Ground Zero Gymnastics

OVERVIEW

Ground Zero Gymnastics is Skagit County’s original gymnastics program, tracing its roots back to 1974 when it was founded as Skagit Valley Dimensions of Gymnastics by Coach Michelle Ford. Now owned and operated by Kevin and Chandra Chaffins, Ground Zero has expanded Coach Michelle’s legacy into one of the most comprehensive gymnastics and movement facilities in northwest Washington. Kevin retired from the US Navy in April 2023 to join the program full time, while Chandra serves as the business manager, bringing a family-centered commitment to every aspect of the gym’s operation.

Ground Zero is a USAG-affiliated program with a remarkable achievement in its history: two athletes who trained at the gym, Emilea Zinga and Vadym Kolesnik, represented their country at the Olympic Games, finishing in 5th place and bringing international recognition to this community-based program in Mount Vernon.

THE GYM

Ground Zero Gymnastics operates at 2201 Continental Place in Mount Vernon, Washington, providing families throughout Skagit County with access to a well-equipped gymnastics facility that supports a diverse range of programming. The gym features professional gymnastics apparatus alongside areas for Ninja Zone, aerial silks, trampoline, and dance instruction. An on-site retail area carries leotards, gymnastics accessories, grip bags, and apparel for families seeking convenient access to gymnastics gear.

The gym maintains a philosophy of fostering positivity, a love of movement, and perseverance in students of all ages and developmental stages. Open gym sessions are available on a drop-in basis for both preschool-age children and all-ages participants, with parents required to remain on the gym floor during open play to encourage safe participation.

PROGRAMS AT THE GYM

Preschool and Recreational Gymnastics

Ground Zero offers a full progression of gymnastics classes beginning with You and Your Tot parent-tot classes and Gymazing Jr’s preschool gymnastics for the youngest participants. Classes progress through Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced levels for girls and boys, with advanced classes potentially leading to the competitive team. Homeschool gymnastics PE classes and adult gymnastics are also available.

Morning sessions run Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9:45 AM and afternoon and evening sessions run throughout the week. Please call (360) 416-6623 or visit groundzerogymnastics.com for current class schedules and enrollment.

Hours

Monday: 9:45 AM to 12:00 PM and 3:15 PM to 8:00 PM
Tuesday: 3:15 PM to 8:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:45 AM to 12:00 PM and 3:15 PM to 8:00 PM
Thursday: 3:15 PM to 8:00 PM
Friday: 9:45 AM to 1:30 PM and 4:00 PM to 9:30 PM
Saturday and Sunday: Closed

Ninja Zone, Aerial Silks, and Dance

Ground Zero offers Ninja Zone obstacle training, aerial silks instruction, ballet, Latin dance, and hip-hop dance classes, making it one of the most diverse movement activity destinations in Skagit County. These programs complement the gymnastics curriculum and provide additional athletic and creative outlets for participants of all ages.

Competitive Team

Ground Zero Gymnastics fields a competitive team as a USAG-affiliated program. The program has produced nationally recognized athletes including Olympic participants, and continues to develop competitive gymnasts in a team environment that values excellence, perseverance, and community.

Contact and Location