ABOUT US

Gymkhana was opened in 1977 by founders Ed Swerdlow and Elliott Sanft, both competitive gymnasts for the University of Pittsburgh. Gymkhana’s original location was in Shadyside. After outgrowing the Shadyside space, the business moved to the current location at The Factory building in Point Breeze in 1986. With the desire to positively impact more children in Pittsburgh, Gymkhana subsequently opened three more locations: Bethel Park in 1983, Monroeville/Plum in 1984, and Wexford in 2010.

Just three years after opening, Gymkhana launched its competitive team program in 1980. The founders had a drive to offer succeeding generations the many benefits which they have derived from gymnastics: physical and mental fitness, team camaraderie, and a sense of accomplishment and self-worth. Over the years, Gymkhana’s coaching staff has successfully led our gymnasts to numerous individual and team placements at local, State, Regional, and National competitions.

Gymkhana’s mission statement is to foster the physical, emotional and social development of children through unparalleled gymnastics instruction. This mission is now carried out by Gymkhana’s Leadership Team, which is made up of Ed, Elliott, and three of their children: Leah, Liza, and Luke.

Gymkhana prides itself on being a family business, with many of the current instructors and coaches having been Gymkhana students themselves. Carrying on the family traditions at Gymkhana, many of the students are also the second or third generations of Gymkhana families.

Gymkhana’s Instructors and Coaches:
-Celebrate by portraying unconditional positivity when working with students and colleagues as well as celebrating their individual successes
-Coach by providing safe, individualized, progressive gymnastic instruction
-Collaborate by communicating opinions, sharing ideas and listening to others
-Connect by treating students, parents and colleagues with generosity and understanding

The impact Gymkhana Gymnastics has on children reaches well beyond the scope of gymnastics. Gymkhana has helped countless kids increase their confidence, awareness, concentration, and the ability to persevere. Gymkhana looks forward to continuing these values and traditions for many years to come.