He is running out of time and options. In May 2024, a determined squad of young gymnasts, training in a cramped, resource‑scarce space, entered a USA Gymnastics Level 5 regional meet. Despite no pit, minimal mats, and barriers, they emerged as champions: the first all‑Black boys’ team in U.S. gymnastics to win gold at that level. Their victory spoke louder than equipment; it symbolized hope, potential, and a breakthrough for underrepresented youth in the sport. More than a year later, they face a threat.
With a mission, “To recruit athletes from underserved communities in Clayton County and the surrounding South Metro Atlanta area“, James Jones opened the James Jones Gymnastics Academy (JJGA) back in 2019. It is the only all black boys’ gymnastics club in the United States, and at its peak, the academy served up to 60 kids per season. The program is free for most families, thanks to fundraising efforts and sponsors. But with time, the young boys have grown, and the JJGA found itself on the verge of shutting down. This is because…
Inside Gymnastics Magazine made a post today, posting a picture of young boys JJGA, and the overlay text read in big bold, “THE ONLY ALL BLACK BOYS GYMNASTICS TEAM IN AMERICA IS BEING FORCED TO CLOSE DOWN.” Why? They explained in the caption. Talking about how the young boys need help, as they are now being forced to close down, the magazine quoted James, “In one week, August 1, 2025, we will close down for good because we outgrew the ceiling in our current gym but our county has strict zoning laws that won’t allow us to relocate to a new building that’s suitable for gymnastics.”
The ceiling of the current gym is too small for the boys to swing. Clayton County zoning regulations are preventing relocation to a compliant site. The area’s ordinances classify gymnastics as industrial or construction use, denying rezoning requests.”The buildings the county will approve are too small, very run down and in need of serious repair, or would have to be renovated to accommodate gymnastics,” he said. The problem with a smaller gym is low ceiling height. When boys grow taller, especially into their teens (even around 6 feet), they start hitting the ceiling during routines.
In the past, James had removed the panel to make space, but now they have hit the limit. He also requested, “We’re asking if you can help us relocate to south Fulton County, which is close to our area. We’ve found a building that is suitable for gymnastics. This building would be more expensive to secure because it’s closer to the city of Atlanta where commercial rental rates are more expensive.”
This report is under development…
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