About Us

Built for Ninja. Built for Everyone.

Since opening our doors in 2018, Ninja U has been helping people of all ages discover what they’re capable of. From first-time climbers to American Ninja Warrior competitors, we’ve built a place where you can challenge yourself, have fun, and become part of the ninja community.

🥇 Iowa’s Original Ninja Gym

In 2018, Ninja U became Iowa’s first dedicated obstacle training gym, helping bring the sport of ninja to athletes across the state. What started as one gym has grown into a community of athletes, families, and coaches who love the challenge.

🥷 Founded by an American Ninja Warrior

Ninja U was founded by Scott Behrends, creator of Backyard Ninja Kids and a five-time American Ninja Warrior competitor. His passion for ninja competition helped shape Ninja U into a gym where athletes can train for fun, fitness, or the biggest stages in the sport.

⭐ Home to 14+ American Ninja Warriors

Ninja U has become a training ground for some of Iowa’s top ninja athletes. 14+ athletes who have trained at Ninja U have competed on American Ninja Warrior, including Levi Enright, Ben Behrends, Chris Behrends, Jason Behrends, Jackson Twait, Drew Nester, Isaiah Barney, Nate Person, and many more.

Think you could be next? We do too.

📍 Two Locations. One Ninja Community.

Ninja U started in Cedar Falls, our original location, and has since expanded to a second gym in Ankeny. Wherever you train, you’ll find the same goal: get better, have fun, and push yourself.

🔥 Open Gym Every Day

Unlike any other gym in America, you don’t have to be enrolled in a class to experience Ninja U. Our open gym is available daily, giving you the freedom to practice your favorite obstacles, try something new, or simply come play.

Whether you live nearby or you’re just passing through Iowa, come climb, swing, jump, and see what you can do.

💪 Programs for Every Athlete

Ninja isn’t just for elite athletes. Our programs are designed to help everyone progress at their own pace, from their very first obstacle to competitive training.

Our main programs include:

• Preschool Ninja — building confidence and coordination through play
• Beginner Ninja — learning the fundamentals and having a blast
• Intermediate Ninja — developing skills and taking on bigger challenges
• Ninja U Team — focused training for athletes ready to compete

We offer many other classes, to help make ninja accessible to athletes with all ages and still levels!

🏆 Where Competition Comes to Iowa

Ninja U isn’t just a place to train—we’re also a place to compete. We proudly host ninja competitions and events that bring athletes from across Iowa and beyond together to test their skills.

🎉 More Than a Gym

Ninja U is where people come to move, play, celebrate, and make memories. From birthday parties and field trips to group events and open gym sessions, there’s always something to climb, swing from, or conquer.

❤️ The “Iowa Nice” of Ninja

At the heart of Ninja U is our community. We cheer for the first-time kid who finally makes it across an obstacle just as loudly as we cheer for the athlete chasing a podium.

No matter your age or experience level, you’ll find coaches and athletes who want to see you succeed.

⭐ Loved by Our Community

With a 4.9-star rating from 149 reviews, families and athletes consistently recognize Ninja U for its top-tier facilities, coaching, and overall experience.

Come See What You’re Capable Of

Whether you’re looking for a new activity, a place to train, a competitive team, or just somewhere to have a ton of fun, Ninja U is ready for you.

Come try a class. Come to open gym. Come challenge yourself.

Your next obstacle starts here.

At Ninja U, we inspire people of all ages to challenge themselves, grow stronger, and believe in their potential. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a dedicated ninja, we want you to leave thinking about the obstacles you conquered, the fun you had, and the goals you’ll reach next. With open gym every day, top-tier training, and a welcoming “Iowa Nice” community, Ninja U is where fun meets determination, and every visit leaves you wanting more.