Ninja franchise makes Florida debut in Fort Myers

Construction is wrapping up on a new type of gym for children in south Fort Myers.

Ultimate Ninjas Academy will be the first in Florida for the Chicago-based franchise. The center on College Parkway will include obstacle courses for kids ages 10 months to 10 years old and offer classes emphasizing balance and fitness. The 3,000-square-foot space will also feature a rock-climbing wall.

The owners of the Fort Myers Ultimate Ninjas Academy are Jim Stewart and Cordula Reichardt, who also own neighboring Anytime Fitness and have for the past 10-plus years. Their long-term goal of establishing more health and fitness-oriented businesses is being realized with the opening of Ultimate Ninjas Academy in late February, according to a statement.