After entering the twilight tour of their joint military careers, veteran couple Kelley and Ben Truax began exploring life's next mission. The spark came while they watched their daughters participate in a gymnastics-hosted ninja program. Watching the 'organized chaos', Ben made an offhanded comment to Kelley that maybe they should open their own ninja warrior gym. A week later, Kelley asked Ben if he was serious to which Ben replied, "Sure, why not?" That off-hand moment ignited a nearly three-year journey from napkin sketch to reality.

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We chased this dream because it gave us a way invest in our girls and support their love of sports and ninja and continue that investment throughout their middle school and high school years. We also saw a growing interest in the youth in across Southern Illinois and recognized a gap waiting to be filled. Above all, we felt called to create a place that blends challenge, community and character.

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High Flight Ninja is more than a gym — it’s a home for perseverance, camaraderie, and joy through movement. Anchored by values that empower our ninjas on the course and in life, we're humbled by the incredible support we’ve received along this rollercoaster of a journey and inspired daily by the courage of everyone that strives to be a ninja warrior. Together, let’s rise above our limits — one obstacle at a time.