Greater Joliet Area YMCA

GREATER JOLIET AREA YMCA

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

You are here: Home / Centennial Celebration

Celebrating a Century of Community: Greater Joliet Area YMCA Proud to Highlight Volunteers This September

Throughout the month of September, the Greater Joliet Area YMCA will be counting down to the Y’s 100th anniversary on September 29 by spotlighting the incredible volunteers who have helped shape our Y and strengthen our community. These individuals have been invited to share some of their favorite memories and moments from their Y experience, as well as what the Y means to them and the communities it serves.

Be sure to follow along on our social media pages as we highlight these amazing volunters:

Facebook

C.W. Avery Family YMCA
Joliet Community YMCA
Morris Hospital YMCA
Village of Shorewood YMCA

Instagram

Greater Joliet Area YMCA

LinkedIn

Greater Joliet Area YMCA

SHARE THIS:

Stronger Today Because of Yesterday: Greater Joliet Area YMCA Unveils History Wall

In celebration of the Greater Joliet Area YMCA’s Centennial Anniversary in 2026, the Y unveiled a new history wall within the Village of Shorewood YMCA this week. This installation celebrates the visionary leaders, pivotal moments, and enduring milestones that have guided the Greater Joliet Area YMCA’s journey and deepened its impact across the community over the past 100 years.

We remain deeply grateful to the members, employees, volunteers, donors and community partners whose dedication to the Y’s mission and the residents of Will and Grundy Counties made this historic milestone possible. As we begin our second century of service, we remain guided by our mission, inspired by our history, and committed to strengthening our community and transforming lives for generations to come.

SHARE THIS:

Golf and Dinner Tickets for the 2026 Mission Strong Golf Classic Now on Sale

As the Greater Joliet Area YMCA celebrates its Centennial Anniversary in 2026, we invite you to join us for the fifth annual Mission Strong Golf Classic on Monday, August 31 at Morris Country Club. Generously presented by Midland States Bank, proceeds from this year’s event will support the Mission Strong Fund, helping ensure that no one is turned away from the YMCA due to the inability to pay.

Now in its fifth year, the Mission Strong Golf Classic has raised more than $250,000 to support children, adults, and families throughout our community.

Make your plans to join us for an exciting day on the course, which will include:

  • 18 holes of golf with a cart
  • Lunch and complimentary beverages on the course
  • A cocktail reception, dinner, and awards
  • A welcome gift, course games, prizes, raffles, and more

Secure your foursome or purchase dinner tickets online by clicking below.

PURCHASE FOURSOMES/DINNER TICKETS

We look forward to seeing you on the course for a great day of golf!

To learn more about the 2026 Mission Strong Golf Classic, please contact:

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

SHARE THIS:

100 Years, 100 Laps: YMCA Announces Centennial Swim Challenge

The Greater Joliet Area YMCA is celebrating our 100th anniversary in 2026! To help recognize this milestone, our aquatics team is inviting members to participate in a special Centennial Swim Challenge!

Here’s how it works:

Participants will have from May 1-July 31 to swim 100 lengths of the pool (beginner swimmers) or 100 full laps in the pool (advanced swimmers).

Once registered, participants will be able to pick up a tracking sheet by visiting the Membership Desk of their local Y branch. All participants will receive a commemorative shirt, sticker, and a YMCA water-resistant cinch bag.

Cost: $25, open to Facility Members only.

Registration closes on May 11. So don’t delay! Dive in, challenge yourself, and be part of our centennial celebration!

REGISTER TODAY

SHARE THIS:

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!

SHARE THIS:

Celebrate the Greater Joliet Area YMCA’s Centennial with Decades Week Group Fitness Classes

The Greater Joliet Area YMCA is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2026, marking a century of service, leadership, and impact.

To help commemorate this historic milestone, the health and wellness teams from all Greater Joliet Area YMCA branches are encouraging members to participate in special ‘Decades Week’ group fitness classes throughout the year.

The celebration begins next week with ‘Peace, Love, and Fitness’ of the 60’s! We are going back to the groovy hippie days – a time of flower power, harmony, and good vibes. Can you dig it? See below for details.

Galowich Family YMCA and Morris Hospital YMCA
Members are encouraged to wear their 60’s themed attire in any class between February 2-8.

C.W. Avery Family YMCA
Members are encouraged to wear their 60’s themed attire in any class between February 2-8. The following classes will also feature music from the era:

Cycle/Sculpt
Tuesday, February 3
9:15 a.m.

WERQ
Wednesday, February 4
7 p.m.

Barre Above
Friday, February 6
8:15 a.m.

Group Cycle
Saturday, February 7
7:30 a.m.

Founded in 1926, the YMCA is one of the area’s leading nonprofit organizations, strengthening our community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. To learn more about our Centennial Celebration, click here. 

SHARE THIS:

United Way