Jordan Chiles hopes to lift Minnesotans' spirits 'in this very dark time' with Prince-themed routine

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA: Artistic gymnast Jordan Chiles made it clear why she altered her dance routine for a matchup against the Gophers on Saturday, February 7, and what the change meant to her. The 24‑year‑old UCLA Bruins gymnast “thanked” Minnesota and reminded everyone that “we stand with you” in her message of support. 

The Olympic gold medalist explained that she chose to switch her floor routine to a piece inspired by Prince as a way to honor Minnesota and its people. She said she hoped “her routine uplifts the spirit of the people in its very dark times.” Her comment comes as protests across the state continue to grow stronger each day against ICE. 

Jorden Chiles changes her routine for Minnesota

A short video of Jordan Chiles is going viral on social media. The 25-second clip shows Chiles in her gymnast costume performing a track at the games. It then cuts to her speaking to the audience while holding a microphone.

She said, "Huge thank you to Minnesota. I know there has been a lot of tough things going on here, and I just want to say we stand with you, and that the Prince routine was meant for you guys."

"I wanted to bring that energy here. So I hope it uplifts you guys in this very dark time and that the Bruins will always be by your guys' side. So thank you guys so much," the two-time Olympian concluded.

For those who don’t know, the routine is performed to the music of Prince, a Minnesota native. Chiles’ performance includes difficult tumbling moves along with fun and catchy dance steps. Fans have praised it not just for her skill, but also for the heartfelt message it sends. 

Athletes and celebrities speak out against ICE after Minneapolis shootings

Jordan Chiles is not the only US athlete to speak out about the current situation. Several Team USA athletes, including Hunter Hess, Jessie Diggins, Chris Lillis, Alex Ferreira, and Amber Glenn, who are currently in Italy for the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, also spoke out about ICE's actions and how the Trump administration is handling the situation. 

There have been widespread anti-ICE protests across the country following the fatal shootings of Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti by federal agents in Minneapolis in January. 

It’s not just athletes; celebrities also joined in. At the 2026 Grammy Awards, some performers used their speeches to speak out and wore “ICE Out” pins to show their protest.

Some celebrities faced criticism for speaking out. For example, Billie Eilish was publicly criticized by Kevin O’Leary for talking about ICE during her Grammy speech. O’Leary said entertainers should “shut your mouth and just entertain,” which caused backlash from fans and fellow artists.