.: IGI History :.
IGI is now in it's 30th year of operation, and has returned to within 4 blocks of its
initial location. Now located just across the street from Ty Warner Park we are one
of the newest and largest training facilities in Illinois, it offers a safe and fun training
environment for children of all ages.
Started in 1979 by Todd Gardiner, Head Coach, IGI quickly outgrew its first
location in Westmont and moved to Elmhurst. After continuing to grow, competing
Nationally and Internationally, we found it necessary to move again as our training
and program needs changed. In Addison, we were able to continue our success,
faithfully serving the community. In 2000, Kurt Aichele was added to the staff as the
Director of Operations and Assistant Coach, after a successful career in Colorado.
Little did we know that another expansion decision was close at hand.
Todd's dream has always been to move back to the Westmont, Hinsdale,
Clarendon Hills and Oakbrook area, where he grew up. Some would refer to is as
"old stompin' grounds". Though the move was tedious, it has been well worth the
effort. In 2001, we again were the only U.S. National Team Training Center in
Illinois, as we dove headfirst back into the International Elite scene. In 2002, we
were blessed in having both a Junior and a Senior U.S. National Vault Champion. In
2003 the cycle continued, culminating in 2004, when we were able to qualify our
first athlete to the U.S. Olympic Trails, Liz Tricase.
At the Olympic Trials, Liz competed well enough to earn a spot at the 2004
Olympic Selection Camp. Former Olympian Shannon Miller commented on Liz in
the Chicago Tribune, "She would make an excellent team captain for the U.S."
Although Liz was not selected to represent the U.S. in Athens, she has joined our
ranks as one of our numerous athletes who are full-tuition collegiate scholarship
recipients.
In fact, over 98% of ALL IGI graduates have received full-tuition scholarships for
gymnastics. These include our Elite athletes, and our Junior Olympic athletes, for not
only have we consistently excelled in the International scene, but also at the National
level. In 2000 and in 2004 we qualified more athletes to the J.O. National
Championships than any other program in the U.S.
It is precisely this dedication and philosophy towards training that has allowed us to
compete at the highest levels possible, which we have filtered down to our most
developmental and recreational programs. We offer gymnastics instruction for ALL
children ages 18 months to 18 years of age in the areas of preschool gymnastics,
recreational gymnastics, cheerleading, tumbling and trampoline. Many of our families
also celebrate their birthdays here, as we have parties designed for all occasions.
Where learning can last a lifetime
:: History
:: Staff