Jump Start Gymnastics offers programs for all ages and abilities
Whether it’s a toddler’s first tumble or a teen mastering a beam routine, Jump Start Gymnastics in Beachwood has built its reputation on more than just somersaults—it’s about confidence, discipline, and fun in motion.
Founded in 2004 by Maureen Eppich, a former gymnast and lifelong coach, Jump Start started small, with just a handful of preschool classes. Today, it operates out of a spacious, fully equipped 14,000-square-foot facility on Mercantile Road, serving more than 600 students each week.
“Our goal is to create a safe, encouraging environment where every child can thrive at their own pace,” says Maureen. “We don’t use labels like beginner or advanced. We place students where they’ll feel confident and challenged.”
Programs for Every Stage
“We sneak the life lessons into the skills,” adds Maureen. “Yes, we’re teaching cartwheels and handstands, but we’re also teaching perseverance, patience, and pride in effort.”
Real-World Confidence
Maureen’s philosophy centers on using gymnastics to develop the whole child, not just their athletic abilities. Her staff shares this mindset, encouraging kids not only to try again when they fall—but to celebrate every small improvement along the way.
“We don’t just train athletes—we build confidence kids can carry into everything else they do,” says Maureen.
Parents often mention how their child’s classroom behavior, self-esteem, and friendships grow in tandem with their gymnastics skills.
“We knew she’d get stronger, but we didn’t expect her to come out of her shell like this,” one parent recently shared. “Now she walks into school like she owns the place.”
A Focus on Safety
Long before COVID made it essential, Jump Start has made safety and cleanliness a top priority—not just for hygiene, but to ensure every student feels secure and supported as they learn. Equipment is cleaned regularly, class sizes are kept intentionally small, and staff are trained to keep a close eye on both form and emotional well-being.
“Kids learn best when they feel safe—physically and emotionally,” says Maureen. “That’s why we keep class sizes manageable and coaches consistent. It’s about building trust as much as skills.”
This approach reassures both parents and students, especially those trying a new activity for the first time.
Why Families Keep Coming Back
What makes Jump Start special isn’t just the equipment or even the curriculum—it’s the community feel that Maureen and her team have cultivated over two decades. Students are supported, cheered for, and encouraged to meet their own milestones—no matter how big or small.
“It’s not just about the cartwheel—it’s about the smile when they finally get it,” says Maureen with a laugh.
Jump Start Gymnastics is located at 23700 Mercantile Road in Beachwood. Call them at (216) 896-0295 or visit www.jsgymnastics.com.
Article by Dan Miller
Photo credit: Jump Start Gymnastics
Founded in 2004 by Maureen Eppich, a former gymnast and lifelong coach, Jump Start started small, with just a handful of preschool classes. Today, it operates out of a spacious, fully equipped 14,000-square-foot facility on Mercantile Road, serving more than 600 students each week.
“Our goal is to create a safe, encouraging environment where every child can thrive at their own pace,” says Maureen. “We don’t use labels like beginner or advanced. We place students where they’ll feel confident and challenged.”
Programs for Every Stage
Jump Start offers a wide range of programs for children ages 2 to 15, as well as adult open gyms and birthday parties. The popular Twisters and Flips classes introduce children to gymnastics fundamentals in a playful, skill-based format. For those with competitive drive, the Jump Stars prep team and USAG team (up to Level 8) offer performance and competition opportunities in a supportive, age-appropriate way.
The gym features:
- Eight bar setups
- Balance beams and vault stations
- Full spring floor
- Trampolines
- Separate preschool area
“We sneak the life lessons into the skills,” adds Maureen. “Yes, we’re teaching cartwheels and handstands, but we’re also teaching perseverance, patience, and pride in effort.”
Real-World Confidence
Maureen’s philosophy centers on using gymnastics to develop the whole child, not just their athletic abilities. Her staff shares this mindset, encouraging kids not only to try again when they fall—but to celebrate every small improvement along the way.
“We don’t just train athletes—we build confidence kids can carry into everything else they do,” says Maureen.
Parents often mention how their child’s classroom behavior, self-esteem, and friendships grow in tandem with their gymnastics skills.
“We knew she’d get stronger, but we didn’t expect her to come out of her shell like this,” one parent recently shared. “Now she walks into school like she owns the place.”
A Focus on Safety
Long before COVID made it essential, Jump Start has made safety and cleanliness a top priority—not just for hygiene, but to ensure every student feels secure and supported as they learn. Equipment is cleaned regularly, class sizes are kept intentionally small, and staff are trained to keep a close eye on both form and emotional well-being.
“Kids learn best when they feel safe—physically and emotionally,” says Maureen. “That’s why we keep class sizes manageable and coaches consistent. It’s about building trust as much as skills.”
This approach reassures both parents and students, especially those trying a new activity for the first time.
Why Families Keep Coming Back
What makes Jump Start special isn’t just the equipment or even the curriculum—it’s the community feel that Maureen and her team have cultivated over two decades. Students are supported, cheered for, and encouraged to meet their own milestones—no matter how big or small.
“It’s not just about the cartwheel—it’s about the smile when they finally get it,” says Maureen with a laugh.
Jump Start Gymnastics is located at 23700 Mercantile Road in Beachwood. Call them at (216) 896-0295 or visit www.jsgymnastics.com.
Article by Dan Miller
Photo credit: Jump Start Gymnastics