To us, hosting a competition is much more than organizing a schedule and setting up equipment. It is an opportunity to create a memorable experience for athletes, coaches, and families.

Our USA Gymnastics sanctioned events are designed with one clear priority in mind: the athletes. Every detail of the competition experience is built to ensure gymnasts feel supported, celebrated, and excited to compete. 

We also believe a great meet supports the people who guide these athletes every day. Coaches are an essential part of the gymnastics community, and we work hard to create events that respect their time, schedules, and needs. Thoughtful session planning, efficient meet operations, and strong hospitality are all part of how we approach every competition we host.

FlipStar Gymnastics Academy is proud to host the Illinois State Championship Series for USA Gymnastics Xcel Gold, Platinum, Diamond, and Sapphire athletes. This championship event will take place March 27–29 at the Max McCook Athletic & Exposition Center (The MAX) in McCook, Illinois.

The State Championship is one of the most exciting competitions of the season, bringing together athletes from across Illinois to celebrate their progress and compete at the highest level within the Xcel program. For many gymnasts, this meet also represents an opportunity to achieve qualifying scores that may allow them to advance to Regional Championships.

Throughout the weekend, athletes will compete across multiple sessions designed to showcase their hard work, dedication, and love for the sport. FlipStar is honored to host this championship and looks forward to welcoming athletes, coaches, and families from around the state for an exciting and memorable event.

The Max McCook Athletic & Exposition Center offers convenient parking for this large event. Primary parking is available directly at the facility, with overflow parking located at the nearby Max Aquatic Center.

Event signage and staff will help direct traffic and guide guests to available parking areas throughout the weekend. Because this is a large championship event with many sessions, arriving early is strongly recommended. Families may wish to drop off athletes and equipment at the entrance before locating parking.

Links are included below for directions to the facility.

Blue Train Schedule

Platinum, Diamond & Sapphire Sessions
Friday
March 27
Saturday
March 28
Sunday
March 29
Diamond Sr A-C
61 Gymnasts
B1
Open Stretch
12:00 PM
March-In
12:20 PM
Competition
12:30 PM
Awards
2:40 PM
Diamond Jr A-C
60 Gymnasts
B2
Open Stretch
3:00 PM
March-In
3:20 PM
Competition
3:30 PM
Awards
5:40 PM
Platinum Sr D-E / Sapphire
61 Gymnasts
B3
Open Stretch
6:40 PM
March-In
7:00 PM
Competition
7:10 PM
Awards
9:20 PM
Platinum Sr A-C
71 Gymnasts
B4
Open Stretch
8:00 AM
March-In
8:20 AM
Competition
8:30 AM
Awards
10:55 AM
Platinum Jr D-E
48 Gymnasts
B5
Open Stretch
11:15 AM
March-In
11:35 AM
Competition
11:45 AM
Awards
1:20 PM
Platinum Jr A-C
69 Gymnasts
B6
Open Stretch
1:40 PM
March-In
2:00 PM
Competition
2:10 PM
Awards
4:30 PM
Platinum Child D-F
69 Gymnasts
B7
Open Stretch
4:50 PM
March-In
5:10 PM
Competition
5:20 PM
Awards
7:40 PM
Platinum Child A-C
71 Gymnasts
B8
Open Stretch
8:00 AM
March-In
8:20 AM
Competition
8:30 AM
Awards
10:50 AM

Red Train Schedule

Gold Sessions
Friday
March 27
Saturday
March 28
Sunday
March 29
Gold Sr A-D
95 Gymnasts
R1
Open Stretch
9:00 AM
March-In
9:20 AM
Competition
9:30 AM
Awards
12:20 PM
Gold Sr E-H
96 Gymnasts
R2
Open Stretch
12:40 PM
March-In
1:00 PM
Competition
1:10 PM
Awards
4:00 PM
Gold Sr I / Jr A-C
96 Gymnasts
R3
Open Stretch
4:20 PM
March-In
4:40 PM
Competition
4:50 PM
Awards
7:40 PM
Gold Jr D-G
96 Gymnasts
R4
Open Stretch
8:00 AM
March-In
8:20 AM
Competition
8:30 AM
Awards
11:20 AM
Gold Jr H, Youth A-C
95 Gymnasts
R5
Open Stretch
11:40 AM
March-In
12:00 PM
Competition
12:10 PM
Awards
3:00 PM
Gold Youth D-F
73 Gymnasts
R6
Open Stretch
3:20 PM
March-In
3:40 PM
Competition
3:50 PM
Awards
6:00 PM
Gold Youth G-I
72 Gymnasts
R7
Open Stretch
6:20 PM
March-In
6:40 PM
Competition
6:50 PM
Awards
9:00 PM
Gold Ch A-D
92 Gymnasts
R8
Open Stretch
8:00 AM
March-In
8:20 AM
Competition
8:30 AM
Awards
11:15 AM
Gold Ch E-H
95 Gymnasts
R9
Open Stretch
11:35 AM
March-In
11:55 AM
Competition
12:05 PM
Awards
2:50 PM

Happy New Year! FlipStar will be closed for all Recreational Classes beginning Monday December 29th to January 4th. Classes will resume on January 5th 2026.

Need the kids out of the house?
Check out our special Holiday Open Gyms!