Black Widow Cheer Gym

Negative experience: The gym is ok, the new location looks nice. The environment is a bit toxic for my taste. I've heard coaches and CITs call athletes fat and not let them get water; It's a bit extreme. I get that it's a competitive environment, but since when does that mean dumping on the next generation in such a derogatory and harmful fashion? There's nothing constructive behind those comments and actions. Coaches and CITs jobs are to get the most out of the individual for the sake of the team, you do that by building people up not tearing them down. The other part of the toxic environment is even the cheer parents stick to cliques and other high school mentality practices. If you're not in with the "popular" crowd, good luck getting any information you may need in a timely manner. It's also extremely expensive, but thats less of a negative than the above. At least they have an actual HVAC system in the building now. Now before the gym responds and says "we've never had a Jonny MacAwesome at the gym or as a customer herp a derp derp" - it's not my real name, in case it's not obvious.

Fantastic experience: Amazing staff, coaches and athletes. My oldest daughter has been at this gym for 9 years and my middle daughter is on her 3rd. BW has become family and we are lifers!!

Fantastic experience: I used to go there it is an amazing place where it is fun and there is a lot of friendship and communication you also get to go to competitions sometimes in different places

Fantastic experience: We LOVE this cheer gym. My daughter has grown up at Black Widow (so have I ), starting her 11th season there this year. Finding the sport of cheer and joining this gym was the BEST decision. And not just for learning this incredible sport from the best in the business, but also, we’ve met lifelong friends there. What we love the most about Black Widow is the family vibe and inclusivity there. Everyone cares about each other at Black Widow and EVERY athlete has a place, no matter their skill level. The coaches, owners and staff are awesome - so welcoming, engaged and interested in the wellbeing of their athletes and families. Definitely check it out - you won’t regret it!

Fantastic experience: BW is an amazing gym and friendly environment! Thanks to my coaches Kelly and MC for believing me and helping me reach my Cheer and fitness goals With hard work, support and motivation, I can’t wait to see what my future holds at Black Widow ️

Fantastic experience: My daughter has absolutely enjoyed being a member of the Black Widow Cheer Gym! She is excited to go to every practice and competition! The positive community and coaching staff at the gym has encouraged new friendships, teamwork, and skill development!

Fantastic experience: Such a great cheer gym!!! It’s all about family and supporting athletes. They encourage athletes to excel and exceed expectations.

Fantastic experience: Black Widow is truly an amazing place! They offer many programs such as recreational, all-star, worlds and also tumbling classes. There’s a team for everyone of all levels and ages. Not only that, the BW staff always tries their hardest to create a bond with each and every athlete and keep them motivated. It’s honestly an amazing place and we’ve only been for one season but would really recommend this cheer gym to new and/or returning athletes.

Fantastic experience: We are in our 6th season at Black Widow we travel over a hour to get there both our girls love it they learn more than just cheerleading they learn to be apart of a team and to work with others. They have wonderful Coaches to look up to who care and respect them.

Fantastic experience: This is a second home for our daughter! She loves the Coaches, CIT's and teammates and has learned SOOO much!

Fantastic experience: Our daughter joined Black Widow Cheer Gym in 2022. BWCG soon became her second home and second family. The coaches, staff and owners are awesome. The coaches are great mentors who care for the kids and encourage and push athletes in the best way to reach their goals. BWCG has changed my daughter’s life. She has definitively gained in confidence and determination, not only in Cheer, but in all aspects of her life. Not only has she found a sport that she loves, but she has made long-life friends and has found a second family. We are very grateful that we have found this amazing cheer gym.

Fantastic experience: Black widow is my second family. The moment i stepped into the gym I felt like home. I was greeted with kindness and I got a chance to grow as an individual and as a team member and even as a person. Black widow is the best thing I could’ve ever asked for and I was so happy when I honed cheer has changed my life. All of the coaches are extremely happy to have you on their team and Tessa greets everyone with the most love and respect. Here are some moments that make me the happiest when ever I step onto the competition all I could fell is how much black widow is rehire to support us and we just go out and do our all. ️

Fantastic experience: We joined the Black Widow family 4 years ago & my daughter has enjoyed every moment. This gym is a very inclusive, safe, and fun environment for littles to adults! This is the first activity that my daughter has remained committed to and excited to participate. It also has opened up new friendships for both our daughter and us parents. The staff are amazing, knowledgeable and so supportive. Their teaching style is encouraging and really brings results. Highly recommend for anyone who has children interested in cheer!

Fantastic experience: Now going into our second season with the gym, it has been a great experience so far. My daughter was welcomed with open arms when we joined. She loves the coaches and has made many new friends. She is always happy to be going to the gym, be it for practice, tumbling, summer camp, open gym nights or special themed fundraiser nights. It’s been wonderful watching her grow as an athlete and person over the last year. The admin team is great too, always answering any questions I have either by email or in person.

Fantastic experience: BWCG has been so welcoming and inviting. First year here at the gym. Julie has been amazing at answering all my questions and concerns. My daughter is so excited to be a part of the program and make new friends. Can’t wait to make some amazing memories and see her growth as a cheerleader.

Fantastic experience: I can’t thank Black Widow enough for how it has changed my daughter’s life. She has become stronger physically, and mentally, she is more confident, determined and dedicated to Cheer and in her personal life. She has made lifelong friends and has set new goals for her future. She has incredible mentors and coaches that keep pushing her in the best way to reach her goals. I also as a parent made lifelong friends and can’t imagine our lives without BW

Fantastic experience: Black Widow Cheer Gym has been an invaluable part of our life. The sense of community here is unmatched; from the moment you walk in, you are welcomed with open arms and a supportive atmosphere. The owners, staff and coaches pour so much care, love, and inspiration into the athletes, truly going above and beyond to ensure each individual and the team reaches their full potential. The benefits of being a part of this gym go far beyond just cheer skills. The focus on teamwork and collaboration fosters a spirit of "can do" attitude teaching them the importance of working together towards a common goal and sportsmanship. This, in turn, builds incredible confidence in each athlete, as they learn to trust in their own abilities and the support of their teammates. The discipline and dedication instilled in the athletes here are lessons that extend into all areas of their lives. The positive environment and encouragement from all staff and the coaches help develop strong and resilient individuals. We are incredibly grateful for everything Black Widow Cheer Gym has provided for our family. If you’re looking for a place where your child can grow, not just as an athlete, but as a confident, well-rounded individual, this is the place to be!

Fantastic experience: My daugther Théa just started with BW Poison team :D We were in another Gym before. We really think that BW is well organized and Tumbling classes are the best ones we have seen yet. Also as a parent it is so appreciated to be able to enter the gym and have a waiting room with tv screens to watch your kid practice! As a mother who travels 45 min each ways 2-3 times a week for practices, this is super appreciated ;) Also, I love that they had all the schedule ready for all competition dates and they also provide a team app for all of us to be updated and on the same page. Great job BW !!

Fantastic experience: We are very excited to have recently joined the Black Widow Cheer gym. We had our daughters birthday party here, which her and the other kids very much enjoyed, and then she was committed to being a cheerleader. Black Widow administration is communicative and well-organized. Further to that, they seek to support and accommodate how they can. The coaches are enthusiastic and patient with the kids. My daughter is learning a lot already. Highly recommend!

Fantastic experience: Our experience at Black Widow has been excellent and my daughter really loves the coaches, staff, and the very supportive environment. Having come from another gym with a more corporate feel, we noticed the positive culture difference immediately and are so happy to be part of "The Web."

Fantastic experience: My daughter has loved her experience with Black Widow. We left another gym to try out here and we’ve been thrilled with that decision. We have recruited many friends to join us as well. Love the large lounge with huge couches and TVs to watch the athletes. The large back garage doors are open for viewing in the summer. The merchandise is always available and easy to buy at the front entrance. Reception Staff are always on site to answer questions and we really love that owners are local and always in the gym.

Fantastic experience: We have recently moved to Black Widow Cheer Gym for cheerleading and tumbling. So far, it has been amazing experience. The staff is friendly and very helpful, making the transition for an 11 year old from another local cheer gym go smoothly. She adores it so far! I especially appreciate that everything is so well organized and well structured already for next season. So glad we made the move to Black Widow.

Fantastic experience: I grew up at black widow and always had the best experience. The coaches have always treated me right and helped me. If your looking to cheer join bw!

Fantastic experience: My daughter just started her second year at Black Widow and she has loved every minute. The coaches are a dream and the Coaches-in-Training were outstanding. This sport can be tough but the atmosphere has always been positive and encouraging. Looking forward to Season 22!

Fantastic experience: My daughter absolutely loves this cheer gym! The coaches are fantastic, the atmosphere is positive, and she's grown so much both in skills and confidence since she started here. Highly recommend it to anyone looking for a supportive and fun place for their child to cheer!

Fantastic experience: This our first year with BW and so far they have been very communicative and have a great team environment. Facilities are nice would recommend.

Fantastic experience: thank you, when.can she start?

Fantastic experience: We joined Black Widow, and this is our second season. We have fallen in love with this gym, the coaches and the office staff :). Our daughter was experiencing some anxiety at school and among her peers. Black Widow helped her blossom, instilled confidence and feel good about herself. I am forever grateful that she found a positive, nurturing and supportive environment where she can continue to learn and grow for many years to come. Everytime we leave the gym she has a smile on her face and feels accomplished and proud - as a parent it brings me great joy to experience this on a weekly basis.

Negative experience: Before I get started, I want to say that I have never written an online review before, but this gym did not give us the time of day to discuss any concerns privately when my daughter was an athlete there, so I feel compelled to get my views out. The minute you try to call them on something and want answers about your child or something they’ve done you don’t agree with, they ignore you, unless they feel you are worthy of their time. For the record, I remained silent for most of the season for my daughter’s sake on the team , but you will see below that I couldn’t remain silent anymore. The coaches behaviour has been concerning towards athletes if you are not part of the ‘in’ cliques. Their attitude towards parents was selective and only responded to parents they chose to. They facilitated dissension in stunt groups and clearly had favourites. They were already practicing three times a week, but then they decided to add a 4th weekly practice for stunt groups after they failed to get a bid at Ontario’s. They were embarrassed (the coaches words) that it took the last competition of the season to get a bid so they reacted, and thought by adding a 4th practice, it would make a difference. My daughter attended an extra practice that she was pressured into attending without my permission. It resulted in a concussion and a shoulder injury, and would miss practice until she was better. We were told that her position would not change, however upon her return, she was taken out of one of the stunts “for her own safety” according to the coaches and would be replaced by an new member of the team. We even had a meeting ( meeting that was difficult to finally book) about this and were told this to our faces when we questioned this decision. Then when it suited them, and one of the other main bases was forced off the team prior to Worlds without as much of a conversation, the coaches put her back in the stunt without any discussion with my daughter. This is not acceptable behaviour and clearly demonstrated that they did not have any regard about my daughter’s “safety”, but rather it was a tactic for them to exercise their control. I remained silent; however, I should have told them how disgusting this behaviour was. My daughter worked very hard all season and she wanted to attend Worlds. She made the decision to go to Worlds even though she wanted to quit, mostly because we had already paid for the trip and for her own personal accomplishment. My daughter struggled through Worlds with the team, and after they competed and didn’t make second day, she made a difficult decision to leave the team hotel arrangements due to a mental health issue. We did not tell the coaches because of how they treated our daughter in the past and she was not comfortable doing so either as she lost her trust in them. Before we even gathered her stuff, she was removed from the team chat, Team Snap and Facebook page- completely cut her off. Neither of the coaches reached out to make sure she was ok, even after my daughter messaged them. These coaches do not have any awareness about mental health and the real struggles of teenage girls, despite what they say. My daughter was one of the youngest on the team. She was part of the team and thought she still was, until the coaches decided that for her with their petty and childish actions. And these coaches were awarded ‘coaches of the year’. These are not actions that I would be describe to grant such a recognition. This gym allows the team moms too much control and have to be involved in the athletes business, but it’s insulting. This was our second year at Black Widow, and one of the worst in our 7 years of cheer. Joining this gym was a mistake and coming back for a second year was a choice we would learn to regret. I can assure you, that my daughter did not deserve how she has treated, mainly by the coaches.

Positive experience: It seems Black Widow is one of the best Cheer gyms for their rec and prep teams. If you’re thinking of trying it out, I would go directly on a team rather than join the novice program. My daughters were in Too Cute and Frozen (now renamed to the Novice teams) but these teams were large and lacked structure. Many sessions, especially after their March performance were merely an open gym session with different observers each time with little to no coaching given. I also found the cost expensive considering the number of canceled weekends (for which there is no calendar transparency when signing up). For instance, the fees work out to $90/mo with only two sessions in March & April and 3, occ 4 sessions (depending on weather & holidays) the other months. Watching the competitive Black Widow teams do their performances at the Shaw Centre was very cool though and those athletes seem to have great camaraderie. I wish I had put my girls right into a prep program because they likely would have wanted to continue if so.

Fantastic experience: I’ve been with black widow for 8 years now and it’s such an amazing program that feels like a family. It’s so much fun travelling and being with the bdub fam ️

Fantastic experience: I’ve been at BWCG for 18 years as an athlete and now a coach. I have only ever cheered at BW and have loved my experience every single year! It’s the sense of being a part of a community, is what makes people want to return at the web. I have developed lifelong friendships at this gym and continue to create more bonds as the years go. I highly recommend Black Widow for families across Ottawa, who are looking to join competitive cheerleading!

Fantastic experience: I have done cheerleading at Black Widow for 8 years. These eight years were so rewarding, Black Widow has brought me so many life skills and life long friendships that I will forever be grateful for. Although I am no longer an athlete, I have brought my love for cheerleading into coaching. So far, this has also been such a rewarding experience, I am so happy to call Black Widow my home. The gym brings such a warm, inclusive, loving feeling every time I step foot in the door. I personally recommend Black widow cheer gym to anyone who is also looking for this feeling. We are truly one big family. Come join us at the Web!

Fantastic experience: I’ve been doing cheer at Black Widow for 7 years now and it has been such a positive journey. I’ve learned so many new things and have made so many great friendships. I can’t wait to build more memories and continue having fun this season.

Fantastic experience: I’ve been an athlete at the gym for 12 years and every year gets better. I can say that this gym has become my family and home, it’s a very inclusive environment where you are free to be your true self. Not only are the coaches passionate about making sure athletes are treated with respect, they are also respectful of your time and value everyone’s commitment to the gym. My younger sister joined the gym as well and has been apart of it for many years, with similar positive experiences moulding her into the motivated and dedicated young teen she is today. Proud to be a black widow member!

Fantastic experience: I’ve loved my time training at Black Widow! I’ve been on multiple worlds teams and the experience was awesome! I loved both my coaches and my teammates; the training was excellent and set me up to make team Canada.

Fantastic experience: Great gym and amazing coaches

Fantastic experience: Feels like a family!

Fantastic experience: This is a good gym

Fantastic experience: Great atmosphere

Negative experience: My daughter started in September where I paid $2500 for the season... don't make that mistake pay month to month in case you get the coaching we got. Mid October after many very slow practices where 3 coaches would help 1 group at a time (4-5 groups) and the other girls would sit waiting for over 10-15 min at time or longer to get their turn. I asked them if they could have 1 coach at each group and it did get a bit better for a few weeks. They say yes we know it is slow because we have people coming and going... of course you do, most children are bored. I also bought a uniform that they had left over from last year and my child never wore it. I asked if they would buy it back since it is brand new... "no we can put your name on a list in case someone needs it"... YOU ARE USING THE SAME OUTFITS NEXT YEAR. SOMEONE WILL NEED IT. I DO NOT RECOMMEND BLACK WIDOW CHEER GYM. THANK YOU FOR MY $536 refund. Just enough to cover the crazy expensive uniform :) This was my experience. Hope yours is better.

Fantastic experience: My daughter has cheered at Black Widow for 6 years and has loved every minute. Her coaches have quickly become like family, and are beloved by my daughter and myself as well. We look forward to many more seasons to come!

Fantastic experience: Great Cheer Team! Great parents and Awesome team dynamic!

Fantastic experience: Best Cheer club in Ontario!

Fantastic experience: Daughter loves it there - they treat her like family

Fantastic experience: Staff was so welcoming made my daughter fell comfortable especially because it was her first time. We will definitely be signing up.

Fantastic experience: We've been with this gym for the last seven years. I've watched my shy timid child transform into a proud and confident young lady. The way she lights up and radiates when she lands a new tumbling skill or complete her routine is priceless. She couldn't picture her life without cheer and without being a Bdub member. I was hesitant at first; my only regret now is not registering her sooner. She's made life-long friends and will always be proud to part of the Bdub family.

Fantastic experience: My daughter is entering year 5 of cheering at Black Widow. The gym owners & the coaches have been nothing short of incredible. We truly feel like this is our second home. The friendships we've developed run deep. The, on and off the mat, skills she has been exposed to have helped my daughter become an amazing communicative team player. She continues to flourish in this program. Couldn't ask for anything better...

Fantastic experience: Amazing Programs and Coaching

Fantastic experience: My daughter has unfortunately had to travel city to city across North America. From Carolina to Toronto to Cambridge then finally to Ottawa. She would always be nervous for each team she joined but Black Widow was in her words “home” a place she felt belonging and inspired to push herself to her limits. She always felt included and years after now moving on from cheer still talks about how Black Widow was her favourite gym out of them all.

Fantastic experience: My daughter has been cheering at Black Widow for 9 years. During that time she has progressed as a World class athlete and has developed important life skills such as discipline, teamwork and resilience. The owners, her coaches and BW teammates have made a positive impact that will last a lifetime. Thank you Black Widow Bring on Season 20!

Fantastic experience: I have been an athlete at black widow for 8 years and it is the best of the best! Highly recommend to anyone looking to start cheerleading! It must be pretty special considering I am commuting from Kingston to continue cheering here this year!!

Fantastic experience: i love this gym! i have been going here for almost 10 years and it never disappoints :) coaching staff is so friendly and it feels like one big family! i totally recommend it here!!

Fantastic experience: The gym has been very welcoming ever since my daughter has been enrolled and a huge positive experience. Friends for life for the entire family.

Fantastic experience: absolutely the most welcoming environment i’ve ever stepped in to. i’ve never been somewhere where everyone was so supportive, friendly, and honestly the most amazing people. i’ve been an athlete at bw for almost 9 years now and i’ve never had a negative experience with any of the staff or teams. bw is always open for question, comments or concerns and is so respectful when responding. not only is everyone extremely nice, the gym does whats best for the teams always and makes winning teams that leave you a champion. this gym has been my second home for the past 9 years and i wouldn't have it any other way. bw is hands down the most amazing gym in 613.

Fantastic experience: I am so glad we found Black Widow. The cheer gym is so welcoming, the staff are superb and the owners never hesitate to answer questions. I highly recommend to anyone looking for a cheer gym to land at.

Fantastic experience: I decided to come to Black Widow after a previous chapter in my cheer career ended. Not only have I felt respected as an athlete, and coach, but also as a young adult. The gym owners and coaches have been extremely respectful and welcoming. I have no regrets about coming here and look forward to many years ahead.

Negative experience: Don’t send them to many emails asking questions or they will send you a email saying your family not a good fit for the gym and its not worth the money or his time to deal with so many questions. Imagine your child goes to tryout for black widow and then goes back 2 days later to find out which team she will be on excited to be with her frnds. Then boom u gotta tell her we are no longer welcome because mommy asked to many questions.

Fantastic experience: All the coaches are super friendly, love the vibe

Fantastic experience: Disclaimer: Cheer dad for more than 7 years now! This is a great gym with awesome staff. No pressure but the athletes still fully committed and have a lot of fun.

Negative experience: My daughter loved this gym. She attended for 7 years. Her last year there was a “team” party at at the team mothers house to which all girls were invited except four. The party was then posted on the team chat all evening. My heartbroken daughter watched The posts from her bedroom all evening. We wrote a letter about this to the gym. No response. There was also copious amounts of drinking, starting at 9 am at competitions by the parents responsible (as examples to our children) for the team. Also no response to a letter from me from the gym. Her last year (of 7) she had an untrained flyer who did not know how to land (elbows should be in), land on her head and gave her a huge cheer ending concussion, there were no follow ups from the gym to us. My daughter loved it but was not ultimately treated well.

Fantastic experience: Best cheer gym in ottawa my daughter cheers here and she loves it the staff are super amazing

Fantastic experience: Great place to cheer. Staff are great with the cheerleaders.

Fantastic experience: Great instructors

Negative experience: Terribly disappointed........our daughter tried out and was chosen for a team, when she was on the team, there were continuous remarks to my daughter that she needed to take tumbling classes at the gym which requires more payments or she would be cut from the team. When questioned about what the money funds, we were told that they didn't need to justify or disclose where they spend the money. They continued to send us emails stating that we were behind in payments even though the payments were made on time from a credit card. When we decided to remove our daughter from the team they still continued to send us emails stating they wanted more money.

Fantastic experience: My children are enrolled in the Laws of Motion program. This program had my kids flipping on the trampoline with the first session. Highly recommend this program.

Fantastic experience: I haven’t been at black widow very long I’ve been one time and I love it so much I have already made so many friends and I’m glad I chose black widow there staff is also amazing

Fantastic experience: Black Widow is the best! The coaches are amazing, the owners care about each individual athlete, and the facility is the best in the Ottawa/Gatineau area.

Fantastic experience: Best Cheer gym in Ottawa by far. I really did my research. Im so happy I chose Black Widow for my daughter.

Fantastic experience: Amazing place!! Coaches are amazing!!

Positive experience: This is the first year our daughter has been with bw. She has enjoyed this past season and is looking forward to having a full season with bw. Even though she started halfway through her teammates and coaches made her feel very welcome. The coaches and staff are amazing and they commutate very well. She is looking forward to tryouts. Bw is the best cheerleading club.

Fantastic experience: Best all-star cheerleading gym in the Ottawa/gatineau region