This week we are excited to highlight one of our most dedicated volunteer leaders in Cheri Rubocki, whose two-year term as chairman of the Greater Joliet Area YMCA’s Board of Directors came to a close in December.
“As soon as I stepped on this board, I recognized the commitment, the collaboration, and the special people that we have at the Y. Everyone is willing to step up in any capacity and it’s such a collaborative group. It’s been so incredibly rewarding,” Rubocki said.
Rubocki, a Joliet native, has spent more than 30 years in the banking industry and currently serves as the Southwest Suburbs Market President and Senior Director of Talent Strategy and Acquisition for Old National Bank. She has been involved with the Y for more than 25 years, dating back to her time as a JETS swim team parent, and previously served on the Galowich Family YMCA Advisory Council.
“I want to give a special thanks to (Immediate Past Chair) Guy Christensen. He set such an incredible example for what a Y board member should be,” Rubocki said. “It’s also been amazing to work with Greater Joliet Area YMCA President and CEO Katy Leclair at the helm. Katy, her leadership team, and all staff members of the Y inspire us to want to do more.”
Rubocki said one of the highlights of her term, which began as construction efforts on the Morris Hospital YMCA were ongoing, was opening day for the Y’s first full service facility in Grundy County.
“I think about all the work put in by the members of the Morris Capital Campaign and Morris Advisory Council, and to see the pride that was exuding from them on that day was so inspiring. To be a part of that was an absolute privilege,” she said.
Rubocki also helped guide the launch of the new Joliet Community YMCA, an innovative initiative established in February 2025 that brings vital YMCA youth development, sports, and family programming to neighborhood locations throughout the greater Joliet community.
“It’s been amazing to watch the partnerships we have with organizations like Joliet Junior College, the Salvation Army, and Messiah Lutheran Church grow and strengthen our services to children and families in Joliet,” she said.
And Rubocki noted that Y programs and services will continue to expand in the form of the new Village of Shorewood YMCA, which will open later this spring,
“There is a ton of excitement about the new facility in Shorewood and we’re looking forward to the impact it will have on that community and beyond,” Rubocki said.
In addition to the Shorewood facility’s grand opening, 2026 will feature a yearlong Centennial Celebration for the Greater Joliet Area YMCA. It’s a milestone that demonstrates the Y’s continued commitment to service, Rubocki said.
“To reflect on the sheer number of families and people that we have helped in our community over the past 100 years is remarkable. It’s humbling to think about having a part in it,” she said.
On behalf of all of our members, volunteers, community partners, and the Y’s staff team, we thank Cheri for her generosity, service, and leadership.
“It has been an incredible honor to work alongside Cheri over the past two years,” Katy Leclair said. “Her drive to support the Y mission is unrivaled, and her ability to foster collaboration has contributed to successes that will have an immense impact on our Y for years to come.”
The 2026 YMCA Gala, generously presented by Midland States Bank, will be held on Saturday, February 28, at the Bolingbrook Golf Club. Tickets for this must-attend event are now on sale!
As the Greater Joliet Area YMCA proudly celebrates its 100th Anniversary throughout 2026, we are excited to introduce our new Centennial Anniversary Store! Featuring dozens of YMCA apparel items, this new store offers a meaningful way for members and the community to commemorate 100 years of YMCA impact, connection, and service across Will and Grundy Counties.
The Greater Joliet Area YMCA will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2026, marking a century of service, leadership, and impact. 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.
