At USA Ninja Challenge, kids aren’t just climbing walls and swinging off ropes, they are training for what owners said could be the next global phenomenon.

Owners Chad Kneller and Sam Robins said The Woodlands area gym is on a mission to build youths' confidence and strength through obstacle course training, a sport that is set to debut at the 2028 Olympics with 160 nations on board.

The backstory

Robins, an Army Green Beret, said as people who have served in the U.S. Army he and Kneller have pivoted their mission to recruit kids to build strong, confident youths.

“Because we want to continue to serve, our next mission is to develop healthy, strong, confident, balanced kids ages 2-17,” Robins said. “There's a reason why the military, and especially the highest ends of the military across the world, use obstacle courses for their ultimate workout for soldiers.
Owners Chad Kneller and Sam Robin took ownership of USA Ninja Challenge in 2024. (Jovanna Aguilar/Community Impact)
Owners Chad Kneller and Sam Robin took ownership of USA Ninja Challenge in 2024. (Jovanna Aguilar/Community Impact)
Robins said his children were raised in gymnastics themselves and continue in their journey as athletes. He said his daughter Ellis Robins is a coach at USA Ninja Challenge and helps build children's strength in The Woodlands.


To promote the sport, USA Ninja Challenge participates in field days at local schools in The Woodlands and Conroe area. In addition, Chad Kneller and Sam Robins volunteer their time to speak to youth at local schools and organizations about the benefits of obstacle course training, fitness and health. USA Ninja Challenge is a fundraising partner promoting the 2028 Olympic Pentathlon.

The benefits of obstacle course racing include building upper body strength, balance and core strength, Kneller said.

What they offer

With 5,600 square feet and a capacity of 24 people, USA Ninja offers group classes and has 21 obstacle courses. Designed for children ages 2-17, the obstacle course center evaluates each student and places them on a designated level based on their age and fitness abilities.
Classes at USA Ninja Challenge are taught by trained coaches with a background in olympics. (Jovanna Aguilar/Community Impact)
Classes at USA Ninja Challenge are taught by trained coaches with a background in the Olympics. (Jovanna Aguilar/Community Impact)
For anyone interested in trying out the sport, USA Ninja Challenge offers a free trial. With several classes to choose from ranging from $80-$100, classes run on a month-to-month basis.


Kneller said the gym also offers family discounts, summer camps and holds parties.

“We want to get out and share the word about how important it is to get healthy and be the No. 1 developmental fitness program in the nation,” Robins said.