Nation’s best jump ropers compete in Sioux Falls this week

Prepare to be impressed: You’ve likely never seen jump roping like this.

The American Jump Rope National Championship arrives in Sioux Falls this week, with competition beginning today at the Elmen Center at Augustana University and continuing through Thursday.

About 900 people from 19 teams across 11 states are expected to attend, bringing more than $650,000 in direct visitor spending.

‭ “We are so excited to have the opportunity to host the 2025 American Jump Rope National‬ Championship,” Experience Sioux Falls CEO Teri Schmidt said in a statement.

“After months of working with‬‭ their leadership to make sure the championship event is assisted in every way, we feel Sioux‬ Falls is ready to roll out the red carpet to welcome both participants and fans. This is a ‘don’t‬ miss’ opportunity and an event that has never been held in South Dakota before. The jumps that‬ the participants do are incredible.”

Competitive jump rope is a growing sport, according to the American Jump Rope Federation. Competition involves both single rope and double Dutch. Events within each discipline test athletes’ agility, creativity and‬‭ teamwork.

Speed events challenge athletes to complete as many jumps as possible within a set‬ time frame. Top competitors can achieve scores of over 200 jumps in 30 seconds—over six‬‭ jumps per second. Freestyle events feature choreographed routines that showcase gymnastic ability and creativity, introducing different elements each year.‬

‭ “There’s truly nothing like it,” said Jessica Nicholson, president of AMJRF.

“I’ve been involved‬‭ in jump rope for over 20 years, and it’s the constant innovation and incredibly supportive‬ community that have kept me passionate all this time. It’s a lifelong sport, not just because of the‬ physical challenge but because of the lasting friendships you form. These athletes are always‬ pushing the limits — you’ll see something new and inspiring at every competition!”‬

Try it for yourself from 10 to 11 a.m. Wednesday in the Elmen Center at the Jump Rope Jamboree, which is a free event open to those 7 to 17.

For information and competition tickets, visit here.