Charlie Friedman

Charlie Friedman began competitive gymnastics at age eight. Gymnastics was such a principal part of her childhood and such great experience that she created Viking Gymnastics. Charlie’s mission was to create a place where any child could participate in the sport and benefit from it’s life-long lesson. Throughout college, Charlie performed for an acrobatic dance company. The expanded Viking Gymnastics & Dance offers a synergy between the two disciplines that has been a dream of hers for some time.

Charlie is a Certified Elementary Teacher and is a Safety Certified Professional Member of USA Gymnastics Federation. She was the Head Girls’ Gymnastics Coach at Niles North High School from 2008 until the Spring of 2013, when she decided to completely focus on Viking Gymnastics. She has taught students with varying levels of ability, as well as individuals with disabilities. Charlie continues to be thoroughly involved in the gymnastics community, and was a former president of the Illinois High School Girls’ Gymnastics Coaches Association.

Charlie and Coach Mendel have three young daughters who are lucky enough to grow surrounded by their extended Viking family.