Greater Joliet Area YMCA

GREATER JOLIET AREA YMCA

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

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Stronger Together: Bring a Friend Fitness Class Opportunities

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

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

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

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


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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See You in September: My Y Rewards Special Earnings Event

Fall is a season of change and now is the perfect time to rejuvenate your health and wellness routine with a little inspiration from the YMCA! Our special My Y Rewards September Earnings Event will help you build healthy habits and stay focused on achieving your fitness goals!

Greater Joliet Area YMCA Facility Members enrolled in the My Y Rewards program will receive 150 bonus rewards points if they check in at the Y at least 15 times in the month of September.

Learn how to enroll by clicking below.

ENROLL TODAY

Upon enrolling in the My Y Rewards Program, you’ll also 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.

If you should have any questions or any feedback on the My Y Rewards Program, please be sure to stop by the Membership Desk during your next visit or email [email protected].

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YMCA September Personal Training Sale

Whether you’re just starting your health and wellness journey, or looking to add a little variety to your exercise program, a YMCA personal trainer can help you to achieve your wellness goals. And now you can take your first step with the help of our September Personal Training Sale! Throughout the month if you buy four sessions, you get one free!*

Learn more about personal trainers at your local Y branch by clicking below.

C.W. Avery Family YMCA
Galowich Family YMCA
Morris Community YMCA

Register online by clicking below.

One-on-One Personal Training
Avery
Galowich
Morris

Group of Two Personal Training 
Avery
Galowich
Morris

*Offer good September 1-30, 2025. Valid at any Greater Joliet Area YMCA location. Cannot be combined with any other offers. Visit your local branch for more details.

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Letting Kids Be Kids: Register for YMCA Days Out of School Today!

With the school year underway, the Greater Joliet Area YMCA is excited to remind families that registration is now open for YMCA Days Out of School programs!

YMCA Days Out of School (DOS) are offered at each of our full-facility branches for children when school is not in session. Whether it’s an Institute Day or Holiday Break, kids are invited to join the Y and students from all of our Kid Zone sites for a day of fun and adventure.

Children, grades K-8, may be signed in at the Y as early as 7 a.m. and signed out as late as 6 p.m. All participants should dress for the weather, bring a sack lunch, a drink, snacks, swimsuit and a towel. Advanced registration is required and space is limited. The registration deadline is 48 hours prior to the day of school. Financial assistance is available. CCR&R and DHS funds are also accepted.

Scroll down to learn more about the DOS program available at your local Y branch.

C.W. Avery Family YMCA

Serving: Plainfield School District 202
PROGRAM INFORMATION

REGISTER TODAY

Serving: Valley View School CUSD 365U
PROGRAM INFORMATION

REGISTER TODAY

To learn more, please contact:
Lori Barrie
[email protected]
(815) 267-8600, ext. 205

Galowich Family YMCA and Joliet Community YMCA

Serving: Joliet District 86 Elementary Schools, Rockdale District 84, Troy District 30C, and Laraway CCSD 70C
PROGRAM INFORMATION

REGISTER TODAY

To learn more, please contact:
Tori Dutkiewicz
[email protected]
(815) 744-3939, ext. 307

Galowich Family YMCA and Joliet Community YMCA (Teen REACH)

Serving: Joliet District 86 Middle School Students Enrolled in the YMCA’s Teen REACH After School Program
PROGRAM INFORMATION

REGISTER TODAY

To learn more, please contact:
Darrell Collins
[email protected]
(815) 744-3939, ext. 361

Morris Hospital YMCA

Serving students in Morris School District 54 and Saratoga School District 60C
PROGRAM INFORMATION

REGISTER TODAY

To learn more, please contact:
Jordan Overton
[email protected]
(815) 513-8080, ext. 513

CANCELLATION GUIDELINES
Cancellations made less than 48 hours in advance of Day Out of School will be subject to the full program fee for each child registered. Members who are currently receiving financial assistance through the Y’s scholarship fund will be charged their agreed upon Day Out of School fee. Members who are currently receiving financial assistance through the State of Illinois’ Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) will be charged $25. Fees will also apply to students who are registered for Day Out of School, but do not attend.

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