Greater Joliet Area YMCA

GREATER JOLIET AREA YMCA

C.W. Avery, Central City, Galowich, Morris

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Skills That Last a Lifetime: Private, Semi-Private, and Adaptive Swim Lessons Available During Winter Break

Due to popular demand, the Y will be offering private, semi-private, and adaptive swim lessons over Winter Break! Each swim lesson package includes three 30-minute lessons. All three lessons must be used during the same week over Winter Break. Participants can register on a per week basis. See below for more information about lessons available at your local Y branch.

C.W. Avery Family YMCA

Week 1: December 15-21
Week 2: December 22-28
Week 3: December 29-January 4

Cost (Per Week)

Private Swim Lessons: $98 for Facility Members/$196 for Community Members
Semi-Private Swim Lessons: $60 for Facility Members/$120 for Community Members
Adaptive Swim Lessons: $64 for Facility Members/$128 for Community Members

PRIVATE/SEMI-PRIVATE/ADAPTIVE SWIM LESSONS REQUEST FORM

Morris Hospital YMCA

Week 1: December 15-21
Week 2: December 22-28
Week 3: December 29-January 4

Cost (Per Week)

Private Swim Lessons: $98 for Facility Members/$196 for Community Members
Semi-Private Swim Lessons: $60 for Facility Members/$120 for Community Members
Adaptive Swim Lessons: $64 for Facility Members/$128 for Community Members

PRIVATE/SEMI-PRIVATE/ADAPTIVE SWIM LESSONS REQUEST FORM

Galowich Family YMCA

Week 1: December 16-19
Week 2: December 23, 26-27
Week 3: December 30, January 2-3

Cost (Per Week)

Private Swim Lessons: $78.75 for Facility Members/$157.50 for Community Members
Semi-Private Swim Lessons: $47 for Facility Members/$94.50 for Community Members
Adaptive Swim Lessons: $56.25 for Facility Members/$112.50 for Community Members

PRIVATE/SEMI-PRIVATE/ADAPTIVE SWIM LESSONS REQUEST FORM

Spots are limited, so don’t delay. Register your child today!

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Join the Y During Our 2025 Cyber Monday Sale

New members who join the Y on Cyber Monday (December 1) will pay a $0 Joiner’s Fee – a savings of up to $120!

* Valid at any Greater Joliet Area YMCA location. Cannot be combined with any other offers. 

OUR FACILITY MEMBERS ENJOY ACCESS TO THREE BRANCHES
Your membership gives you unlimited use of the Greater Joliet Area YMCA’s three YMCA locations, including:

  • Three indoor pools and our family aquatic center, all fully programmed with activities for the entire family, including family swim time, swim lessons, aquatic fitness programs and lap lane access.
  • Three wellness centers, all equipped with state-of-the-art cardio and strength equipment.
  • Free fitness orientations and daily group exercise classes (programs vary by location).

Quality Programming
In addition to our free group exercise classes, the Y offers year-round swim lessons, sports programs and personal training, among a slew of other options.

Child Care
If you have a Family Membership, you can drop your child(ren) off at our supervised playroom while you exercise.

Free Basic Access to the YMCA On the Go App
The YMCA On the Go App provides Y members with access to the YMCA 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This new interactive tool is loaded with free workouts, on-demand videos, and nutrition tips.

Free Access to the My Y Rewards Program
Upon enrolling in the My Y Rewards Program, you’ll earn points each time you check-in, take a class, or refer a friend to the Y. In fact, you’ll earn your first 50 points for simply enrolling in the program. You can then redeem your points for fun Y swag and program and membership credits.

So Much More
A complete list of member benefits can be found here.

THREE CONVENIENT LOCATIONS

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

Galowich Family YMCA
749 Houbolt Road
Joliet, IL 60431

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

JOIN THE Y

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JETS Swim Team Set to Host Thanksgiving Classic Meet

The JETS Swim Team is excited to feature a record contingent of more than 200 athletes heading into this weekend’s JETS Thanksgiving Classic hosted at Oswego East High School. 

“Our program is in the strongest place it’s ever been following this fall’s expansion at the Morris Hospital YMCA and continued growth in participation from kids in Plainfield and Joliet,” Director of Competitive Aquatics Dave Hedden said. “We have a great group of kids that are ready to compete.”

JETS swimmer Holly Zilinger (age 15) said it’s inspiring to be a part of the thriving team environment.

“It’s awesome to have a bunch of people interested in swimming. I know that since I started I’ve never looked back,” she said.

Ion Siminoi, a seven time Illinois YMCA State Champion, said the current team makeup is the product of multi-year commitments from a large number of swimmers.

“There’s a wave of kids that joined the team when they were 11 or 12 and now we’re all in the fastest group. This is going to be a great season and we’re hoping to do well at all our meets.”

For 15 year old Benjamin Jensen, the team has been a great opportunity to make new friends.

“Some of my best friends are on this team and that makes it easy to look forward to practice,” he said. “I go to Joliet West and I wouldn’t ever see the kids from Plainfield if it wasn’t for swimming. The camaraderie of our group has continued to build as we keep swimming with each other.”

These team bonds have been strengthened not only at competitive meets, but also on team trips to places like the Indiana Dunes and the Olympic Swim Trials. 

“I think we’ve learned a lot. We’re all very close. If somebody isn’t happy with their performance, a teammate is always there for you,” Zilinger said.

The experienced swimmers have also made it a point of emphasis to build a welcoming environment for the younger age groups.

“It’s a really familial team,” Siminoi said. “A lot of us have siblings on the team, so we do have the ability to connect and guide the younger swimmers.”

Maintaining a culture of teamwork, accountability, and respect has not gone unnoticed by the coaching staff.

“JETS swimmers aren’t just team leaders, they’re community leaders, and we are so proud of the way they represent our Y each and every day,” Hedden said.

The Y wishes all the best to our JETS swimmers competing this weekend in Oswego and look forward to all the success they will have in the 2025-26 season!

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Working Together to Make Your Y Better: Facility Improvements at the C.W. Avery Family YMCA

November 20-21

The C.W. Avery Family YMCA is excited to share that we will be completing renovations on the Membership Desk. During this time, all members and guests will be asked to enter the building through the south entrance, located near the Multi-Purpose Rooms. We thank you in advance for your cooperation as we work with our vendor to complete prep work and installation in a timely manner.

This project was made possible thanks to a generous donation from Home Depot-Shorewood.

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YMCA Gala Cash Raffle and Toast of the Town Raffle Tickets Now On Sale

The 2026 YMCA Gala, generously presented by Midland States Bank, will be held on Saturday, February 28, at the Bolingbrook Golf Club.

Funds raised from this year’s event will benefit the YMCA Mission Strong Fund, helping to ensure that no one is turned away from the Y due to the inability to pay. Cash raffle and toast of the town raffle tickets are now available!

Cash Raffle

This year’s Cash Raffle is generously sponsored by Grundy Bank. Only 500 tickets will be sold!

Cost: $25

3 amazing prizes are available: $2,000, $1,000 and $500

You can deposit ticket stubs by:

  1. Returning it to the person who sold you the ticket
  2. Mailing it to: Greater Joliet Area YMCA, Attn: YMCA Gala Cash Raffle, 749 Houbolt Rd, Joliet, IL 60431. Tickets must be received by 4 p.m. on February 217.
  3. Depositing it in the raffle drum at the YMCA Gala on February 28, 2025, at the Bolingbrook Golf Club, 2001 Rodeo Drive, Bolingbrook, IL

PURCHASE CASH RAFFLE TICKETS

Toast of the Town Raffle

In honor of the Y’s Centennial Anniversary, we’re raising a glass with our Toast of the Town Raffle! One lucky winner will receive a custom bar and a remarkable bourbon collection, including three coveted bottles of Pappy Van Winkle.

This year’s Toast of the Town Raffle is generously sponsored by Ron Tirapelli Ford. Only 200 tickets will be sold! Digital purchases only.

Cost: $100

PURCHASE TOAST OF THE TOWN RAFFLE TICKETS

The winning tickets will be drawn during the YMCA Gala on February 28.

Winners are responsible for all applicable income taxes and must be at least 18 years old to enter. Prize must be claimed within 30 days of notification. Winners are subject to all raffle procedures, rules, regulations, directives, and state and local laws. Winner agrees by entering the raffle to authorize the release of his or her name and likeness for promotional purposes. According to the IRS, a raffle ticket is not tax deductible. Check with your financial advisor for additional information.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Limited sponsorship opportunities remain. Don’t miss out on your chance to support this amazing event!

PURCHASE GALA SPONSORSHIP

For More Information

If you have questions about the 2026 YMCA Gala, please contact:

EVENT INFORMATION
Dori Fugate
Volunteer and Special Events Director
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (815) 782-0502

SPONSORSHIP INFORMATION
Donnie Chestnutt
Mission Advancement Director
Email: dchestnutt@jolietymca.org
Phone: (815) 782-0800

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Chicago Tribune Names Greater Joliet Area YMCA a Winner of the Chicago Area 2025 Top Workplaces Award

The Greater Joliet Area YMCA has been awarded a 2025 Top Workplaces honor by the Chicago Tribune. An eight-time Top Workplace honoree, the YMCA has been providing much-needed programs and services for children, families, and adults living in Will and Grundy Counties for nearly 100 years.

The annual Top Workplaces list is based solely on employee feedback gathered through a third-party survey administered by employee engagement technology partner Energage LLC. This confidential survey uniquely measures the employee experience and its component themes, including employees feeling Respected & Supported, Enabled to Grow, and Empowered to Execute, just to name a few.

“Earning a Top Workplaces award is a badge of honor for companies, especially because it comes authentically from their employees,” said Eric Rubino, Energage CEO. “That’s something to be proud of. In today’s market, leaders must ensure they’re allowing employees to have a voice and be heard. That’s paramount. Top Workplaces do this, and it pays dividends.”

“Being recognized by the Chicago Tribune as a Top Workplace for the eighth time is an extraordinary honor for our YMCA,” said President and CEO Katy Leclair. “Our employees are at the heart of everything we do. Their dedication to serving our community and advancing the Y’s mission is truly inspiring, and I feel grateful every day to work alongside such a remarkable team. As we look ahead to our Centennial Anniversary in 2026, this recognition is a wonderful way to celebrate the individuals who bring our programs to life and make a difference in the lives of those we serve,” Leclair added.

The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofit organizations, strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. A 501(c)(3) charitable nonprofit organization, the Greater Joliet Area YMCA has more than 800 full and part-time employees who work at its three facilities and more than 50 program sites across Will and Grundy Counties. Driven by its mission to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all, the Y brings families closer together, encourages good health, and fosters connections through fitness, sports, fun, and shared interests. But, most importantly, its doors are open to everyone, regardless of age, income, or background. At the Y, no one is ever turned away due to the inability to pay.

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United Way