Blog — Page 33 — Greater Joliet Area YMCA

Stronger Together: Bring a Friend Fitness Class Opportunities

September 3, 2025

Grab a workout buddy and join us for special fitness classes at the Y! Facility members are invited to bring a guest for free. Fitness is always better together!

PLEASE NOTE: Guests must present a valid photo ID when checking in. Attendance in these classes will not count against a guest’s total pass usage for 2025.

Cardio Interval
You’ll alternate between cardio intervals and strength moves to achieve the maximum results, increased cardiovascular fitness and calorie burning.
Date: Friday, September 12
Time: 4:15-5 p.m.
Location: Morris Hospital YMCA

Bootcamp
A mix of strength and cardio drills, using circuits and intervals.
Date: Monday, September 15
Time: 9-9:45 a.m.
Location: Galowich Family YMCA

Cardio Mix
This class will feature 30 minutes of WERQ, 30 minutes of Butts and Guts, and 30 minutes of stretching
Date: Friday, September 26
Time: 6-7:30 p.m.
Location: C.W. Avery Family YMCA

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The Dream Starts Here: Illinois YMCA Statewide Football Skills Challenge Coming This Fall

September 2, 2025

As part of the Illinois State Alliance of YMCAs dynamic collaboration with the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) and Illinois Elementary School Association (IESA), the Greater Joliet Area YMCA invites youth athletes to participate in the Illinois YMCAs Statewide Football Skills Challenge.

Event Details:

Boys and girls divisions are available for Grades 5, 6, 7, and 8.

Participants will compete in passing, punting, kicking, and agility drills during a preliminary round, hosted by local YMCAs. The top scoring athlete from each division will then have their score entered into the statewide contest to be compared to winners at other event sites.

Cost: Free and open to the community.

Please Note: Registration is required.

Host Sites:

Joliet Junior College – Event Center
1215 Houbolt Road
Joliet, IL 60431

Date: Wednesday, October 15
Time: Participants will compete sometime between 6-7:30 p.m. Upon completing registration, participants will be contacted to confirm their competition time slot.
REGISTER TODAY

C.W. Avery Family YMCA
15120 Wallin Drive
Plainfield, IL 60544

Date: Sunday, October 19
Time: Participants will compete sometime between 9 a.m.-Noon. Upon completing registration, participants will be contacted to confirm their competition time slot.
REGISTER TODAY

Morris Hospital YMCA
2200 W. Dupont Avenue
Morris, IL 60450

The top three statewide scores from the 5th and 6th grade divisions will advance to compete in the event finals during the IHSA Football State Championship Games in Normal on November 28, 2025.

The top three statewide scores from the 7th and 8th grade divisions will advance to compete in the event finals during the IHSA Football State Championship Games in Normal on November 29, 2025.

COMPETITION RULES and FAQs

To learn more, please contact:

Maria Freeh, C.W. Avery Family YMCA Sports Director
[email protected]
(815) 267-8600, ext. 217

Zach Jarosz, Joliet Community YMCA Sports Manager
[email protected]
Phone: (815) 744-3939, ext. 317

Chris Interial, Morris Hospital YMCA Sports Director
[email protected]
(815) 513-8080, ext. 514

*Under the statewide theme, “The Dream Starts Here,” this collaboration brings together the resources and expertise of YMCAs across Illinois, the IHSA, and the IESA to inspire a new generation of leaders and athletes by promoting participation in youth sports statewide. Additionally, the initiative encourages young people to consider jobs and volunteer opportunities at the Y where they can gain valuable skills and hands-on experience to pursue career pathways in sports-related fields like coaching, officiating, and sports administration.

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Greater Joliet Area YMCA Hosts Wall Signing Ceremony for Future Village of Shorewood YMCA

August 29, 2025

The Greater Joliet Area YMCA welcomed supporters to the site of the future Village of Shorewood YMCA for a special wall signing ceremony on Thursday, August 28.

YMCA President and CEO Katy Leclair kicked off the event by welcoming guests and thanking members of the building team, including Narvick Bros. General Contractors, for their round the clock work to construct the facility in preparation for its planned opening in spring 2026.

Leclair also recognized the YMCA’s Board of Directors, the Village of Shorewood YMCA Advisory Council, the Village of Shorewood leadership team, mayor and trustees, and YMCA employees and members for their support of this exciting project.

“At the Y, we are so blessed to have the very best team of staff, volunteers, members, donors, and community partners working together to create thriving spaces and engaging programs to serve our community,” Leclair said.

Leclair then introduced Village of Shorewood Advisory Council Chairman Dr. Karla Guseman, who provided the morning’s invocation.

Shorewood Mayor CC DeBold then stepped to the podium to speak about the Village’s vision for the future facility. He emphasized that Y programs will provide fun activities like youth sports leagues for kids, as well as important health, wellness, and recreation opportunities for residents of all ages, all while creating employment opportunities within the Shorewood community.

DeBold then welcomed YMCA Board of Directors Chairman Cheri Rubocki, who described how the opening of the Shorewood facility will serve as one of the highlights of the Greater Joliet Area YMCA’s Centennial Celebration in 2026.

“As our YMCA prepares to celebrate our 100th anniversary in 2026, we are very excited to create more opportunities for our friends and neighbors to learn, grow, and thrive at the YMCA,” Rubocki said. “Like all of you, I am counting down the days until we can cut the ribbon, open the doors, and officially welcome our community to the new Village of Shorewood YMCA!”

Illinois State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel, who helped to secure grant funding for the project from the State of Illinois, followed with brief remarks about the importance of investing in our communities.

Village of Shorewood YMCA Executive Director Trisha Dust closed the event by sharing her excitement for the ongoing preparations and thanking everyone for attending. She then invited guests to enter the facility and ceremoniously autograph their name on a wall located at the heart of the new facility, securing a legacy of collaboration that will last for years to come.

To learn more about the future Village of Shoewood YMCA, visit the branch homepage today!

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Meet Joliet Community YMCA Sports Director Zach Jarosz

August 29, 2025

The Joliet Community YMCA (JCY) is an innovative initiative that brings vital YMCA youth development, sports, and family programming to neighborhood locations throughout the greater Joliet community.

With offices located on the main campus of Joliet Junior College (JJC), the Joliet Community YMCA partners with area churches, local school districts, and other likeminded community organizations to provide year-round programs for Joliet residents of all ages. This initiative reaffirms the YMCA’s ongoing commitment to equity, access, and innovation in serving the community.

Today we shine the spotlight on Sports Director Zach Jarosz. Zach joined the Y team in 2024 and leads our staff efforts to guide programs like Youth Basketball Leagues and Summer Sports Camps! Learn more about him in the Q&A below.

Q: Can you tell us a little about yourself? Where are you from and what is your background/experience with the Y?

I was born and raised in Illinois. I grew up playing many different sports, and was able to play and coach baseball at the collegiate level. In my current role, I am proud to utilize my professional experience in youth sports programming, intercollegiate athletics, and higher education to promote the mission of the Y and enhance our presence in the Joliet community.

Q: Why do you have a passion for youth development?

Sports and athletics have always played a large role in my life. I know from competing at high levels that learning valuable life lessons, having fun, and making lifelong friends are all things that sports programming can provide. At the Y, we strive to provide kids of all skill levels and abilities those same opportunities.

Q: What stands out about the YMCA community?

At the Y, we are all on the same team. YMCA families and players support each other and demonstrate that teamwork is most important. We care for our members, and to be a part of these types of sports programs has been special for me.

Q: What are some of the JCY’s exciting sports programs?

We are just about to get started with summer sports camps and registration is also underway for our fall NFL FLAG Football League. Our Junior Wolves Dance program which performs at games during the fall and then we will gear up for winter Youth Basketball Leagues. We run various skills and scrimmage classes at multiple locations throughout Joliet, and I’m also excited for programming to continue to expand with the help of our partners at the Salvation Army, Joliet Junior College, and Messiah Lutheran Church.

Q: What activities do you enjoy outside of the Y?

I enjoy golfing and spending time with my family and friends.

We are so proud to have Zach leading our sports team! To learn more about summer sports camps, or to register today, click here.

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Staying Active for Life: Sid Skidmore’s Y Story

August 29, 2025

At the Y, we are proud to support members as they reach their goals and mark important health and wellness milestones. And that is why we are so excited to shine the spotlight on Morris Hospital YMCA member Sid Skidmore, who celebrated his 100th birthday on August 29.

Sid, a retired engineer, moved to Morris a few years ago to be closer to family and said he has been a member of various YMCAs over the years. When the new facility opened in Morris last December, he saw the perfect opportunity to get back into working out.

“I realized I had lost a lot of my strength so I thought I better try and get some of it back,” he said. “They’ve done a great job with this brand new Y. It has everything you need.”

Sid visits the Y multiple times per week, arriving at 7 a.m. for each visit, and completes a regimented workout using the strength machines in the wellness center.

“When you get old, you find you have to have a routine or you’ll forget something. I have routines for everything.” he said. “The Y is definitely the best place to go for exercising and for meeting other people, too. I’ve made a lot of friends here. It’s fun to chat for a few minutes each morning while you’re working out.”

According to Sid, the secrets to turning 100 are more than just an active lifestyle; good genes and a lifetime of healthy eating play a big role as well.

“When I was a kid, my mother would go shopping every other day so we always had fresh vegetables and fresh meat. And we never had anything like soda or fountain drinks, so I never got in the habit of drinking any of that stuff. I think that’s part of it,” he said.

Sid said working out at the Y helps him with his other interests of playing golf and making stained glass windows. He also shared that he passed a recent driver’s test, a sign that he doesn’t have any plans of slowing down, even after hitting the century mark.

“I used to plan out five to ten years ahead. Now that I’ve hit 100, I think I can still plan for five years ahead,” he said.

On behalf of the entire Y community, we would like to wish Sid a very happy 100th birthday and thank him for being a part of our YMCA family!

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Meet Joliet Community YMCA Youth & Family Director Keyanna Montgomery

August 28, 2025

The Joliet Community YMCA (JCY) is an innovative initiative that brings vital YMCA youth development, sports, and family programming to neighborhood locations throughout the greater Joliet community.

This week, we are highlighting the amazing staff members who bring JCY programs to life. Today we shine the spotlight on Youth & Family Director Keyanna Montgomery. Keyanna joined the Y team in 2024 and maintains a strong passion for helping families grow and thrive. Learn more about her in the Q&A below.

Q: Can you tell us a little about yourself? Where are you from and what is your background/experience with the Y?

I grew up in Chicago and I have currently been living in Plainfield for the past three years. I have been working in the education field for more than 15 years. I have a bachelor’s degree in child development with masters degrees in special education and human resource business management. I started with the YMCA as a Kid Zone counselor and Kids Corner attendant. A few months later, I became a site lead for Kid Zone, and shortly after, I joined the full-time team as the Youth and Family Manager.

Q: Why do you have a passion for youth development?

I come from a family of educators, so it is in my blood. During my time in school, I always enjoyed my child development and leadership courses the most. And whether it was babysitting, tutoring, or helping students find resources in the community, I have always found myself helping others. I have a passion for seeing kids grow, accomplish their goals, and reach their full potential.

Q: What stands out about the YMCA community?

The YMCA is family oriented and serves the community wherever those needs may be. Everyone is willing to help out and they do it in a kind, respectful manner. I also love how the YMCA provides opportunities for staff to grow and develop. It shows they care about retention and continuity.

Q: What excites you about upcoming JCY programs?

I am excited for our summer day camp season and fun community events where families can come together and enjoy one another’s company. I look forward to building strong relationships with Y families and community partners, and I am excited to see the Joliet Community YMCA grow as a whole.

Q: What activities do you enjoy outside of the Y?

Outside the YMCA, I enjoy spending time with my family. I am a mother to two boys: Immanuel (age 16) and Mason (age 6). I am also a dog mom to a Maltese named Grace. I enjoy gardening, going for walks, doing cool science activities with my son, watching my teenager play football for his high school, attending karate class, and having family movie nights.

We are so proud to have Keyanna leading our youth and family programs! To learn more about Joliet Community YMCA summer day camp, click here.

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