About Us
Hot Ground Gym® (HGG) was founded in 2013 and is owned by military veterans and former first responders. We have developed a first-of-its-kind place for kids to be active and fit. We use an approach that combines obstacle course-based fitness and teambuilding challenges to provide a truly unique, wholesome, and super-fun experience to kids & teens.
The Libertyville location is the 4th HGG that was built and it opened in December of 2021. Hot Ground Gym® Libertyville is located inside the Canlan Sports Complex on the second floor. This was the first time an HGG was located inside a community recreational sports center. So far so good!
Our History
Hot Ground Gym® (HGG) was founded in 2013 and is owned by military veterans and former first responders. We have developed a first-of-its-kind place for kids to be active and fit. We use an approach that combines obstacle course-based fitness and teambuilding challenges to provide a truly unique, wholesome, and super-fun experience to kids & teens.
The Libertyville location is the 4th HGG that was built and it opened in December of 2021. Hot Ground Gym® Libertyville is located inside the Canlan Sports Complex on the second floor. This was the first time an HGG was located inside a community recreational sports center. So far so good!
Libertyville Team
Sam Simpson
Sam Simpson, is the co-owner of Hot Ground Gym Libertyville, an Army veteran, and a former Firefighter. Sam is the embodiment of a rough & tough man with a soft spot for kids. He enjoys working out, and spending time with his family. His favorite quote is “you are strong and brave, you just don’t know it yet”.
Doug Gialds
Doug Gialds, is the founder of Hot Ground Gym. He has been working in and on HGG since he left the Marine Corps in 2013. HGG is his passion and life’s work. Doug enjoys leisure trips to the woods with his family and watching his 2 sons grow up. His favorite quote is “Luck often enough may save a person, if their courage holds”.
Assistant Instructors
Doug and Sam’s work would not be possible without a team of solid “assistant instructors”. These individuals are highly-motivated young adults that work closely with us during the day to help make magic happen. Most of this team has “aged out” of the HGG program. Some of them are preparing to become first responders, to serve in the military, to work in the trades or go off to college. We love mentoring our assistant instructors, and we greatly appreciate their help/work, and so do the kids.
Our 5 Pillars of Confidence
Discipline
The first aspect we hone in kids is their discipline. We want them to be still when absorbing knowledge, ask questions when they are confused, and help others when they are “squared away”.
Obstacle Course Fitness
Teaching obstacle negotiation techniques to kids that are directly supported by physical exercise introduction, provides the kids a great opportunity to increase their fitness levels while having a blast in a safe and supportive environment.
Teamwork
“Teamwork makes the dream work”! We love making the kiddos work together to complete challenging “missions”, where they learn to cooperate and collaborate.
Problem-Solving
“Challenges need solutions”. To meet a problem head-on and overcome it is the goal of our programs. The kids will collaborate with the team, learn their job, and work to complete the mission. Learning resilience, dedication, and teamwork along the way.
Leadership
“To lead you must first follow”. This is very true here too. As the kids collaborate on “missions” we start to see their leadership skills shine through their personalities. We encourage them to help and lead each other.