Ideal Cheer Elite is the first and only USASF All-Star cheerleading gym in Northern Minnesota. In 2013 two friends with a great passion for cheerleading came together in hope’s of bringing their excitement to kids of all ages within the Twin Ports area. Ashley Penny, originally from North Carolina, had moved to Duluth with her family a few years earlier and was upset to learn there were no active programs in the area. Chelsie Waller (Hollencamp), a Cloquet native, was living in Minneapolis and working within the growing cheer industry there. They came together in January of 2013 and knew there would never be a better time to start a legitimate program. The two combined their experience, added industry certifications, and held an open house for interested athletes at the end of March, officially opening the doors in April for placements and starting team practices that May. Chelsie has since relocated to Duluth and Ashley has moved with her family. While she is no longer officially affiliated with the program, the staff and athletes who were able to work and learn from her experience will always be grateful! In 2022 Ideal Cheer Elite was sold to Amarah and Liza Butkiewicz. Amarah and Liza had been involved with Ideal since 2016. Amarah was a 5 year athlete, as well as a 6 year coach. Liza was a 5 year team parent, along with coaching for 4 years at Ideal. The Butkiewicz family is very passionate about Ideal, cheer, fitness, and creating a positive vibe throughout all aspects of life.
Currently, the program offers teams for all ages 3+. Full-season Elite teams for ages 6-30 have team placements in May 2024 with the season lasting June through April 1. You can grab the full season information packet here. Tiny teams (ages 3-6) and half year prep teams (ages 6-14) begin in September with the season lasting through March. Recreational classes, private lessons, and clinics available year round as well. No experience is necessary!
See what parents/athletes have to say:
“The girls had a great year! We are forever a cheer family!” -Jenni Linge
“So proud of Maggie. She joined Ideal Cheer late in the season and earned the MVP award for her hard work. She has found her ‘nitch’ with cheer and it’s been awesome to watch her confidence grow. We have both made some amazing friends along the way, too! I am so excited to see what next season brings!” – Kerri Nelson
“What an awesome program we have enjoyed being in this year. Congratulations to all of the athletes of ICE. Honored that Cleo received the “Most Dedicated” Award from her team Frost. Congratulations, Cleo. You came a long way this year!”
-Eileen Patterson“Thanks Chelsie for providing all kids for the opportunity to cheer!!! Emma has finally found her ‘thing'” – Amy Chehock
“This kid just never stops impressing me! Tonight was the season banquet for Ideal Cheer Elite and Regan was awarded “Most Versatile” for her Level 2 team Black Ice. She has worked really hard this year on being able to base as well as fly and tumble, and her hard work is paying off. Congrats, kiddo. I couldn’t be more proud!” – Kelly Mullan
“It fills my heart with joy to see adults truly care for children and become role models for them. To watch, as someone sees something special in your child, that you’ve known was there all along. When that person also happens to be a wonderful human being who exudes kindness, compassion, and beauty inside and out and can make your child feel special just by a quick hello, you know you’ve won the lottery. I’m so grateful Kayla has had the opportunity to be coached by someone who personifies all of this. Thanks Megan Kruger for being a special person and role model in Kayla’s life. That makes you special to me too!!” – Amanda Radtke
“We love our cheer family! Thanks to a great first year, can’t wait to see what the 2nd one brings!” -Gina Blair
“Ideal Cheer Elite has helped me grow as a person; mentally and physically.” – Josie Terry
See features on the program in various publications:
Cheer Professional – “Our First Year: Ideal Cheer Elite” by Lisa Beebe
Duluth News Tribune – Ideal Cheer Elite finishes inaugural season