Team Illinois Cheerleading

I wrote this last May, when the tryout season began:\r \r I wanted to share why my daughter cheers at Team Illinois Cheer. Could she go to a big fancy gym and become but a number? Sure. Better yet, I could pay more money, get less competitions and essentially just become a dollar sign.\r \r Or, we could chose to be part of a true family. A mom and dad that started a gym for their daughters and every day, win or lose, give their hearts and soul to that gym. A gym that one of the daughters dreamed about being a part of when she cheered for our local high school. 10 years later her dream is still a reality, and I am so grateful.\r \r My daughter tries out for her 5th year tomorrow. And the growth as a person I have seen in her because of this sport, and these people - that is what I want for her. She has been on successful teams, and not as successful teams. She has learned it is not about the size of the dog in the fight, but the size of the fight in the dog. She learned about giving back by becoming a Jr. Coach and having an impact on new, younger cheerleaders. All of these things will remain when the jackets are too small, the uniform no longer fits and the ring isn't shiny. What she is learning isn't just for the now, it's for the many tomorrows I hope she has on this earth. When she is a successful team player and leader in life - I will be able to point back to the time she spent at this ""little"" gym known as ""TI"" and thank God we found it.\r \r Our coaches won the ""Leadership Through Sportsmanship"" Award at the Worlds Competition. How amazing that they are recognized by their piers in the industry as standing out because of their sportsmanship.\r \r So as other parents fret about the placement of their children, making sure ""they get on a winning team"", making sure they are at the ""highest level"". I stay calm, knowing my child is already part of a winning team - no matter what the score sheet says. My child has already won so much because of this gym. more

Proud to have been a part of this organization. My daughter not only learned the skills necessary to be a competitive cheerleader, she learned what it means to be part of a team. I've read a couple of reviews here about the owner and the gym being unfriendly - not true! Linda is a wonderful person who takes the time to know her students and the family. TI is a family. more

Do not put your daughters here! This is an EXTREMELY unfriendly organization that degrades children! They pride themselves on being one large ?TI Family?, but it?s the furthest thing from that? there is no sense of family at TI, its pure deception! The owner is a terrible, cold-hearted woman who has no people skills whatsoever! TI does not provide girls with the uplifting, encouraging environment that they need to grow and prosper. Instead, they cut down their girls, and say some rather horrible things to them! Favoritism is definitely prominent here, and if you speak up about something, your child will ultimately suffer because of it! Please, consider looking elsewhere if you want your daughters to learn, have fun, and most importantly, continue enjoying the sport. more

Team Illinois Cheerleading is the place to be!! more

I thought team Illinois was going to be great! The building was clean and well maintained. But, the owner was supper unfriendly and acted as if I was bothering her. If I am going to put time and money into a team the least you can do is treat me like a real person. She is in serious need of a lesson in basic people skills!!!!! Wouldn't waste my time with them if they were the best around and they aren't so....look before you sign......trust me! more