ChiIL Mama : TONIGHT 10TH WHEEL GYMNASTICS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS OPENING GALA -- EVENTS THROUGH JULY 14

CHICAGO TEENS SET TO COMPETE WITH MORE THAN 250 ATHLETES FROM 36 NATIONS IN CHICAGO FOR THE 10TH WHEEL GYMNASTIC WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP THROUGH JULY 14.

Wheel acts at The CircEsteem Shows between bouts at The Windy City Rollers 5/4/13 featuring members of the US Juniors team and others. Credit: Kenaz-Mara for ChiILMama.com/ChiILLiveShows.com.

Photo credit for all unless otherwise noted: B. Kenaz-Mara for ChiILMama.com/ChiILLiveShows.com

We've long been fans of wheel gymnastics and we're thrilled to see Chicago's young wheel athletes compete on an international level. My own kids have studied circus arts with most of the team and we've watched these kids grow up over the past 3 years. This is the first year the World Championships will be hosted outside of Europe!

Photo credit: B. Kenaz-Mara for ChiILMama.com/ChiILLiveShows.com

Click here to check out ChiIL Mama's past coverage on the 10^thWheel Gymnastics World Championships.

Event location: North Park University Gymnasium, 3225 W.Foster Ave. Hosted by the USA Wheel Gymnastics Federation and American SOKOL, the championships feature more than 240 athletes from nearly 36 nations.

Tickets: General admission tickets are available for $10, Junior Finals for $15, Senior Finals and Team Finals for $20 each and All Event tickets for $50. Also available are tickets to the Opening Gala at the Athenaeum Theatre (2936 N. Southport Ave.) on July 9 for $25. For more information on the 10^th Wheel Gymnastics World Championships and to purchase tickets, please visit www.wheel2013.com.

In addition to the athletes, 200 international delegates, dignitaries, judges and officials will attend the event, with public attendance being estimated at more than 10,000. Competition will be divided between males and females, and junior and senior competitors. Awards will be given for best All-Around, Spirale, Straight-line, Vault and Mono Wheel competitions.