50 YEARS OF FLIGHT.
OUR HISTORY.
Since 1976, Spirits has been helping children grow stronger, more confident, and ready for whatever comes next.
Our History
In 1976, a physical education teacher with a passion for children and a handful of equipment opened a gymnastics program inside a church gymnasium. That teacher was Rod Rogers. His vision was simple but powerful: use gymnastics as a tool to build strength, confidence, discipline, and character.
FIFTY YEARS LATER, THAT SAME COMMITMENT CONTINUES.
What began as St. Louis County Gymnastics Club has grown into St. Louis Spirits Gymnastics Club, one of the oldest family owned gymnastics clubs in the St. Louis area. From humble beginnings in a church gym to a purpose built training facility, Spirits has continued to evolve with the sport while staying true to its core values. Through decades of growth, relocation, competitive success, and generations of families walking through our doors, one thing has remained constant: our dedication to nurturing Health Esteem in every child who trains here.
A LEGACY ROOTED IN EDUCATION
Rod’s background in physical education shaped the foundation of Spirits. Gymnastics was never just about medals. It was about total body development, mental toughness, perseverance, and self confidence.
From early after school programs that grew from just a few students to several hundred, to training elite athletes who competed on the national stage, Spirits has always blended technical excellence with heart.
Over the years, former students have returned with their own children and even grandchildren. That generational trust is one of our greatest milestones.
TIMELINE
Rod Rogers opens St. Louis County Gymnastics Club in St. John's Church gymnasium with just a handful of equipment that was set up and taken down each day.
Later that year, the club moves to its first dedicated facility on Horan Drive in Fenton, giving young gymnasts a place to call home.
The gym officially becomes St. Louis Spirits Gymnastics Club, adopts its current logo, and relocates to a larger facility on Larkin Williams Road in Fenton. The team also captures its first Class II State Championship.
Spirits begins hosting competitions, camps, and clinics while investing in new equipment and expanding training opportunities for athletes.
Spirits develops nationally competitive athletes, including Elite National and Regional gymnasts who competed alongside future Olympians Kathy Johnson and Mary Lou Retton.
The gym relocates to the Biltmore Industrial Complex in Fenton as the program continues to grow.
Spirits moves into its custom-designed facility on Maurer Industrial Drive in Sunset Hills, featuring state-of-the-art equipment, in-ground pits, trampolines, and a dedicated spring floor.
Former gymnasts begin returning with their own children—and even grandchildren—continuing the Spirits legacy across generations.
Now celebrating nearly 50 years, St. Louis Spirits continues its mission of nurturing "Health-Esteem" by helping children build confidence, strength, character, and a lifelong love of movement.
