Jen Hood never imagined that coaching gymnastics could be a lifelong career. Growing up, she coached in Ontario and BC while in high school and university, but it wasn’t until 1995, when she met gymnastics instructor Mike Hood, that she saw the bigger picture. Inspired by new advancements in athlete development, Jen became passionate about giving Canadian children the opportunity to build strong movement skills from an early age.
By 1998, Jen and Mike launched their first gymnastics club, basing it on these new training principles. They married in 2000, and as Jen pursued her education degree in 2001, she quickly realized how many children lacked the movement skills to confidently move and play.
In 2005, their second daughter was born and diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis, a life-threatening condition requiring daily therapy and frequent hospital visits. Prioritizing her family’s needs, Jen took a part-time coaching role at a gym near BC Children’s Hospital. But her passion for building a program for kids never wavered. In 2007, she took a leap into entrepreneurship, determined to create a business that would not only support childhood development but also allow her the flexibility to care for her daughter.
In 2008, Jump Gymnastics opened its first location in Yaletown. What started with four coaches has since grown into a thriving community. A second location opened in North Vancouver in 2014, followed by a move from Yaletown to Cambie (Vancouver) in 2019, and a third location in Richmond in 2022.
Jump Gymnastics is more than a business—it’s a mission rooted in community and inclusivity. As a proudly Canadian, female-owned, and female-led company, they understand the joys and challenges of parenting. They know firsthand how messy, unpredictable, and rewarding raising little ones can be. That’s why their programs are designed to support not only children but also parents and caregivers, creating an experience that is fun and engaging for all.
They believe that gymnastics offers the best development of coordination, strength, and flexibility for athletes. They offer gymnastics classes, gymnastics camps, and gymnastics events designed to build skills through play and fun.
Their programs are thoughtfully designed to be age-appropriate, ensuring that each child is learning in a way that is best suited to their age and development. Every Jump Gymnastics class, camp, and event is designed to be as fun as it is educational. Our experienced coaches create a supportive environment where kids can take risks, develop new skills, and celebrate their progress.
Parents are an essential part of our community, too—whether they’re cheering from the sidelines, joining a parent-participation class, or connecting with other families.
They are the Leaders in Recreational Gymnastics for Tiny Athletes in BC.
They have gymnastics programs for kids ages 0-7:
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