciting world of healthcare. All programs are written by experienced educators, board-certified physicians and trained healthcare professionals. Topics include pediatrician, veterinarian, sports medicine, exotic animal vet, nursing, pharmacy & more.
Dates of Programming: Little Veterinarian School (Tuesdays & Thursday, starting 9/3-9/29); Little Pediatrician School (Tuesdays & Thursdays, starting 10/6-10/29)
Ages or Grades Served: 6-11 years
Location: Online
More information: Website, Facebook, Instagram, or call (217) 202-3639
iEXCELL has been offering after school enrichment programs for kids in Math, Language (English, Writing, and Public Speaking), and SAT for 13+ Years. In addition to academic excellence, they focus on STEAM based programs like Robotics, and Chess. They organize and participate in various contests like Math Kangaroo and First Lego League, among others.
Dates of Programming: All year round
Ages or Grades Served: 4 to 14 years
Program Location: Online and Onsite
More Information: Website, Facebook, or call (309) 533-7676
Nia Klein Coaching helps students with ADHD and executive functioning challenges acquire life skills that support learning in all types of environments.
Dates of Programming: On-going. Meet with students according to their schedules, Monday through Friday.
Ages or Grades Served: 1 – 12 grade
Location: Both in-person and online.
More information: Website, Facebook, Instagram, Email, or call (217) 898-4445