Youth Programs at the FRC: Dance, Sports, and More!

2025|2026 School Year

Intro to Ballet: Tuesdays from 3:00-3:45 p.m.
For students in PK4 thru 2nd Grade
Description: Ballet is a style of dance performed to classical music that emphasizes grace, poise and form. Students will learn basic ballet technique and dance classroom etiquette while simultaneously enjoying themselves through creative movement. Class includes repetition through musical memory, artistic expression, and storytelling through movement that will delight young dancers!

Intro to Tap & Jazz: Tuesdays from 3:45-4:30 p.m. 
For students in PK4 thru 2nd Grade
Description: Tap is a style of dance that uses specific shoes with taps on the bottom to strike the floor in a percussive way. Jazz is a fun, energetic style of dance that incorporates the technique of ballet while introducing additional technical elements of jazz. Students will learn the basics of tap and jazz steps, explore rhythm, and build strength and flexibility in a way that is fun and exciting!

Spring Session I January 27 - May 12 Fee | $250\session for Spring
No class on the following dates:

• 3/24
• 3/31 (I know the FRC is open but we’ll be on Spring Break)
• 4/7 (I know the FRC is open but we’ll be on Spring Break)

A little bit about the instructors...

Ms. Aimee Russon began her dance training in Cary, IL and continued her training at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City, receiving a BFA in modern dance. While attending the University of Utah she had the opportunity to perform works by Sidra Bell, Pamela Geber Handman, and works set by the Martha Graham dance company. While in Chicago, Aimee has participated in numerous summer intensives and dance instructor trainings with CNADM and Bellamoxi. Aimee has also had the pleasure of performing with the Modern Marvels dance company. With an immense passion for teaching, Aimee continues to teach ballet, modern, jazz, contemporary, tap and creative movement to students around the Chicagoland area. For more information, visit http://www.balletwithmsrio.com.

About our Program:

Ballet with Ms. Rio offers ballet, tap, jazz & lyrical classes at a variety of locations in the Northwest Chicago region, as well as online. Our mission is to foster holistic development of dancers by providing highly-qualified, progressive, age-appropriate training in an inclusive, motivational environment. For more information, please visit balletwithmsrio.com. 

Uniforms for classes are listed below:

Intro to Ballet Girls: Pink leather ballet shoes (no drawstrings please) & Hair pulled back off of face are required. Optional items are: Black leotard, Black mid-thigh pull on skirt (not tutu or wrap tie skirt)*, Pink full footed tights, Hair in ballet bun. (*Skirts may be attached to leotard or not; it’s up to you!)

Intro to Ballet Boys: Black ballet shoes are required. Optional items are: White t-shirt, black shorts or leggings, Black or White mid-calf socks.

Intro to Tap & Jazz (Girls & Boys): Black tap shoes are required. Dancers may wear black jazz shoes or any color ballet shoes for the jazz portion of class. Black pants/leggings are encouraged, but not mandatory. Clothing may be anything in which the dancer can move and stretch in.

Minute-To-Win-It
Facilitated by OverTime Athletics
Ready for some fast-paced fun? Our Minute-to-Win-It class is a high-energy challenge series where students tackle hilarious, one-minute tasks using common household items!

This class is all about:

• Creative Problem Solving under pressure.

• Developing Coordination and fine motor skills.

• Teamwork and Sportsmanship as they cheer on their friends!

Every week brings new, crazy challenges! Get your K-5 student registered for the most fun 60 seconds of their week!

Winter Session: Grade 1-5 | Wednesdays | January 7-March 11
4:00-4:50 p.m. | Cost: $79

Elementary Drawing
Facilitated by Young Rembrandts

Young Rembrandts step by step drawing method works hand-in-hand with our original curriculum developed by a team of artists and educators. Young Rembrandts teaches children to break down complex objects into basic foundational shapes. As they learn how to deconstruct and reconstruct images, the experience, repetition and variety of engaging and relevant subject matter brings them to increased levels of mastery in drawing - and in life.

Elementary Drawing Session includes an art history class every month to tell the stories of our past and demonstrate the significance of art throughout the world's history and cultures. In turn, children's horizon is broadened, their understanding and appreciation of art increases, and other classroom learning is reinforced. Our Young Rembrandts art history lessons introduce artists, art periods, architecture and key cultural people, places and events.

Fall Session: Grade K-5| Wednesdays | September 10-November 5 | No class  October 8
4:15-5:15 p.m. | Cost: $160

Winter Session: Grade K-5| Wednesdays | January 14-March 4 | There will be class on Wednesday, January 14
4:15-5:15 p.m. | Cost: $160

STEM Class 
Facilitated by  iSTEAM After School

Secret Agency Academy is a STE(A)M-focused after school class with a spy-themed curriculum. Students will learn about the science of encryption and code-breaking, as well as the physics of motion and energy. Students will also explore the world of forensic science, analyzing fingerprints, DNA samples, and other evidence to solve mysteries. The class aims to excite and inspire student about STE(A)M and encourage further studies in science and technology.

Winter Session: Grade 1-5 | Fridays | January 8-March 6
4-5 p.m. | Cost: $207

Soccer Class
Facilitated by CT Soccer

Fun Soccer Fundamentals! ⚽️
This weekly soccer class is designed for kids in grades 1-5 who want to learn the basics of the game in a fun and supportive environment. Over the course of the season, children will develop fundamental skills such as dribbling, passing, and shooting through engaging drills and exciting games.

What to Expect
Each one-hour session will begin with a dynamic warm-up to get everyone moving. We'll then break into smaller groups to practice a specific skill, using fun activities that keep kids active and focused. The class will end with a short scrimmage, allowing players to apply what they've learned in a low-pressure, friendly game.

Our Goals
Our primary goal is to foster a love for the game. We focus on teamwork, sportsmanship, and building confidence on and off the field. This class is perfect for both newcomers and those with some experience who want to continue developing their skills.

Fall Session: Grade 1-5 | Tuesdays | September 16-November 11 | No class  September 23
4:30 -5:30 p.m. | Cost: $160

Winter Session: Grade 1-5 | Tuesdays | January 13-March 3 
4:30 -5:30 p.m. | Cost: $160

Robotics Club
Facilitated by: RoboThink
Build amazing robots using RoboThink's STEM program. Equipped with our innovative robotics kits, which include motors, sensors, gears and mainboards, students create robots of all shapes, sizes, and functions. Our trained instructors and picture-based instructions present basic robotic and engineering concepts and apply these concepts as they engage in exciting robotic challenges. 

Fall Session: Grade 2-6| Mondays | September 8-November 3 | No class  October 13
4:30 -6 p.m. | Cost: $256

Winter Session: Grade 2-6| Thursdays | January 15-March 5 | There will be class on Thursday, March 12
4:30 -6 p.m. | Cost: $256

Chess
Facilitated by: Glenview Chess
Learn the basics of chess, how to move each piece, strategies to gain the lead, and how to think ahead in this chess class instructed by Glenview Chess.

Fall Session: Grade 2-8 | Thursdays | September 11-November 6 | No class  October 2
4:45 -5:45 p.m. | Cost: $136

Winter Session: Grade 2-8 | Thursdays | January 15-March 5 | There will be class on Thursday, March 12
4:45 -5:45 p.m. | Cost: $136

Cooking Classes
Facilitated by iCook After School

Embark on a delicious journey around the world in this after-school cooking class! In Tasty Travels, kids will explore the vibrant flavors of global cuisine, including Japanese, Caribbean, Italian, Mexican, Brazilian, Jamaican, Taiwanese, and more! From match cookies to jerk sweet potatoes, every class offers a fun and flavorful adventure that sparks curiosity and culinary creativity. Pack your taste buds - it's time to travel through food!

Winter Session: Grade K-5 | Tuesdays | January 13-March 3 
4-5 p.m. | Cost: $207

Winter Session: Grade 6-8 | Tuesdays | January 13-March 3 
4-5 p.m. | Cost: $207 [Gemini students enrolled in this class can take the FRC Shuttle bus to the FRC after school]

Basketball Classes
Facilitated by OverTime Athletics

Join us on the court for a fun and engaging basketball class designed for kids in grades K-4 and 5-8! This program focuses on developing fundamental basketball skills, drills, and rules of the game in a safe environment. 

What to Expect
Our experienced coaches will lead age-appropriate drills and activities to ensure every child is challenged and having a great time. We'll emphasize teamwork, sportsmanship, and building confidence with a focus on learning the rules of the game. Each session will culminate in a friendly scrimmage where kids can apply their new skills and enjoy the thrill of the sport. This class is perfect for both new players who want to learn the basics and experienced players looking to refine their skills.

Winter Session: Grades K-4 | Wednesdays | January 7-March 11 | FRC | No class  Wednesday, January 14 
5 -5:50 p.m. | Cost: $79

Winter Session: Grades: 5-8 | Saturdays | January 10-March 14 | Gemini Middle School |  No class Saturday, February 28
10:00 - 10:50 a.m. | Cost: $79

Volleyball Classes
Facilitated by OverTime Athletics

Get ready to serve, set, and spike! Our 9-week volleyball program is designed specifically for 5th through 8th-grade students—the ideal age for developing foundational volleyball skills.

This progressive class focuses on age-appropriate skill mastery, including:

• Fundamental Techniques: Passing (forearm and overhead), setting, serving, and hitting.
• Game Strategy: Rotations, court positioning, and basic teamwork.
• Confidence: Building on skills week-by-week in a supportive, fun environment.

It’s a great opportunity for beginners to learn the basics and for returning players to refine their technique before entering high school programs.

Winter Session: Grade 5-8 | Saturdays | January 10-March 14 | Gemini Middle School |  No class February 28
11 - 11:50 a.m. | Cost: $79

Evaluations:
December 2 & 3 
6 - 7:30 p.m.
Gemini Gold Gym

First Practice: December 10

Season: January 7 - February 26 [February 26 3-Point Contest & Awards Dinner]

 Team Assignments & Games Schedules will be shared on December 9th through email.

Games will begin on January 7, 2026. Games & practices will take place on Wednesday evenings, Each team will practice for an hour before their game. The season will be 8 weeks long, ending with a League Dinner and 3-Point Contest.

Fee: $90

Volleyball League

The ExL Volleyball League is a great program where youth in grades 5th - 8th can develop volleyball skills, make new friends, work as a team, and build confidence. We do not cut players for not meeting a certain standard and encourage anyone who wants to play to join the league. We strive to foster a sense of sportsmanship and build strong teams within our program. 

All practices and games (with a few exceptions) will occur on Wednesday evenings. If there are any games lost due to unforeseen circumstances, games will be made up at the end of the season. 

Important Details:

Rates | $65

Grades | 5-8
Location | Gemini Middle School | Gold Gym | Door #12 (unless otherwise noted)
Evaluation Date & Time | March 4th from 6:00-7:30 p.m.

First Practice | March 11 from 6:00-7:00 p.m.

Season | April 1 - May 6 [May 6 is the Playoff & Awards Dinner]

Open Gym is a drop-in program for youth in grades 5-8 and is located at Gemini Middle School. 

Location: Gemini Middle School | 8955 Greenwood Ave, Niles, IL 
Time: Mondays from 5-8 p.m. & Saturdays from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. Click here to view the calendar for Open Gym 2025|2026

All youth who plan to attend this program must first be registered by a parent/guardian and then will receive a PIN number the youth can use to check in and out of the program. All registrations must be submitted by a parent/guardian, and the cost for Open Gym is $1/day. Fees will be assessed in the family's EZChildTrack and PushCoin accounts; no cash will be accepted at Open Gym. 

We will no longer be accepting cash at Open Gym - All payments must be done through PushCoin. Families can purchase an Open Gym 10-Pass.

All youth in grades 6-8 must present a school ID to enter Open Gym.