About Us

Our Mission

Rhythmic Gymnastics is an Olympic Sport that eloquently combines the beauty and grace of dance with the agility and dexterity of gymnastics. Rhythmic gymnasts use hand apparatus such as RIBBON, ROPE, HOOP, BALL, and CLUBS that are constantly in motion, synchronized with their body movements and beautiful music.

Our program accommodates all levels and ages, from 3 year old to advanced competitive levels. Our training philosophy is to develop gymnasts at every level from the beginning, developing skills for general movement education, health and for participation in the competitive program. Rhythmic Gymnastics is a unique sport for girls, which promotes developing coordination, poise, grace and confidence.

Rhythmix gymnasts come from Chicago north suburbs, including Buffalo Grove, Mundelein, Highland Park, Vernon Hills, Libertyville, Wheeling, Lake Zurich, Deerfield, Lake Forest and Lincolnshire

Benefits

Although fascinating to watch, there is more to Rhythmic Gymnastics than meets the eye. Rhythmic builds physical abilities for STRENGTH, POWER, FLEXIBILITY, AGILITY, DEXTERITY, and ENDURANCE. The sport also enhances MUSICAL ABILITY OF HARMONY and RHYTHM. In addition to establishing lifelong patterns of physical activity, which promote health and fitness, it also requires discipline, develops courage, and builds self-confidence - the qualities all transferable to other areas of life. Gymnasts learn to control their bodies and sharpen their minds. Rhythmic also encourages creativity while allowing the gymnast to express herself in a unique and individualized way.

MEET OUR COACHING STAFF

Irina Polyachenko

Founder

Irina was the Founder and Head coach of RhythMix with 35+ years of coaching experience. Irina earned the title of "Master of Sport" in Ukraine. She was the first coach of world famous Olympians Tamara Yerofeeva and Olga Andreeva. Irina has been coaching in Chicago since 1995. Her students compete at State, Regional, National and International competitions. In 2003, Irina earned her Physical Therapy and Sport Medicine degree. In 2006, Irina opened the doors of RhythMix, with just 5 girls in a small hallway, and with her passion and care for the sport and the girls she trains, she has made RhythMix into one of the largest RG schools in the country.

Valery Roytman (Kharina)

Program Director and Head Coach

Valery began her training in Kiev, Ukraine at the age of 3, in the same group as the World and Olympic gymnast, Anna Bessonova. She continued her training in Chicago, coached by her mother, Irina, and was a member of the USA National Team for 5+ years. Valery competed at National and International competitions, representing USA in Canada, Germany, Spain, Belgium and Portugal. Valery has 18+ years of coaching experience, and in 2006, she co-founded RhythMix with Irina. In 2014, Valery earned her Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree. Valery has her Master of Sport in Rhythmic Gymnastics and Elite Level 10 statue. Valery is an active USA-Gymnastics Professional Member and Safety Certified RG Coach.

Yelena Stupakevich

Dance Instructor

Yevgeniya Cherkasskaya

Team coach

Yevgeniya was a National level gymnast for 13 years, and competed at many Ukrainian Nationals and International Competitions. She was trained by Galena Doroshenko, an honored coach of Ukraine. Yevgeniya received her Master of Sport from Kiev, Ukraine. She has 10+ years of coaching experience and has been with RhythMix for 8+ years. She forms a special bond with the gymnasts she trains and is able to bring out the best in each of her girls. Yevgeniya is an active USA-Gymnastics Professional Member and Safety Certified RG Coach..