Illinois Men's Gymnastics Completes 2026 Signing Class With Three Additions

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Head coach Daniel Ribeiro has completed his 2026 signing class with the additions of two transfers and an incoming freshman. Zion Aserie, Jaxon Clapper, and Kaleb Palacio all signed Big Ten Athletic Aid Agreements and will join the Fighting Illini in the fall.

"The addition of these two veteran transfers and another international star are going to make a huge impact on our 2027 team," Ribeiro said. "Zion comes to us from the U.K. He's an all-arounder with exceptional strength on the still rings to fill the final lineup hole on that event. Jaxon is a three-event veteran who was a regular-season All-American on floor and parallel bars last season. Kaleb is one of the most powerful and quick gymnasts in the NCAA performing the hardest vault in the country.

"These three additions add a level of depth that we have never had at Illinois, and we are excited about them all making a massive impact this season."

ZION ASERIE // BIRMINGHAM, U.K. // SUTTON COLDFIELD COLLEGE BMET

2025 Senior British rings finalist
2025 Northern European silver medalist
2025-26 England team member
2023 Junior English and British rings champion
Intends to major in psychology
Why Illinois: "Illinois stood out to me because of the balance between world-class gymnastics and outstanding academics. The coaching staff, team dynamic, and facilities made me feel confident it was the right place for me to grow as both a gymnast and a student. As an international student from the U.K., I am excited for the opportunity to represent Illinois and embrace the student-athlete experience."

JAXON CLAPPER // KANSAS CITY, MO. // TRANSFER FROM GREENVILLE UNIVERSITY

Spent his first three collegiate seasons at Greenville
2026 ECAC Gymnast of the Year
Claimed parallel bars and vault titles at 2026 ECAC Championships
Won parallel bars and floor titles at 2026 USA Gymnastics Men's Collegiate Championships
Two-time CGA regular season All-American on floor and parallel bars in 2026
Advanced to individual finals on parallel bars at 2026 NCAA Championships
Why Illinois: "I chose Illinois for the culture within the men's gymnastics program. It's a very tight-knit community that has welcomed me with open arms. Illinois values more than just athletics; they focus on character development and building you into a better person."

KALEB PALACIO // BACLIFF, TEXAS // TRANSFER FROM SPRINGFIELD COLLEGE

Spent the last two seasons at Springfield College
Two-time ECAC Gymnast to Watch (2025 and 2026)
2025 CGA Regular-Season All-American (All-Around)
2025 All-ECAC Team on All-Around, Floor, and Vault
Why Illinois: "I chose Illinois because I was given the opportunity to continue doing what I love most."

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