Cheer Athletics
Columbus
Mission Statement
Since our inception in 2016, we have been a part of creating and nurturing the culture at Cheer Athletics - Columbus. While we take pride in the numerous national titles our teams have won over the years, we take more pride in work that has been put in to shape the atmosphere of the gym the past few years. CA Columbus is a place where everyone learns, grows and excels at the highest caliber, while finding inspiration to succeed around every corner.
Our talented coaches, office staff, athletes in the program and their families can always be found providing various degrees of support to others which makes our large program feel like a closeknit community. We strive to instill the values of outstanding moral character, to educate on how to lead healthy physical and mental lifestyles, to teach how to persevere under pressure and to inspire our athletes to conquer all challenges set in front of them. While we stand on always being contenders at the most prestigious events every year, it is always our goal for the athletes we get the opportunity to work with to pass these values onto others in the community by way of example.
About Us
Cheer Athletics Columbus ranks among the premier All Star gyms in the Midwest. Our experienced coaches are dedicated to developing athletes’ skills, confidence, and teamwork in a supportive and motivating environment.
Conveniently located in the Buckeye State, the facility offers advanced training equipment and caters to athletes of all ages and skill levels.
You Belong Here
Columbus Programs
All-Star Cheer
From recreational enthusiasts to elite performers, our All Star Cheer programs are designed for everyone. Striving for excellence at every level, our athletes master skills and foster teamwork, standing out as The Best of The Best in the sport.
Tumbling Classes
Master the art of tumbling with our specialized classes, accommodating all skill levels. Whether you're a beginner conquering fundamentals or an advanced athlete aiming for higher skills, our tumbling classes support your journey.
Camps & Clinics
Immerse yourself in the cheer experience with our curated Camps and Clinics. Blend fun with intensity as athletes refine their skills, build bonds with peers and create lasting memories.
Private Lessons
Receive personalized attention and targeted coaching with our private lessons. Our experienced instructors work one-on-one with athletes to refine techniques, address specific challenges, and accelerate skill development. Contact us to learn more.
Open Gym
Unleash your potential at our open gym sessions, offering a relaxed and supportive atmosphere for athletes of all levels to practice and refine their skills.
Events & Rentals
Please contact us using the form below if you’re interested in hosting an event or renting floor space at the Cheer Athletics gym. (All requests should be submitted at least fourteen days in advance of the event. Submitting this form does not guarantee rental.)
What to Expect
Cutting-Edge Facility
State of the art facility with the latest cheerleading equipment
Skilled Coaching
Seasoned professionals devoted to fostering talent
Diverse Programs
Programs designed for all levels and interests
Personalized Training
Personalized attention through customized training options
Thrilling Events & Competition
Exciting events and competitions throughout the season
Community Unity
Join a community of cheerleaders that share your passion
Values-Driven Development
Embody dedication, perseverance, and sportsmanship
Meet the Leadership Team
Chelsea Ingram
Co-Owner
Ryan Dickinson
Co-Owner
Mark Cichon
Camp Director
Beth Boes
Class Director
Member Resources
2026-2027 Tryouts
Welcome
Since our inception in 2016, we have had the privilege of building and nurturing the culture at Cheer Athletics Columbus. While we are incredibly proud of the national titles our teams have earned over the years, we are even more proud of the work that has gone into shaping the atmosphere of this gym.
CA Columbus is a place where athletes of all levels learn, grow, and excel, while finding inspiration in the people around them every single day. Our coaches, staff, athletes, and families consistently show up for one another, and it is that spirit of support that makes such a large program feel like a true community.
Our mission goes beyond the mat. We are committed to instilling outstanding moral character, promoting healthy physical and mental lifestyles, and teaching our athletes to persevere under pressure and rise to every challenge in front of them. We believe that the athletes who come through this program carry these values far beyond the gym and that the example they set in their communities is the achievement we are most proud of.
We are honored to be a part of your athlete's journey, and we look forward to an incredible season ahead.
— Ryan & Chelsea
Overview
TEAM PLACEMENTS
When forming teams, we evaluate each athlete fully, considering independent skill execution (without a spotter), overall experience, age and maturity, and the specific needs of each team that season. Prior placement on a particular age-level or experience level team does not guarantee placement at that same category in future seasons.
Team placement is primarily determined by birth year and skill level. When an athlete is eligible for multiple divisions, they will be considered for the younger division first. Rosters, routine placements, and participation are subject to change at any time, for any reason, at coaches' discretion and are not based solely on skills demonstrated at tryouts. Athletes who develop new skills mid-season should not anticipate a team change as a result.
Most athletes who try out will be selected for a team. Placement notifications will be sent to the email address on file for the athlete's account.
To be considered for any given level, skills must be executed with near-perfect technique and consistency. We are looking for well-rounded athletes who are ready to contribute fully across all elements of their routine — which often means competing below the ceiling of an athlete's highest tumbling ability. Our goal is to be competitive, and that requires mastery of every skill set at each level, not just peak individual ability
COMPETITION SCHEDULE
All-Star Elite Teams: Our All-Star Elite competition season kicks off in November with Blue Debut, our gym-wide showcase where all full-season teams come together to perform their routines for the first time. From there, Elite teams compete at six to seven additional events throughout the season, three to four of which require travel. Out-of-state competitions include NCA All-Star Nationals in Houston, TX, one to two additional travel events, and an end-of-season bid event, such as Regional Summit, Youth Summit, The Summit, or Worlds (for qualifying teams).
Full Season All-Star Prep/Novice Teams: Prep and Novice full-season teams also kick off their competition season in November with Blue Debut, joining all full-season teams for our gym-wide season opener. From there, these teams compete at four to five additional events, all local and within reasonable driving distance. Teams that earn a bid may have the opportunity to attend an out-of-state Regional Summit or US Finals event at the end of the season.
TRAVEL & Event Attendance
Travel expenses are not included in monthly tuition. All families are responsible for independently booking flights, hotels, and any other travel accommodations for out-of-state events. For events designated as "stay-to-play," all bookings must be made through Team Travel Source using the link provided by the gym when the booking window opens, alternative accommodations are not permitted for these events.
Anticipated travel dates will be communicated over the summer. We strongly recommend booking refundable or adjustable reservations whenever possible, as schedules are subject to change and athletes are not permitted to depart for travel competitions before the designated travel dates. Attendance at all events is mandatory, including all travel competitions.
PRACTICE SCHEDULE & COMMITMENT
Participation in our All-Star Cheer program is a 12-month commitment. We ask that all families carefully review the practice expectations below before trying out.
All-Star Elite Teams practice twice per week. During the summer, both practices are held on weekdays. Beginning in August, when we transition to our school-year schedule, one practice moves to a weekday and the second becomes a two-hour Sunday practice. From September through May, families should anticipate the possibility of one additional practice added weekly or bi-weekly, depending on the team and time of season.
NEW FOR 2026-27 — Worlds-Eligible Teams: Teams competing at the Worlds level will practice three times per week. The specific practice schedule for both summer and the school year will be released alongside team placement announcements.
Prep and Novice Teams practice once per week, with additional practices added to schedules as the season progresses.
The frequency of extra practices will vary by team, not every team follows the same cadence.
There are no additional fees associated with extra practices.
Attendance at all practices and competitions is mandatory. If there is any likelihood of inconsistent attendance — whether at practices or events — we strongly encourage families to carefully consider whether trying out is the right fit at this time.
Tryouts
Tryouts are designed to be a positive experience for athletes to showcase skills.
Tryout sessions are not divided by age or level. All necessary tryout fees must be paid in order to participate. If scheduling a private tryout, you will receive a calendly link to schedule. Email columbus@cheerathletics.com for questions.
Financial Commitment
Competitive cheer, while not as costly as some youth activities, can still be expensive. Before considering CA or any program, please consider the financial commitment involved. We offer a semi-inclusive monthly tuition rate that covers most of the expenses for the year. During the 2026-27 season, there will be 12 monthly charges starting in June 2026 through May 2027.
Monthly tuition will be charged on the 1st of each month.
Monthly tuition covers, but is not limited to: monthly training, Levels Camp, Blue Debut, competition entry fees (does not include end-of-season events like Regional Summit, Youth Summit, The Summit, or Worlds). Tuition does not fluctuate from month to month and is not prorated. Tuition does not change based on the number of practices in any particular month. Monthly tuition varies depending on CA location - please see TUITION below for our 2026-27 rates.
Additional coaches travel, choreo & music fees will be assessed 3 times throughout the season.
The majority of athletes attending tryouts will be placed on a team. If CA is unable to place an athlete on a team, 100% of the tryout fee will be refunded. If an athlete chooses to decline a spot on the roster before or on June 1st, the initial tuition month will not be charged, and the tryout fee will not be refunded/credited to the account on file. If an athlete chooses to decline a spot on the roster after June 1st, the initial month of tuition and the tryout fee will not be refunded/credited to the account on file.
For a more detailed breakdown of costs and fees, download the info packet
All the Details:
Half Season Prep
Allstar Program Overview
About Half Season Prep
Our half season prep teams offer nearly all the benefits of our full season teams while accommodating athletes seeking reduced travel and time commitments.
These teams hold evaluations in late September, with their season running from October through March. Athletes practice once weekly, with occasional additional practices as competition season approaches, and wear the same uniform as our full season prep teams. Practice wear is not required, making this an accessible entry point into competitive cheerleading while respecting your schedule and commitment preferences.
This program is perfect for beginning athletes looking to build a strong competitive cheerleading foundation, those seeking an introduction to our full season program, or athletes who prefer lower time commitments to participate in other extracurricular activities.
Novice Program Overview
About Half Season Prep
Our novice teams welcome athletes of all ages and compete within their respective divisions, receiving ratings based on scoresheet performance rather than traditional placements. Evaluations are held in late September, with the season running from October through March. Teams practice once weekly, with occasional additional practices as competition season approaches. Practice wear is not required, making this an accessible entry point into competitive cheerleading while respecting your schedule and commitment preferences.
This program is ideal for young beginners looking to have fun while learning the fundamentals of competitive cheerleading, including routines featuring basic tumbling, stunting, and jumps. The tiny age division focuses on building ground-based structures rather than airborne stunts for safety and age-appropriate skill development.
Tryouts
For tryout dates, fees, and other information, download our Half Season Info Packet!
All the Details:
Class Info
Overview
Our class program focuses on creating a strong foundation for athletes through drills and skill progression. The curriculum that we have put in place builds on the basic skills for each level starting at the beginner level. Beginner skills eventually lead to developing advanced skills as athletes progress. Each class has a curriculum that will be taught and certain skills that need to be mastered prior to athletes being passed on to the next level. Families can check their iClass accounts to see what skills their athlete has mastered under the “skills tree”.
Class Policies
TUITION
Class tuition is based on class sessions (typically 8 weeks). Accounts will be credited with a “make-up token” for any missed classes within the session. Make-up tokens are valid for 90 days and can be used for the same-name class on a different day/time or in the following session. After 90 days, make-up tokens will disappear from your account. Make-up tokens are non-refundable and non-transferrable. Tuition for classes is due in full at registration of that class and is prorated if you join the class after the first week. Tuition will not be prorated for missed classes, gym closures due to holidays (these are already taken into account when sessions are released) or inclement weather. In the event that we have to cancel a class due to inclement weather, accounts will receive a make-up token for each missed class. Any class credits that are added to accounts are only valid for 12 months from the issue date. Class credits are NOT refundable or transferable and Cheer Athletics will not write checks to cash class credits out. Credits are ONLY able to be used on Cheer athletics programs.
WITHDRAW POLICY
Class Program Withdraw Policy: All athletes are withdrawn from classes at the end of the session and must re-enroll when the new session classes are released. To successfully withdraw from a class during the session, the primary account holder must submit a “drop request” in the iClassPro Customer Portal or email columbusclasses@cheerathletics.com. If an athlete drops a class before the session ends, a credit will be placed on the account for the amount paid at the time of enrollment less $25 (class drop-in fee) per class attended in the session. Athletes must stay enrolled from the time of enrollment to the conclusion of the session in order to receive session pricing. There are no refunds for classes.
ATHLETES AGES 3-4
Athletes Ages 3-4: These athletes MUST start in our Kittens class in order to move to the Intro class. Once they have staff approval, please email columbusclasses@cheerathletics.com in order to enroll. The same applies for athletes this age who have progressed from Intro to Walkovers.
Cheer & Stunt Class Schedules
All the Details:
CheerABILITIES
Overview
Our Cheer ABILITIES program is in its SIXTH season, and we CAn't wait to continue growing this program! This team is an adaptive all-star cheerleading team for athletes of all ages and abilities.
This team practices once a week for 1 hour (additional practices added as we get close to competitions) and athletes will gain experience learning stunting, tumbling, jumps, dancing and performing. We compete/perform at 3-5 local competitions or events/showcases. The cost of monthly tuition is $100/month (this includes training fees, competition/performance fees, music, choreography, etc.). The uniform fee is $230 (new) plus shipping and tax.
To learn more, download our HeroCats Info Packet
All the Details:
You belong here.
Contact Us
Send a Message:
Address
764 Morrison Rd,
Gahanna, OH 43230
columbus@cheerathletics.com
Phone
(614) 694-2324