2023-24 Guide to Kids Classes and Teams in the Western Suburbs

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Classes and Camps for KidsGuides

If you’re looking for classes and teams for your children to join this school year, you’re in the right place! The local businesses in our community have wonderful options for all ages. Below you will find four sections: Sports Teams and Classes, Fine Arts Classes (including music, art, dance, theater, and more), Brain Power (which we use to describe STEAM, language, and etiquette), and Classes for Little Kids 0-5 years old. If you live in the west suburbs of Chicago, we have you covered!

This guide to kids classes is made possible by the featured listings under each heading. We have researched and communicated with these businesses and think they are great! As always, we strive to present all of the options so you can make informed decisions. Please click on the full articles for each class and team category under each heading for more information.

Jump to:
Sports | Fine Arts | Brain Power | Little Kids

Kids Sports Classes and Teams

Basketball Teams and Clinics

Kids can build skills and have fun playing basketball starting in kindergarten. We have options for kids all the way through high school!

Breakaway Basketball

Breakaway Basketball
Locations in Oak Brook, Hinsdale, Lombard, Lemont, Homer Glen, and Milwaukee
Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Breakaway Basketball is the leader in basketball skill development for players in Kindergarten through twelfth grade. They are the largest skill development program in Illinois, servicing over 12,000 players a year and partnering with over 500 teams to provide in-season skill development training. They offer year-round group training, team training, and specialty clinics. Breakaway is the place to attend for athletes who truly want to GET BETTER both on and off the court. To learn more about Breakaway Basketball, visit www.breakawaybasketball.com.

Cheerleading Classes and Squads

Find the cheerleading team closest to you and start learning the skills needed to cheer and compete!

Golf Lessons

Golf classes and lessons are a great way to introduce your child to the fundamentals of golf. It’s also a great sport for social distancing. We’ve rounded up all the options with private, group, and simulated learning.

Gymnastics Classes

Balance, flexibility, and discipline. Check out all of these wonderful places where your kids can learn gymnastics and hone their skills.

Gemini Gymnastics Academy

Gemini Gymnastics Academy
330 Washington Avenue
La Grange, IL 60525
(708) 352-2977
Website | Facebook | Instagram

Gemini Gymnastics Academy has dedicated teachers who work with children from walking to flipping and beyond. They use the Powerful Words Character Development Curriculum during classes and focus on the child first, then the sport.

Recreational Gymnastics and Tumbling Classes
Have a child with boundless energy who loves to climb? Gemini Gymnastics Academy is the perfect place for them! They offer recreational gymnastics and tumbling classes for students in kindergarten through high school. Instructors provide quality instruction that is tailored to the individual student. Their atmosphere of fun and positivity helps foster growth and confidence!

Xcel Competitive Team
Gemini Gymnastics Academy’s Xcel Team is an invite only competition-based program. Girls can grow and develop their gymnastics skills while building confidence and learning how to compete! Our Xcel program currently has 5 levels: Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond. Their team program typically meets two or three days a week for 1.5-3 hours depending on the level.

Classes are offered 7 days a week. Join their membership program for reduced rates.

BIG Gymnastics

BIG Gymnastics
16w110 83rd Street
Burr Ridge, IL 60527
(630) 323-6244
Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

The top priority at BIG Gymnastics is to teach girls and boys gymnastics in a positive, progressive and safe environment! Their professional and certified staff excels because they enjoy working with children and teaching a sport they love. They make sure that each child achieves his or her personal best while helping build poise, self-esteem and confidence. Their goal is to help each athlete reach their potential and dream BIG! They offer classes for children walking through high school including: gymnastics, ninja, tumbling and cheer! In addition to classes, BIG has 2 competitive teams! There is something for all ages and abilities. Make sure to check them out at www.biggymnastics.com. Classes run year-round with on-going monthly enrollment! Daytime, evening and weekend classes available!

Hockey Teams and Classes

Lace up those skates! Our big list of kids hockey classes and teams in Chicago’s western suburbs has what you need to get your kids started.

Horseback Riding Lessons

Find great destinations for kids to saddle up and ride horses! We have horseback riding locations and details.

Ice Skating Lessons

Do your kids dream of twirling across the ice? We’ve looked into all of the ice skating lessons to help you find the best rink for your family.

Lacrosse Classes and Teams

Lacrosse has been growing in popularity the last several years and now kids as young as 4 years old are learning the game! Check out all the places in the western suburbs that offer classes, camps, and teams.

Martial Arts Classes

Martial arts and karate classes for kids are a great way to boost discipline, self-esteem, and fitness. If you’re looking for taekwondo, hapkido, jiu jitsu, martial arts, and karate classes for kids, check out our master list of places to train. Be sure to ask about free trials offered at many of these spots.

Ninja Classes

Your kids can build athleticism, balance, coordination and strength while having tons of fun being a kid ninja in one of these ninja classes and open gyms!

Ninja at Gemini Gymnastics Academy

Ninja at Gemini Gymnastics Academy
330 Washington Avenue
La Grange, IL 60525
(708) 352-2977
Website | Facebook | Instagram

Train like a Ninja at Gemini Gymnastics Academy! This action-packed class combines the best of gymnastics, martial arts and ninja warrior programs. Gemini’s program is for everyone: the four-year-old boy learning to walk on a beam and the nine-year-old girl learning to climb the wall are going to be challenged and excited every day. Kids also work on simple puzzles and problem solving amidst their physical activities, using their whole bodies to develop mental grit and resilience!

Classes are offered 7 days a week. Join their membership program for reduced rates.

BIG Gymnastics Ninja Zone

BIG Gymnastics Ninja Zone
16W110 83rd Street
Burr Ridge, IL 60527
(630) 323-6244
Website | Facebook | Instagram

Train like a REAL NINJA at BIG Gymnastics!!! BIG’s Ninja program combines different-styled obstacle courses to develop strength, speed, tumbling and “ninja” style moves just like you see on television! The curriculum is created to help build a child’s confidence, social skills and focus. In addition to ninja obstacle courses, this action-packed class will include balance beam, bars, trampoline and more! These Ninja activities focus on balance and coordination to support the connection between the mind and body! For success in school, sports, and life, a child that learns to channel their impulse and energy towards a focused goal will succeed in all endeavors! This co-ed program is for ages 3-11 years and runs year-round with on-going monthly enrollment! Daytime, evening and weekend classes available! Make sure to check it out and register online at www.biggymnastics.com!

Ninja Squad Gym

Ninja Squad Gym
7918 W 26th Street
North Riverside, IL 60546
(708) 800-8409
Website | Facebook | Instagram

Ninja Squad Gym believes that every child should know how to find some fun while strengthening their bodies and brains. So they create fun, energized, skill based programming that inspires kids to love their bodies, build their balance, grow their muscles, and recognize that all learning can be as fun as a game.

Soccer Classes and Teams

If you are looking for AYSO, click here to find the region in your area. We also have great soccer programs available in our area all year round! The indoor facilities around here are wonderful. We didn’t buy soccer cleats right away and found it was perfectly fine to let our kids wear gym shoes when they started, but then headed to Dick’s for a pair of cleats once they got into it.

Swim Lessons

Keep the swim lessons and pool safety going all year long with indoor swim lessons! There are some amazing options in the west suburbs.

Big Blue Swim School

Big Blue Glendale Heights
145 W Army Trail Rd
Glendale Heights, IL 60139
(630) 592-2583
Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Big Blue Swim School Glendale Heights offers weekly, year-round 30 to 45-minute swim lessons for children beginning at just three months old, seven days a week. Level-appropriate, engaging lessons are led by professional instructors. Big Blue sets itself apart from other swim schools with 90-degree, ultra-clean water, a comfortable viewing area to keep an eye on swimmers; plenty of private changing rooms, fall-proof, anti-microbial flooring throughout the facility, free Wi-Fi and ample parking. Additionally, Big Blue’s mobile app gives parents the ability to conveniently schedule and coordinate classes for multiple kids simultaneously and track their swimming progress.

Foss Swim School

Foss Swim School
4700 Gilbert Avenue
Western Springs, IL 60558
Website
| Facebook | Instagram

For over three decades, Foss Swim School has helped hundreds of thousands of students become safe, strong, and confident swimmers through their unique curriculum. The FOSS Swim Path® curriculum considers each student’s age, skills, and previous water experiences to determine the best pace for learning. FOSS focuses on making learning to swim fun, teaching students to enjoy but also respect the water and build core water safety skills.

Every Foss Swim School is equipped with state-of-the-art air and water filtration systems, 91-degree water, private changing stalls, air-conditioned view rooms, free Wi-Fi, Dyson Hair Dryer stations, and more to create a comfortable experience for students and their families.

FOSS offers once-a-week quarterly swim lessons for students starting at 6 months old through adulthood, as well as swim camps and private lessons. 

Tennis Lessons

Learn teamwork and sports skills alike. Kids as young as three years old can start taking tennis lessons!

If your littlest one is interested in the game, you’ll want to buy a 17″ racket. As your child grows, you will need to buy larger rackets and court shoes. The tennis pros where you take lessons will advise you on sizes.

Volleyball Teams and Clinics

Volleyball is a great team sport for both girls and boys! It’s something that you can easily practice at home, too. Passing and setting in the yard is one of our favorite ways to be active and practice skills.

Lions Jrs Volleyball Club

Lions Jrs Volleyball Club
Locations include Max-McCook, 1st Alliance in Woodridge, and facilities in La Grange, Lombard, Elmhurst, Hinsdale, Orland, Plainfield and Oak Lawn
Website | Email | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Lions Jrs Volleyball Club will be celebrating its 30th year this club season! Lions Jrs offers volleyball for boys and girls from ages 18 months to 18 years old through their volley babies program, seasonal leagues, camps, clinics and club/travel volleyball. Whether you want to play locally or compete against the best in the country, Lions Jrs has something to offer you! Click here to visit their website and check out their next league: The 2023 Lions Fall League that begins in September.

Wrestling Classes

There are a ton of wrestling clubs and academies where kids can get coaching and practice their moves on the mat.

Yoga Classes

Balance, focus, flexibility, relaxation, stress reduction… there are so many benefits from yoga! Yoga classes designed for kids are harder to find, but we have a great list of options near you!

Jump to:
Sports | Fine Arts | Brain Power | Little Kids

Fine Arts Classes for Kids

Art Classes for Kids

For all the kids out there who love to create, we’ve rounded up drawing and painting studios that nurture creativity and build skills!

Childrens Choirs

Little songbirds soar in children’s choirs! Choirs meet across the area, from Chicago to Orland Park, Naperville, Wheaton, Oak Park, Evanston and more. While many choirs are on hiatus, they’re also a great resource for voice lessons and private teachers.

Mattix Music Singers

Mattix Music Singers (1st-6th grade)
Grand Avenue Community Center
4211 Grand Avenue
Western Springs, IL 60558
(708) 638-3027
Website | Email | Facebook | Instagram

Join Mattix Music Studio for a unique combination of choral singing, musicianship, and community, all in one action-packed, fun-filled class. Improve your singing skills while enjoying a variety of exciting songs and warm-ups, with local performances your family can attend.

Cooking Classes and Kid-Friendly Meal Prep

At cooking classes for kids, children learn new skills, build kitchen confidence, and try new foods. And who knows — you may end up with breakfast in bed!

Dance Classes

There is such a variety of dance classes! Kids tend to start out in ballet and tap, but then the choices multiply! Many of our kids have taken dance classes through the years and we have looked into all kind of options, including jazz, hip hop, ballet, tap, modern, ballroom, irish dance, and more. There are great dance studios for both girls and boys, all ages, and all abilities!

Jo’s Footwork Studio

Jo’s Footwork Studio
1500 Walker Street
Western Springs, IL 60558
(708) 246-6878
Website | Facebook | Instagram

Jo’s is celebrating 40 years of dance in the community! They offer many types of dance, from Twinkle Stars for preschoolers and kindergarteners to ballet, tap, pointe, jazz, lyrical, modern, hip hop, performance companies, and more for all age groups, which are all taught by master instructors, professional performers, certified and/or degreed teachers. Jo’s mission is simple: to provide a creative environment for all ages that allows dancers to excel and enjoy forever memories.

Expression Dance Studio

Expression Dance Studio
25 S Cass Avenue
Westmont, IL 60559
Website | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube

Expression Dance Studio’s goal is to provide students with a safe environment in which they can express themselves through movement. All dancers learn correct technique in a fun and enjoyable way, instructors encourage each student to express their own unique individuality and style, and students develop an appreciation and respect for the art of dance. Expression Dance Studio has created a family friendly environment where kids can be kids. They use age-appropriate music and costumes. Whether a dancer is 18 months or 100 years old, there is a place for you at Expression Dance Studio!

Enjoy a free class to see what they are all about! *Register before September 1, 2023 and they will waive your registration fee. Simply mention Kidlist in your registration.

Music Lessons: Instruments and Voice

We have the info on local music classes for kids, including private lessons, voice training, and various instruments and build their confidence, rhythm and brain power!

Mattix Music Studio

Mattix Music Studio
Grand Avenue Community Center
4211 Grand Avenue
Western Springs, IL 60558
(708) 638-3027
Website | Email | Facebook | Instagram

Join Mattix Music Studio for musical fun for all ages and abilities in Western Springs!

Private Lessons (age 3+)
Piano, Violin, Viola, Voice
Learn one-on-one with their incredible faculty. Traditional and Suzuki Methods available 7 days a week. In-Studio, Virtual or In-Home. Register at mattixmusic.com/private-lesson-registration/.

Music Together® (ages 0-5)
Sing, dance, play instruments and grow! Infants, toddlers, preschoolers and big kids will love making music! Register at mattixmusic.com/music-together-registration.

Exploring Music (Pre-K & K-2nd)
Explore piano, singing, rhythm and music basics in our fun and engaging small group classes for preschoolers and kindergarten-2nd graders. Register at mattixmusic.com/exploring-music/.

Mattix Music Singers (1st-6th grade)
Sing with your friends in their fun and exciting children’s choir! You’ll love the songs, community of friends, and local performances. Register at mattixmusic.com/singers.

Brookfield Academy for Mini Musicians & Chicago Mini Musicians

Brookfield Academy for Mini Musicians: 9213 Broadway Ave, Brookfield
Chicago Mini Musicians: 3317 W. Irving Park Rd, Chicago
(708) 704-1716
Website | Email | Facebook | Instagram

What’s the secret to being the #1 music school for 0-5 year olds in the western suburbs? 12+ years of happy families who can’t bear to go anywhere else! And recently, the Brookfield Academy for Mini Musicians opened up a satellite location in the Irving Park neighborhood of Chicago as Chicago Mini Musicians.

From socialization to language development to motor skills, their one-of-a-kind curriculum inspires creativity and leads to an explosion of musical and non-musical skills that extend far beyond the classroom. But most importantly, nothing beats the pure joy seen on little ones’ faces as they master a tricky drum pattern, giggle uncontrollably as they sing a silly song, and make new friends.

$5 demo classes are offered year-round, and weekly classes are offered on a month-to-month basis with no semester minimums.

Classes fill up fast, so sign up today and let the music and giggles begin!

Pottery Classes

Bothwell Pottery

Bothwell Pottery
Brookfield, IL
(708) 710-1771
Website | Email | Facebook | Instagram

Bothwell Pottery offers hands-on classes where kids are introduced to a variety of techniques and skills for hand building, wheel throwing, and glazing. As kids improve their skills, they will be encouraged to explore and develop more independently.

Lil’ Kids Class is perfect for younger kids, kids new to pottery, and/or kids that can only come on Wednesdays.

  • Kids Class, Tuesday, 4:30-6:00, Feb 20,27, Mar 5,12,19 Ages 7+, 5 Weeks $125
  • Lil’ Kids Class, Wednesday, 5:00-6:00, Feb 21,28, Mar 6, 13, 20, Ages 5+, 5 Weeks, $100
  • Kids Class, Thursday, 5-6:30, Feb 22, 29, Mar 7,14,21, Ages 7+, 5 Weeks, $125
  • Looking for more options? Suggest a day and time and they will try to create a class to accommodate

Sewing Classes

From Naperville to Western Springs and beyond, there are sewing classes for kids all over Chicago’s western suburbs! Check our list to find one near you.

Theater and Drama Classes

From the art of improv to musical theater, there are kids theater classes throughout Chicagoland. Besides our list of classes so you can find one that works for you, we also have a resource to help you navigate what to look for and the benefits of acting and drama classes: How to Choose Theatre Classes for Your Kids

Children’s Theatre of Western Springs

Children’s Theatre of Western Springs4384 Hampton Avenue
Western Springs, IL 60558
(708) 246-4043
Website | Facebook

Theatre classes for grades K-12 give students the opportunity to grow and learn in new ways, meet new friends, and develop lifelong skills! Join us this fall for classes in musical theatre, acting, improv, technical theatre, voice, and more!

Click here to sign up.

Jump to:
Sports | Fine Arts | Brain Power | Little Kids

Brain Power!

Language Schools

Embrace new cultures and traditions while also learning how to communicate with others! There are many local language schools (as well as virtual classes based in Chicago) that teach French, Spanish, Italian, Chinese, Mandarin, German, English, Hindi, Punjabi, Arabic, Russian, Polish, Korean, Japanese, Portuguese, Hebrew, Swedish, Indonesian, and Latin.

STEAM/STEM Classes

STEAM and STEM classes for kids challenge minds and engage creativity through hands-on learning about science, technology, engineering, art, and math. Check out these great locations for your kids to take classes!

Jump to:
Sports | Fine Arts | Brain Power | Little Kids

Classes for Babies, Toddlers, and Preschoolers

Classes for Little Kids (0-5 years old)

Little kids love classes, too! From babies to preschoolers, kids of all ages can take part in fun music, art, sports, and dance classes. Find them all here!

Mattix Music Studio

Mattix Music Studio
Grand Avenue Community Center
4211 Grand Avenue
Western Springs, IL 60558
(708) 638-3027
Website | Email | Facebook | Instagram

Join Mattix Music Studio for musical fun for all ages and abilities in Western Springs!

Private Lessons (age 3+)
Piano, Violin, Viola, Voice
Learn one-on-one with their incredible faculty. Traditional and Suzuki Methods available 7 days a week. Register at mattixmusic.com/private-lesson-registration/

Music Together® (ages 0-5)
Sing, dance, play instruments and grow! Register at mattixmusic.com/music-together-registration

Exploring Music Level 1 & 2 (PreK, K-2)
Level 1 is a perfect introduction to music education, designed specifically for your preschooler’s age and skills. Students will learn the order of the musical alphabet, black and white notes on the piano, sing songs, and learn to count rhythms, all in a play-based setting. Graduate to Level 2 when you’re ready for more of a challenge. No home piano required. Register at mattixmusic.com/exploring-music/

Brookfield Academy for Mini Musicians & Chicago Mini Musicians

Brookfield Academy for Mini Musicians: 9213 Broadway Ave, Brookfield
Chicago Mini Musicians: 3317 W. Irving Park Rd, Chicago
(708) 704-1716
Website | Email | Facebook | Instagram

What’s the secret to being the #1 music school for 0-5 year olds in the western suburbs? 12+ years of happy families who can’t bear to go anywhere else! And recently, the Brookfield Academy for Mini Musicians opened up a satellite location in the Irving Park neighborhood of Chicago as Chicago Mini Musicians.

From socialization to language development to motor skills, their one-of-a-kind curriculum inspires creativity and leads to an explosion of musical and non-musical skills that extend far beyond the classroom. But most importantly, nothing beats the pure joy seen on little ones’ faces as they master a tricky drum pattern, giggle uncontrollably as they sing a silly song, and make new friends.

$5 demo classes are offered year-round, and weekly classes are offered on a month-to-month basis with no semester minimums.

Classes fill up fast, so sign up today and let the music and giggles begin!

Twinkle Stars at Jo’s Footwork Studio

Jo’s Footwork Studio
1500 Walker Street
Western Springs, IL 60558
(708) 246-6878
Website | Facebook | Instagram

Jo’s is celebrating 40 years of dance in the community! They offer many classes for kids 2-6 years old, including Twinkle Stars, ballet, ballet/tap combo, jazz, poms, hip hop, and jazz/poms combo. Classes are available during the week and Saturday mornings. Jo’s mission is simple: to provide a creative environment for all ages that allows dancers to excel and enjoy forever memories.

Tiny Twistars at Gemini Gymnastics Academy

Gemini Gymnastics Academy
330 Washington Avenue
La Grange, IL 60525
(708) 352-2977
Website | Facebook | Instagram

The Tiny Twistars program at Gemini Gymnastics Academy is for children kids ages 2 through kindergarten. They use child focused teaching practices incorporating fun themes with gymnastics skills to create a positive experience that fosters healthy learning attitudes as well as the joy of movement. In their program, gymnastics skills are used as tools to teach learning attitudes while skill mastery is a secondary goal.

Classes include Twinklers (Co-ed, Ages 2 and 3, 30 minutes), Sparklers (Co-ed, ages 3 and 4, 45 minutes), Super Stars (Co-ed, 4-5 year old preschoolers & kindergartners, 45 minutes).

Classes are offered 7 days a week. Join their membership program for reduced rates.

Mommy and Me Classes

There are tons of classes for parents and kids to take together in the west and southwest suburbs! In our Mommy and Me Classes article you’ll find great opportunities to spend time together, including dance, art, swim, gymnastics and more.

Brookfield Academy for Mini Musicians & Chicago Mini Musicians

Brookfield Academy for Mini Musicians: 9213 Broadway Ave, Brookfield
Chicago Mini Musicians: 3317 W. Irving Park Rd, Chicago
(708) 704-1716
Website | Email | Facebook | Instagram

What’s the secret to being the #1 music school for 0-5 year olds in the western suburbs? 12+ years of happy families who can’t bear to go anywhere else! And recently, the Brookfield Academy for Mini Musicians opened up a satellite location in the Irving Park neighborhood of Chicago as Chicago Mini Musicians.

From socialization to language development to motor skills, their one-of-a-kind curriculum inspires creativity and leads to an explosion of musical and non-musical skills that extend far beyond the classroom. But most importantly, nothing beats the pure joy seen on little ones’ faces as they master a tricky drum pattern, giggle uncontrollably as they sing a silly song, and make new friends.

$5 demo classes are offered year-round, and weekly classes are offered on a month-to-month basis with no semester minimums.

Classes fill up fast, so sign up today and let the music and giggles begin!

Mattix Music Studio Music Together®

Mattix Music Studio Music Together®
Grand Avenue Community Center
4211 Grand Avenue
Western Springs, IL 60558
(708) 638-3027
Website | Email | Facebook | Instagram

Playful, rich, and engaging, Music Together® helps children of all ages—babies, toddlers, preschoolers, and big kids—discover their inner music-maker by playing with the grownups they love. The music and movement classes at Mattix Music Studio also offer other important mental, physical, verbal and social benefits to children. Even grown-ups find they grow in their musical abilities in their classes!

Join Mattix Music Studio to experience the magic of music with your little ones! Register at mattixmusic.com/music-together-registration

Safety Villages

Your child can learn pedestrian, passenger and at-home safety while navigating one of these safety villages. These camps, classes, and open roads are not available all the time, but locations, dates, and ages are included in the link below so you can plan ahead. Many sell out when registration opens in the late winter/early spring.

Preschool, Daycare, and Extended Care Guide

Find education and child care near you. We don’t want to just help you with classes before or after school, we have all of the preschools, daycares, and schools with extended care in one place!

Jump to:
Sports | Fine Arts | Brain Power | Little Kids

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