The 41st annual U.S. Classic began Friday, July 18, 2025 at NOW Arena—marking a pivotal moment on the road to the Xfinity U.S. Gymnastics Championships in New Orleans this August. With separate events for Hopes, juniors, and senior women, the competition features nearly 70 of the nation’s most promising gymnasts competing across four apparatuses.
The day opened at 2 p.m. CT with the Hopes Championships, USA Gymnastics’ national event for 11–14-year-olds, showcasing the next wave of rising stars. Topping off Friday, the junior women’s finals commenced at 7 p.m., with athletes vying for top placement and a chance to secure junior national titles.
Emerging talent Lavi Crain claimed the junior all-around gold on Friday, solidifying her as a frontrunner for the upcoming Junior Pan American Games roster. Other junior event medalists included Amia Pugh-Banks, Charleigh Bullock, Kylie Smith, and Isabella Anzola, each earning podium finishes in their respective apparatuses.
Senior women’s competition heats up today (July 19) with two sessions at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. CT, offering athletes their last chance to qualify for the national championships. Tickets remain available via Ticketmaster, with pricing starting at $35 for individual sessions and all-session passes beginning at $75.
Among the senior competitors, Joscelyn Roberson is a central figure. The 2006-born gymnast from Texarkana, Texas, is making a highly anticipated return to elite competition after earning alternate status for the 2024 Paris Olympic team and completing a strong freshman NCAA season at the University of Arkansas. Known for her power on vault, brilliance on beam, and flair on floor, Roberson is expected to vie for event finals and potentially the all-around podium.
Joining her is Hezly Rivera, an Olympic team gold medalist, who headlines the senior division alongside Roberson and other world-class athletes. Leanne Wong, a seasoned competitor with a world silver medal and NCAA credentials from Florida, brings consistency and artistry across all apparatuses.
Also contending are Jayla Hang, Simone Rose, and Ashlee Sullivan. Hang leads with a Pan Am all-around gold and World Cup floor title, Rose shines on bars, and Sullivan is noted for her compelling beam and floor routines. Following an influx of qualified athletes, organizers added a second senior session to accommodate competitors mixed between elite and NCAA commitments. The U.S. Classic serves as the final qualifier for the national championships in early August and a deciding stage ahead of team selection for the 2025 World Championships.
Since its inception, the U.S. Classic has been a premier event spotlighting future Olympians and national team members, with past champions including Simone Biles, Nastia Liukin, Aly Raisman, and Suni Lee. Chicago’s suburbs, including Hoffman Estates, have hosted nine editions—including in 2017 and 2023.
Saturday’s senior sessions promise electrifying performances as gymnasts perfect routines on vault, uneven bars, balance beam, and floor exercise—all under scrutiny to impress national team selectors. NBC and Peacock will broadcast Session 2 live from 8–10 p.m. ET, with a tape-delayed airing on NBC the following Sunday. After Saturday’s competition, attention will pivot to New Orleans, where athletes will compete for national titles and World Championships team slots from August 7–10.
With Olympic aspirations on the horizon and a world championships berth at stake, athletes will bring their peak performance to the mat this weekend—offering fans a thrilling preview of Team USA’s next generation.
