Building strong bodies, healthy minds and joyful communities.
A non-competitive, freestyle jump rope program that trains your staff and teen leaders to get kids moving.
Now jumping in Southern Wisconsin
In its first season, Jump UP! launched at four sites across two of the country’s leading youth organizations, with staff and teen leaders trained to facilitate it on their own.
500+
kids jumping in our first season
In year one, Jump UP! put ropes back in the hands of more than 500 kids across four sites, many of them jumping for the very first time.
YMCA of Northern Rock County, Janesville. 2026 staff and teen leader training.
Boys & Girls Club of Janesville. 2026 staff and teen leader training.
Staff and teen leader training in action.
Bringing jump rope back
Jump rope is one of the most natural, instinctive activities for kids. Put a rope on the ground and they're drawn to it.
Over the past 30 years, it has largely disappeared from playgrounds, replaced by screens, structured sports, and organized activities. Jump UP! is here to bring it back.
Jump UP! is a non-competitive, freestyle jump rope program designed so that every child can participate at their own pace, express their own style, and experience success on their own terms. It's low-cost, inclusive, and works anywhere kids have a safe space to play.
Why Jump Rope
Jump rope is an evidence-based tool for kids’ physical and mental health. Studies of jump rope programs in schools show that children and teens who jump regularly gain fitness, coordination, focus, and self-control. Research also consistently links aerobic exercise like jump rope to less anxiety and better mood in young people.
Supports mental health
Aerobic exercise is proven to ease stress and anxiety and gives a busy mind something to focus on.
Resets the brain’s reward system
A joyful, screen-free way to feel good that doesn’t come from a device.
Builds confidence
Every new skill mastered builds self-esteem that carries well beyond the rope.
Strengthens body and bones
Develops cardiovascular fitness, coordination, balance, and bone density.
Builds belonging
Partner and group activities foster teamwork, leadership, and connection.
For every kid
An ideal activity for kids who don’t play team sports, and great cross-training for those who do.
How the program works
Jump UP! is a train-the-trainer model. We equip your staff and teen leaders to lead jump rope confidently, so the program keeps going long after the training ends.
1
Staff and teen leader training
A hands-on workshop covering jump rope fundamentals, facilitation, safety, and celebrating every win.
2
Youth launch
A kickoff with your kids, co-led by your newly trained leaders, to build excitement and model the program.
3
Ongoing support
Beaded freestyle ropes, a program guide, video tutorials, and follow-up coaching for trained staff.
Brain first. Jump. Celebrate.
Jump UP! is more than handing a kid a rope. Every facilitator is trained in how to teach jump rope skills, get kids moving, and celebrate their progress.
Brain First.
New skills are practiced without jumping so the brain learns the pattern, frustration stays low, and the joy of learning grows.
Jump.
Then we jump! Because the brain already knows what to do, the body follows. Success comes quickly, and confidence grows with each new skill.
Celebrate.
Jump rope is a natural dopamine boost, and new skills are cheered with handle claps and high fives. Celebrating is fundamental to the Jump UP! program.
Mitch Pelsue, donor, and Cher, MPH, Jump UP! founder
Made Possible Together
Jump UP! was developed and implemented by founder Cher, MPH, and brought to four youth sites in 2026 with generous funding from Mitch Pelsue, who also outfitted every trained staff member in a Jump UP! t-shirt. Together, they put ropes and training in place that reached more than 500 kids in the first season.
A single sponsor can bring Jump UP! to a whole community. Help start making a positive impact today!
What our partners are saying
Voices from the sites that brought Jump UP! to their kids in 2026.
Boys & Girls Club of Dane County
“Our teens had the opportunity to get moving, try something new, build confidence, and connect with one another. What may seem like a simple jump rope became so much more. It created opportunities for teamwork, perseverance, laughter, and personal growth.”
YMCA of Northern Rock County
“The kids love the jump ropes. I’ve seen them working on jump roping and trying to do the criss-cross. They’re also really enjoying jump roping as a group. It’s a great workout, especially for the kids who typically don’t enjoy team sports as much.”
About the founder
Cher is a public health professional and lifelong athlete dedicated to promoting health, wellbeing, and screen-free activities.
She started jumping rope at age 13 after being inspired by the film Rocky. It was the first tool that helped her manage chronic anxiety and panic, and it became an integral part of her training for multiple sports before becoming the sport itself. Forty years later, she’s still jumping!
Her background in public health merged with her passion for jump rope when she created Jump UP!, a program designed to put jump ropes into as many kids’ hands as possible. Jump UP! get kids moving, off screens, and having fun. Cher is also a certified jump rope coach and organizes the Jump Around Jump Rope Club for kids in Madison, Wisconsin.
Cher, MPH, Founder, Jump UP!
Public health entrepreneur · Jump rope athlete + coach
Bring Jump UP! to your organizaton
Tell us about your kids and your program. We'll get back to you about training.