USA Ninja Challenge

CONCORD, N.H. —&nbsp;<a href="https://usaninjachallenge.com/franchising/ninja-franchising?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=usa-ninja-challenge-ends-2025-with-20-units-awarded-expanded-leadership-team-and-a-strong-foundation-for-a-landmark-2026-2731003" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">USA Ninja Challenge</a>, the nation’s leading children’s ninja fitness franchise, is closing out 2025 with record momentum, marking a pivotal year of growth, franchise expansion and strategic investment that positions the brand for a “breakout” 2026.“Big picture, 2025 was really our breakthrough year in terms of organization and growth,” said Dale Grant, president of&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/usa-ninja-challenge/info">USA Ninja Challenge</a>. “This is the year where we set the foundation for everything that 2026 is going to bring. We spent a lot of time strengthening our programs, our training and the support structures that allow our franchisees to thrive.”USA Ninja Challenge’s growth outpaced many other family- and fitness-focused franchise brands in 2025. The company will finish the year with 20 new unit sales and 11 new openings, bringing the system to 46 open locations nationwide.“We opened up California for the first time this year, and we now have four locations open there,” Grant said. “That milestone officially makes us a coast-to-coast brand.”Other key openings included Kansas City, Missouri — a move that Grant says will “start to open up more of the Midwest” — along with continued expansion across Texas and the Northeast.The brand also has six additional locations set to open in the first quarter of 2026, part of a strategic rollout that reflects stronger, more proactive territory planning thanks to new data tools and market insights.One of the most transformative stories of 2025 for USA Ninja Challenge was its investment in building out a robust, scalable corporate team. The brand added key leadership roles and expanded its operational infrastructure — moves designed to dramatically enhance franchisee support.“We took on some investment this year, which allowed us to create the staff we really needed,” Grant said. “In the last five months alone, we put a new COO in place, built our own in-house IT and software development team, expanded our site search and buildout department and just this week added a CMO with many years of franchise experience.”USA Ninja Challenge also expanded its training organization by adding a new team member specializing in Learning Management System (LMS) development and technical training.“Getting these people in place helps us stop wearing so many hats,” Grant said. “It allows us to provide better support to franchisees and brings more consistency to our overall growth rhythm.”In early 2026, the team will continue to strengthen with the addition of a new controller.To deepen franchisee capabilities, USA Ninja Challenge rolled out several new initiatives this year — most notably&nbsp;<a href="https://profitsoup.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=usa-ninja-challenge-ends-2025-with-20-units-awarded-expanded-leadership-team-and-a-strong-foundation-for-a-landmark-2026-2731003" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">ProfitSoup</a>, a financial training program designed for franchisees with little to no business background. “It’s based on helping franchisees understand their business better and truly understand their numbers,” Grant said. “It’s one of the most important tools we introduced this year.”The brand also launched its first franchise advisory council, composed of a blend of new and experienced owners, giving franchisees a stronger voice in operational decision-making. “We have a great group involved,” Grant said. “This level of collaboration is going to help us improve the business as a whole.”In October, USA Ninja Challenge celebrated these milestones with its first annual franchisee conference, drawing nearly half the system — including locations not yet open. “The turnout was fantastic,” Grant said. “We rolled out all of our new initiatives, invited key vendors and had incredible feedback from owners.”With its infrastructure strengthened and foundational work completed, USA Ninja Challenge enters 2026 with its sights set on major expansion.“We’re currently on track to install and open two locations per month,” Grant said. “We already have the first four months scheduled. Our goal is to open 24 locations next year and award between 30 and 35 new units.”The brand is also increasing its presence in youth athletics, particularly as the sport of ninja prepares for its debut at the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. “As an Olympic sport, Ninja is going to need a roadmap,” Grant said. “The level system in which we train athletes is going to have to be universalized — and we’re going to be part of shaping that future.”With youth fitness on the rise, enrollment surpassing 8,000 nationwide and the brand’s top athletes continuing to compete at elite events, USA Ninja Challenge is positioned to lead the category into a defining decade.“2025 was about building,” Grant said. “2026 will be about implementing. We now have the people, tools and structure to elevate this brand to an entirely new level.”To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/usa-ninja-challenge">https://1851franchise.com/usa-ninja-challenge</a>.About USA Ninja ChallengeNinja Challenge is the leading kids’ Ninja franchise, offering an exciting obstacle-based fitness experience for children across the United States. Since its founding nearly a decade ago, USA Ninja Challenge has grown into a trusted brand nearing 40 gyms and more in development. The franchise combines fun and fitness by teaching kids agility, balance, and problem-solving through a series of structured obstacle courses. As the only Ninja franchise partnered with the USA Pentathlon Multisport Olympic Team, USA Ninja Challenge is helping raise awareness for Ninja as an official sport, set to debut in the 2028 Olympics. With low initial investment, high margins, and rapid ROI, USA Ninja Challenge offers franchisees the opportunity to build profitable businesses while making a lasting impact on children's physical fitness and confidence. For more information on USA Ninja Challenge or to learn about franchise opportunities, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.usaninjachallenge.com/franchising/ninja-franchising?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=usa-ninja-challenge-ends-2025-with-20-units-awarded-expanded-leadership-team-and-a-strong-foundation-for-a-landmark-2026-2731003" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.usaninjachallenge.com/franchising/ninja-franchising</a>.

USA Ninja Challenge: 2025 Growth & 2026 Expansion for Kids' Ninja Fitness Franchise

1851 Franchise

The kids’ ninja fitness franchise celebrates a transformative year of development, organizational investment and coast-to-coast expansion as the sport prepares for its Olympic future.

This brand page has been paid for by USA NINJA CHALLENGE. Content within this page that is paid will showcase a Sponsored icon. This means the brand has engaged 1851 FRANCHISE to write the content. Content without the Sponsored Icon is aggregated media placements the brand earned. Questions can be sent to editorial@1851franchise.com

USA Ninja Challenge Ends 2025 With 20 Units Awarded, Expanded Leadership Team and a Strong Foundation for a Landmark 2026

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SAN ANTONIO, Texas&nbsp;—&nbsp;<a href="https://ninjafranchising.com/">USA Ninja Challenge</a>, the leading kids’ Ninja franchise with nearly 50 locations,&nbsp;has opened a new location in San Antonio, bringing its obstacle-course fitness programs to families in the city's northeast sideThe&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ninjanorthsanantonio.com/classes">new gym</a> is located at 2803 Northeast Loop 410, San Antonio, Texas 78218, and spans approximately 5,100 square feet. Classes began in April and are now welcoming children of all ages and ability levels.The San Antonio location is owned and operated by local franchise owner&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/hortencia-hodge-1900a83b/">Hortencia Hodge</a>, who says the decision to bring&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/usa-ninja-challenge/info">USA Ninja Challenge</a> to the area was inspired by her own children and the positive impact ninja training had on her family.“My son, who had been diagnosed with ADHD, just took to the Ninja program so well,” she said. “I saw him thrive. I had tried to put him in other sports prior, and it just wasn't working for him. With Ninja, I really saw his confidence increase.”USA Ninja Challenge offers structured obstacle-course training that focuses on agility, balance, strength and problem-solving in a fun, supportive environment. The program is designed to meet kids where they are, whether they are new to sports or already active.One of Hodge’s biggest goals is to help kids build self-confidence through movement.“I’m doing this for the children in the community,” she said. “I see a lot of children out there that can benefit from that self-confidence and having their own sport where they can succeed. USA Ninja Challenge can be a great fit for anybody.”&nbsp;Outside of regular classes, Hodge wants the gym to feel connected to the community. She is in conversations with local school districts about fundraising opportunities and ways to support students beyond the gym. As a member of the Metro SA Chamber, she is also looking for ways to partner with nearby businesses and to get involved in local events focused on kids and families.“I really want to partner with schools. We can help each other,” she said.Hodge also credits the USA Ninja Challenge corporate team for guiding her through the process of opening the location.“They’ve been great,” she said. “They’ve walked me through each step, and that support has been invaluable.”The San Antonio opening marks another step in USA Ninja Challenge’s continued expansion across the country, as the brand works to bring its mission of empowering kids through movement to more communities.To book classes at the San Antonio location, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ninjanorthsanantonio.com/classes">https://www.ninjanorthsanantonio.com/classes</a> or call 210-587-6777.&nbsp;ABOUT USA NINJA CHALLENGE:USA Ninja Challenge is the leading kids’ Ninja franchise, offering an exciting obstacle-based fitness experience for children across the United States. Since its founding over a decade ago, USA Ninja Challenge has grown into a trusted brand nearing 40 gyms, with more in development. The franchise combines fun and fitness by teaching kids agility, balance and problem-solving through a series of structured obstacle courses. Partnered with the USA Pentathlon Multisport Olympic Team, USA Ninja Challenge is raising awareness for Ninja's Olympic debut in 2028. With low initial investment, high margins and rapid ROI, USA Ninja Challenge offers franchisees the opportunity to build profitable businesses while making a lasting impact on children's physical fitness and confidence. For more information on USA Ninja Challenge or to learn about franchise opportunities, visit<a href="http://www.usaninjachallenge.com"> www.usaninjachallenge.com</a>.

The youth obstacle-course fitness franchise has officially opened in San Antonio, giving local kids a new spot for active play and confidence-building. 

USA Ninja Challenge Brings Obstacle-Course Fitness to San Antonio Kids

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CONCORD, N.H.&nbsp;—&nbsp;<a href="https://usaninjachallenge.com/franchising/ninja-franchising">USA Ninja Challenge</a>, the nation’s leading children’s ninja fitness franchise with nearly 50 locations, has a strong development pipeline for 2026 with eight franchise owners currently searching for a location and two signing letters of intent. One location has already opened in San Antonio, Texas, in the second quarter, with two more scheduled in Leander, Texas, and Bonita Springs, Florida. The news follows a record-breaking 2025 when the brand saw 20 new unit sales and 11 new openings.&nbsp;The franchise started the year on a high note, with three new openings and two signed agreements, along with increases in membership across the system. The new openings were in Appleton, Wisconsin; Humble, Texas; and Howell, New Jersey. The two agreements were signed in Marietta, Georgia, and Suffolk, Virginia.&nbsp;“We spent a lot of time strengthening our programs and support structures for franchisees in 2025, and now we are seeing the fruit of that,” said Dale Grant, president. “We continue to see demand from families across the country, and we look forward to even more growth during the rest of the year.”Also in Q1, the franchise expanded its leadership team, announcing that&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomdievart/">Thomas Dievart</a> was named as its new chief marketing officer. Dievart brings nearly two decades of global marketing leadership to the role and will focus on strengthening marketing foundations across the system. He will also support new openings and ensure franchise owners are equipped with high-quality tools as the brand scales nationally. “Putting all the foundations in place so that they are successful, that’s first and foremost,” Dievart said.Additionally, the fast-growing franchise was recognized on Entrepreneur’s 2026 Franchise 500® list at the beginning of the year. The franchise ranked No. 361, up 61 spots from its 2025 ranking.“We’re building confidence in children through skill progression, and recognition on the leading franchise ranking shows the strength of USA Ninja Challenge’s specialized approach,” Grant said. “It is valuable for kids and families and represents a high-growth opportunity for entrepreneurs.”Further into 2026, USA Ninja Challenge will host its annual summer camp programs and target locations, including Colorado Springs to Fort Collins, Colorado; Portland and Eugene, Oregon; Louisville, Kentucky; the state of Rhode Island; and Albany, Syracuse, Rome and Utica in New York for franchise development.ABOUT USA NINJA CHALLENGE:USA Ninja Challenge is the leading kids’ Ninja franchise, offering an exciting obstacle-based fitness experience for children across the United States. Since its founding over a decade ago, USA Ninja Challenge has grown into a trusted brand nearing 45 gyms, with more in development. The franchise combines fun and fitness by teaching kids agility, balance and problem-solving through a series of structured obstacle courses. Partnered with the USA Pentathlon Multisport Olympic Team, USA Ninja Challenge is raising awareness for Ninja's Olympic debut in 2028. With low initial investment, high margins and rapid ROI, USA Ninja Challenge offers franchisees the opportunity to build profitable businesses while making a lasting impact on children's physical fitness and confidence. For more information on USA Ninja Challenge or to learn about franchise opportunities, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.usaninjachallenge.com">www.usaninjachallenge.com</a>.

USA Ninja Challenge Opens 3 New Locations in Q1

The youth obstacle-course fitness franchise with nearly 50 locations continued expanding into new states, including Wisconsin, Texas and New Jersey.

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<a href="https://www.usaninjachallenge.com/franchising/ninja-franchising">USA Ninja Challenge</a> added a chief operating officer to its team as it stays on track to open at least 20 locations in 2026.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/somersetbuchanan/">Somerset Buchanan</a> brings more than a decade of franchise experience to the system as it prepares for growth.&nbsp; With just over 40 locations currently operating, adding another two dozen units represents roughly 50% growth in a single year.In her role, Buchanan will build what is needed to support new and existing franchisees while protecting the experience that keeps families coming back.“Our big-picture growth is to ultimately get to 500 locations, and so I will be a key contributor to the foundation of what we need to have as an infrastructure to support that,” Buchanan said.&nbsp;<h2>How Buchanan’s Experience Led Her to USA Ninja Challenge</h2>Buchanan has been in franchising since 2012, when she began her career with Dunkin’ Brands, where she led the U.S. field learning team and worked closely with new franchisees as they entered the system.She joined Threshold Brands in 2020 and later advanced to vice president of HR and learning, overseeing human resources and leading learning and development initiatives for all affiliated brands.“I was very involved in setting franchises up for success,” she said.&nbsp;Through that experience, Buchanan was referred to&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/usa-ninja-challenge/info">USA Ninja Challenge</a>. In August 2025, she joined the youth fitness franchise as COO, bringing experience in supporting and scaling franchise systems.Her background in building operational infrastructure, along with her leadership of cross-functional teams, positioned her to strengthen internal collaboration and communication.&nbsp;“I have been loving my job here,” she said. “What's not to love about what we do? We support young children and young adults in growing their confidence, whether it's just through the sport itself or just overcoming their own internal obstacles.”<h2>Why Now Was the Time to Add a COO</h2>As USA Ninja Challenge continues to grow around the country, 2025 was the right time for Buchanan to join the franchise. It also made sense in her own life.&nbsp;“Looking at just the state of the world right now, there's a lot happening,” she said. “Everything around us is moving fast. I'm a mother of three. So for me, it's very top of mind. Are my kids being set up for success?”The brand’s mission to positively influence youth stood out to Buchanan. She valued that the program is inclusive and not limited to elite athletes. Children do not have to be top performers in traditional team sports to participate and benefit.&nbsp;2025 was also the moment for USA Ninja Challenge to add a COO role to its corporate office as it prepares to add another two dozen units in a single year. Buchanan will help build the operational infrastructure, systems and cross-functional alignment necessary to support that next phase of expansion.“I want to look at how we are truly supporting our existing franchises beyond the launch so that we're really looking at their profitability, driving their annual business planning,” she said.&nbsp;One of the initiatives she is focusing on is the lead instructor curriculum. This includes making it more robust and implementing the right learning management system to create a centralized hub of learning not only for franchisees but for their entire staff. With the brand moving quickly, the goal is to ensure resources remain fresh and competitive within the industry.&nbsp;<h2>Areas of Focus</h2>In addition to curriculum enhancements, Buchanan is overseeing the development of a centralized franchise portal designed to simplify access to tools, updates and communication.“One of the systems that we're working on right now is a franchise portal so that it makes it easier for a franchisee to find all their items in one spot,” she said. “We also want to make sure there's a clear communication channel in there as well.”Operationally, Buchanan defines success in one word: retention.First, retention of franchisees. That means not only renewals, but supporting owners through growth challenges and ensuring they have the tools and accountability structures needed to build profitable businesses.“If I fast-forward the clock two years, I want to be able to see some of those that might be going through some challenges right now and they're retained, successful and profitable,” she said.&nbsp;Second, retention at the home office. As the corporate team grows, Buchanan wants to maintain the institutional knowledge of early team members while supporting new hires as the brand scales.And third, retention of the ninjas themselves.&nbsp;“This is probably the most important when it comes to the business,” she said. “We want them to come into the gym maybe at age 5 or 6 as a junior ninja, and they're here until 17.”<h2>Guiding the Brand as It Scales</h2>Coming from backgrounds in coffee, donuts and home services, Buchanan has been intentional about immersing herself in the world of ninja and obstacle racing.“My responsibility is to get my arms wrapped around the sport,” she said. “What is it really going to mean nationally and internationally for this sport and are we consistently pushing the envelope to be number one when it comes to the experience in our locations?”USA Ninja Challenge’s youth-only model gives the brand a clear lane in the ninja gym space. It also helps create a longer-term connection with students, some of whom grow up in the program and later come back as coaches.“How do we keep that specialty special?” Buchanan said. “How are we truly creating that information flow, that training flow to the coaches and the lead instructors who are the pulse of those businesses so they continue to deliver the service that will make us stand out beyond any of our competitors?”With rapid expansion ahead and a focus on operational excellence, Buchanan sees her role as helping ensure that as USA Ninja Challenge scales, it never loses sight of that purpose.“We have a very exciting brand. That's why we're growing so rapidly,” she said. “And I'm just so proud to be a part of this community.”To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/usa-ninja-challenge">https://1851franchise.com/usa-ninja-challenge</a>.&nbsp;

With more openings planned, Somerset Buchanan is focused on building the systems, support and communication needed to help franchisees grow.

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USA Ninja Challenge Nationals Showcase the Best of the Season

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<a href="https://www.usaninjachallenge.com/franchising/ninja-franchising">USA Ninja Challenge</a>,&nbsp;the youth fitness franchise specializing in obstacle course training programs for children, is hosting a grand opening event in Howell, New Jersey, on June 17 at 1759 Route 9 North. The new ninja gym offers year-round obstacle course training for kids ages 2.5 to 17, combining gymnastics, climbing, cross-training and obstacle-based movement into a program built specifically for children. But what makes it stand out is how approachable it feels for kids of all skill levels.“It’s a workout disguised as play,” said Jeff Miranda, who owns the franchise with his wife, Gina. “They’re having fun with other kids, moving the whole time and don’t even realize how much they’re doing physically.”Howell families are already lining up to become members. According to Jeff, the blend of movement and play is a big reason the program has resonated with families. “This goes way beyond physical fitness,” he said. “Confidence is a huge part of it. Problem-solving is a huge part of it. Kids are learning how to challenge themselves, keep trying and work through something that feels hard.”&nbsp;Classes start with a warm-up before kids move on to obstacle work and various stations around the gym. Depending on the day, they might be climbing ropes, crossing hanging ladders, swinging from rings or working through jumping and balance drills. The setup changes from week to week, which keeps things fresh and gives kids something new to work on each time they come in.The obstacles are set up to get kids thinking while they move. A lot of it is figuring out how to get from one point to the next, trying something new and sticking with it if it doesn’t click right away. Over time, that process helps build confidence both in and out of the gym.“It gets them thinking,” Gina said. “How do I get from point A to point B without falling? How do I try this even if I’m unsure? It’s physical, but it’s mental too.”The new gym gives Howell families another year-round activity option at a time when many parents are looking for alternatives to traditional youth sports.&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/usa-ninja-challenge/info">USA Ninja Challenge</a> can also complement other activities kids are already involved in while giving them a fun outlet to build coordination, strength and confidence in a lower-pressure setting.The owners also hope the facility continues to become a gathering place for the local community. Beyond classes, the grand opening represents a new family-focused business investment in Howell and a space designed to bring parents and kids together.&nbsp;To celebrate,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ninjahowell.com/">USA Ninja Challenge Howell</a> will host an official grand opening event on June 17th, featuring a ribbon cutting with the local chamber of commerce, community guests, activities for families and opportunities for kids to explore the gym’s obstacles. The event will include local business owners, friends and families, with the mayor invited for a photo opportunity. The gym is also offering free trial classes for first-time participants so families can experience the program before enrolling.“If you’ve never tried it, come in and check it out,” Jeff said. “There’s no commitment. Just come see what it’s about. Once kids get in there and start moving, they usually love it.”To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/usa-ninja-challenge">https://1851franchise.com/usa-ninja-challenge</a>.&nbsp;

USA Ninja Challenge franchise opportunity. Inside of the gym with people training

The new facility on Route 9 now offers year-round classes focused on movement, skill-building and fun for local children.

USA Ninja Challenge Ends 2025 With 20 Units Awarded, Expanded Leadership Team and a Strong Foundation for a Landmark 2026

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