Page 28 - BusinessWest May 26, 2025

Richard Knight says USA Ninja Challenge not only develops
core strength, agility, and flexibility, but offers a positive,
supportive environment to get in shape.
ent every week. The variety makes it exciting for them.”
Seven years ago, after a second site opened in Concord, USA
Ninja Challenge opened its first franchised location in South Wind-
sor, Conn. Since then, the company has opened — or is in the pro-
cess of opening — about 50 such locations across the U.S., includ-
ing three now operating in Massachusetts: in Andover, Marlbor-
ough, and, most recently, Norton.
And now Knight and Grant have Western Mass. on their radar.
They have researched communities including Northampton, Holy-
oke, Southampton, and others, and are look-
ing to open up to five locations in and around
the Pioneer Valley, with the first expected to
open during the first half of 2026.
“All our gyms are doing great in the Massa-
chusetts market, and we’re looking to expand
our footprint,” Knight said, before talking
about why the company’s franchise model
is attractive. “We’ve been able to get 60% of
our gym owners to go cash-flow positive in
the first month. That’s huge when you start
a business — to get to that break-even point.
That’s the first hurdle for any business owner.
After that, you’re adding kids every month to
the program.”
He said USA Ninja Challenge looks for
locations within a short driving distance from
at least 15,000 to 20,000 people, a quality
the Valley has in spades. The sites will ideally
have between 3,500 and 8,000 square feet of
space.
“It takes about six months to find the
right location. We’re looking for light indus-
trial space, flex space — we don’t need retail,
similar to a gymnastics studio. That’s what we’re targeting,” he
explained. “Once we find a location and sign a lease, it’s 13 weeks
to open. It’s highly automated, highly structured, from that point.”
With ambitious plans taking shape, Knight talked with Business-
West for this issue’s focus on commercial real estate about what
USA Ninja Challenge does for kids — and what it can bring to this
region.
Fit and Focused
Open to boys and girls aged 2 to 17, USA Ninja Challenge is a
year-round obstacle-course training program that combines basic
skill sets from gymnastics, climbing, cross training, and track and
field. The program features six levels to master with a wide variety
“We’ve been able
to get 60% of our
gym owners to go
cash-flow positive
in the first month.
That’s huge
when you start
a business — to
get to that break-
even point. That’s
the first hurdle
for any business
owner. After that,
you’re adding kids
every month to
the program.”
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28 MAY 26, 2025
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