About Us

Mission Statement

The mission and purpose of the GGRFSC is to encourage the instruction, practice and advancement of all types of figure skating; encourage a spirit of fraternal feeling among ice skaters; and to sponsor or produce amateur ice exhibitions, shows, test sessions, and competitions.

GGRFSC Programs

The Greater Grand Rapids Figure Skating Club (GGRFSC) is a non-profit organization founded in 1972 to promote the sport of figure skating in the West Michigan area. We skate year-round at Patterson Ice Center, with Oksana Yakusheva as head coach and skating director. Current programs include:

  • Bridge (one year membership for skaters under 10)
  • Freestyle figure skating (singles)
  • Showcase
  • Pairs


      • The club, its members, and its coaches are part of U.S. Figure Skating (USFS), the national governing body of figure skating, and are subject to its rules and regulations. USFS is structured to encourage safety and skating enjoyment at all skill levels and ages.

      Over the years, GGRFSC has watched skaters of all ages advance from the Learn to Skate program into masters of Moves in the Field.

      GGRFSC members skate recreationally and competitively. The annual season includes:
      • Community shows for audiences at Patterson Ice Center during the spring and winter holidays
      • A competition season from approximately March through September
      • At least one home ice competition, the Grand Rapids Open (GRO)
      • Monthly Figure Skating and skills classes
      • Ongoing small group and individual lessons
      GGRFSC has produced many excellent competitors and our club members regularly compete at regionals, sectionals, nationals, junior nationals, collegiate nationals and adult nationals.

      GGRFSC Legacy

      As members of the Detroit Metro Council, GGRFSC co-hosted the 2006 U.S. Synchronized Skating Championships at the Van Andel Arena in downtown Grand Rapids. This event annually crowns the National Champion synchronized skating teams in each division and determines which teams represent the U.S. in the World Synchronized Skating Championships.

      In 2009, GGRFSC hosted over 400 skaters for the U.S. Adult Figure Skating Championships at the Patterson Ice Center. Competitors in this annual event are divided into five age categories (21-30, 31-40, 41-50, 51-60 and 61+) and two tracks (masters and adult). Events are held in singles, pairs, ice dancing and interpretive.

      In 2012, GGRFSC hosted 200 skaters for the Midwestern Adult Sectional Figure Skating Championships at the Patterson Ice Center. Competitors in this annual event are divided into five age categories (21-30, 31-40, 41-50, 51-60 and 61+) and two tracks (masters and adult). Events are held in singles, pairs, ice dancing, light entertainment and artistic/dramatic skating.