Empire State Review Contributor 
The 41st edition of the U.S. Classic began today, July 18, 2025, at the NOW Arena in Hoffman Estates, Illinois. Recognized as one of the premier summer events on the women’s artistic gymnastics circuit, this year’s competition also includes the Hopes Championships for younger athletes aged 11–14. It serves as the final qualifier for the upcoming Xfinity U.S. Gymnastics Championships in New Orleans, scheduled for August 7–10.
The junior women’s preliminaries kicked off at 7 p.m. Central Time following the Hopes Championships earlier in the afternoon, while senior competitions are slated for Friday, July 19, with sessions at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. CT. To accommodate the large influx of elite talent, USA Gymnastics added a second senior session this year—a format change announced in late June.
Headlining the senior division are Olympic gold medalist Hezly Rivera, along with Olympic alternates Joscelyn Roberson and Leanne Wong. Other top contenders include Pan‑American standout Jayla Hang, 2025 Winter Cup champion Ashlee Sullivan, and 2025 Jesolo Trophy uneven bars champion Simone Rose. The inclusion of such high-profile athletes underlines the event’s significance in the elite gymnastics calendar.
The U.S. Classic has historically been a stage for emerging and established talent alike. It has previously showcased legends such as Simone Biles, Nastia Liukin, Aly Raisman, and Dominique Dawes, and NOW Arena has hosted the event nine times, including both 2017 and 2023.
The Hopes Championships, which began this afternoon, feature national-level competition across the 11–12 and 13–14 age divisions. These sessions offer a platform for future stars to gain early spotlight before they transition to junior and senior elite levels.
The senior sessions tomorrow are critical for athletes seeking to solidify their spots at the U.S. Gymnastics Championships. Performances here can significantly impact national team invitations and advancement to the World Team Selection Camp in late September.
Fans can follow the action through live streams provided by Gymnastics Now, USA Gymnastics’ YouTube channel, Peacock, and CNBC. Tickets for the event, priced from $75 for all-session access, are still available via Ticketmaster.
As the competition unfolds, it will not only offer thrilling performances but also set the stage for the next stage of America’s gymnastics season. With Olympic champions, rising stars, and the quest for national team selection all on display, the 2025 U.S. Classic promises to be a defining moment in this summer’s elite gymnastics calendar.
