Greater Joliet Area YMCA

GREATER JOLIET AREA YMCA

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

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Greater Joliet Area YMCA Hosting Centennial Celebration Food Drive

For 100 years, the YMCA has been dedicated to social responsibility and providing support for those in our community who need it most. As we continue celebrate the Greater Joliet Area YMCA’s Centennial Anniversary in 2026, we invite the community to participate in a special food drive from February 9-15.

Residents can drop off donations of non-perishable food items at location boxes located in the lobby of their local Y branch:

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

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Save During the YMCA’s 2026 NFL FLAG Football Sale

The Greater Joliet Area YMCA’s NFL FLAG Football season is just around the corner! Now is the perfect time to sign up and SAVE!

Register your child for the Y’s spring NFL FLAG Football league between February 6-9 and SAVE $10!*

Use promo code: NFLFLAG2026 when registering online.

Valid at any Greater Joliet Area YMCA location. Some restrictions may apply.

Full league details are available here. If you have any questions, please contact the sports department at your local Y branch:

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

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

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

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YMCA Centennial Celebration: Help Us Tell Our Community’s Y Story

For 100 years, the YMCA has helped shape the stories of individuals and families living in our community. Each person’s Y story is unique – improving health, supporting children, building friendships, or finding a place to belong.

As we celebrate the Greater Joliet Area YMCA’s Centennial Anniversary in 2026, we invite you to share how the Y has made a difference in your life.

Share How the YMCA Has Helped You

Members of all ages are invited to celebrate the Y’s Centennial Anniversary by sharing their Y story:

  1. Pick up a “Because of the YMCA” sign at the Membership Desk during your next visit or download a sign by clicking below.

    BECAUSE OF THE YMCA

  2. Write a few words describing how the YMCA has made an impact in your life.
  3. Email a photo (landscape orientation) of you holding your sign to [email protected].

Together, we’ll celebrate a century of impact by sharing these stories on social media and in our marketing materials throughout 2026!

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Swim, Bike, Run: YMCA ‘Lazyman’ Triathlon Health and Wellness Challenge

March 9-April 20

The Y wants to help members get energized this spring with our ‘Lazyman’ Triathlon Challenge!

Tracking workouts at your own pace, you will have six weeks to accumulate the traditional distances of an Ironman triathlon:

  • 2.4 mile swim (170 lengths of the pool)
  • 112 mile bike ride
  • 26.2 mile run/walk

Beginning Monday, March 9, participants can pick up a tracking sheet from the Membership Desk. Completed sheets must be turned in by April 20. At the end of the challenge, all participants will be entered into a raffle and one lucky winner from each Y branch will receive a special prize!

Cost: $5, open to Facility Members only

REGISTRATION OPENS FEBRUARY 7

To register online, select your Y by branch below:

C.W. Avery Family YMCA

Galowich Family YMCA

Morris Hospital YMCA

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Morris Hospital YMCA Set to Offer New Teen Programming

The Morris Hospital YMCA is excited to announce special program offerings for kids ages 11-15! These activities, which are made possible by grant funding from the Community Foundation of Grundy County, will be free and open to the community!

PLEASE NOTE: Registration is required.

Teen Crafters
Stop by for fun Arts/STEAM craft projects!

Monday, February 16 – Keychain Making/Lip Gloss
2-3:30 p.m.

Monday, March 30 – DIY Bath Bomb & Make Up Bag
2-3:30 p.m.

Friday, April 24 – Bracelet Making
5-6:30 p.m.

Friday, May 22 – Succulent Gardens
5-6:30 p.m.

REGISTER ONLINE

Teens in the Kitchen
Stop by to make delicious recipes! Activities held from 6-7 p.m.

Tuesday, February 10
Tuesday, March 10
Tuesday, April 7
Tuesday, May 5 

REGISTER ONLINE

Teen Open Gym
Stop by for fun sports and games! Activities held from 5:30- 6:30 p.m.

Friday, February 20 – Pickleball
Friday, March 20 – Volleyball
Friday, April 17 – Dodgeball
Friday, May 22 – Basketball 

REGISTER ONLINE

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Charter Memberships On Sale Now for the New Village of Shorewood YMCA

We are so excited for the future Village of Shorewood YMCA! Located on Route 52 in Shorewood, this wonderful new facility is set to open later this spring. And now, you can demonstrate your support for the Y’s mission by becoming Charter Member! Charter Memberships are currently on sale and can be purchased through February 28.

As a Charter Member, you’ll enjoy unparalleled benefits, special perks, and a front-row seat to our grand opening:

PRIORITY ACCESS IN APRIL 2026
Charter Members will be among the first to experience our new state-of-the-art facility and innovative programs.

COMMEMORATIVE GIFTS
Charter Members will receive a welcome kit packed with exciting one-of-a-kind YMCA gear and grand opening gifts.

EXCLUSIVE EVENTS
Charter Members will be invited to an exclusive preview event during our Grand Opening week in April.

RECOGNITION ON DONOR SIGNAGE
The everlasting legacy of each Charter Member will also be honored on a permanent donor sign, displayed within the new building.

SPECIAL SAVINGS AVAILABLE FOR CURRENT YMCA MEMBERS
Stop by the Membership Desk of your local Y branch during your next visit or contact Membership Operations Director Michele Claysen at (815) 782-0818 or via email at [email protected] to learn more about these savings!

PLEASE NOTE: A Charter Membership is a one-time donation that includes Founding Member status, recognition, and commemorative gifts. To enjoy access to the new Village of Shorewood YMCA when it opens, Charter Members will also need to become Facility Members and begin paying regular monthly dues starting in April 2026. Facility Memberships will be available beginning March 1, 2026.

PLEDGE YOUR SUPPORT TODAY!
To become a Charter Member, please click below:

PURCHASE A CHARTER MEMBERSHIP

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