- 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.
- Save During the Y’s Thankful for You Membership Sale
Join the Y between November 11-13 during our Thankful for You Membership Sale and pay a $0 Joiner’s Fee – a savings of up to $120!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 60544Galowich Family YMCA
749 Houbolt Road
Joliet, IL 60431Morris Hospital YMCA
2200 W. Dupont Avenue
Morris, Il 60450HOLIDAY FOOD DRIVE AND MY Y REWARDS BONUS
We are also collecting non-perishable food items from November 10-16 with donations benefitting the following organizations:
Plainfield Area Interfaith Food Pantry
Members enrolled in the My Y Rewards Program who donate a non-perishable food item during the collection drive will also receive 100 My Y Rewards bonus points. (One-time bonus per member).
- Make a Splash and Ring in the New Year at the YMCA
The Greater Joliet Area YMCA is inviting families to celebrate the new year with our special Noon Year’s Eve pool parties on Wednesday, December 31! Festivities will include open swim, music, crafts, games, snacks and refreshments, and a New Year’s countdown at noon.PLEASE NOTE: Space is limited, and registration is required. Participants may be swim tested prior to entering YMCA pools. Participants are encouraged to review the pool rules prior to registering.
C.W. Avery Family YMCA
Time: 10 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
Cost: $20, open to YMCA Facility Members Only
REGISTER TODAYGalowich Family YMCA
Time: 10:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
Cost: Free and open to the community
REGISTER TODAYMorris Hospital YMCA
Time: 10 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
Cost: $20, open to YMCA Facility Members Only
REGISTER TODAY - Celebrate the Holiday Season with Family Fun at the YMCA
Ho, Ho, Ho! This holiday season, the Greater Joliet Area YMCA has a series of festive activities planned for you and your family. Come ready to spread joy and cheer and join us in a winter wonderland of fun!C.W. Avery Family YMCA
Holidays Around the World
Date: Friday, December 12
Time: 6-7:30 p.m.
REGISTER TODAYStop by the Y for an evening highlighting traditional celebrations from around the world during holidays like Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Ramadan, and Diwali.
Kids will also have the chance to write letters to Santa, make reindeer food, play in our bounce houses, get snacks from a hot chocolate bar, and take photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus!
Cost: This event is free and open to the community.
PLEASE NOTE: Registration is required and all children must be accompanied by an adult.
Kids’ Night Out: Winter Wonderland (Ages 5-10)
Date: Friday, December 19
Time: 6:30-9 p.m.
REGISTER TODAYYMCA Kids’ Night Out is the perfect way for kids to have fun with their friends on a Friday night! Join us for a variety of winter themed activities such as games, sports, movies, and arts & crafts. Pizza and drinks will also be provided.
Cost: $20 for Facility Members, $40 for Community Members
PLEASE NOTE: Registration is required at least 48 hours in advance.
Morris Hospital YMCA
Kids’ Night Out: Santa’s Workshop (Ages 4-12)
Date: Friday, December 5
Time: 5:30-8 p.m.
REGISTER TODAYYMCA Kids’ Night Out is the perfect way for kids to have fun with their friends on a Friday night! Join us for a variety of holiday themed games, sports, movies, and arts & crafts. Pizza and drinks will also be provided.
Cost: $20 for Facility Members, $40 for Community Members
PLEASE NOTE: Registration is required at least 48 hours in advance.
Breakfast with Santa
Date: Saturday, December 20
Time: 9-10:30 a.m.
REGISTER TODAYSanta Claus is coming to town and making a stop at the Morris Hospital YMCA! Join us for a special breakfast with light refreshments, crafts, and photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus!
This event is free and open to the community.
PLEASE NOTE: Registration is required and all children must be accompanied by an adult. Registration closes on December 15.
Galowich Family YMCA
Pizza with Santa and Candy Cane Hunt
Date: Friday, December 12
Time: 6-7:30 p.m.
REGISTER TODAYSanta Claus is coming to town and making a stop at the Galowich Family YMCA! Join us for some family fun with a pizza party, games, crafts, and a special candy cane hunt!
Cost: This event is free and open to the community.
PLEASE NOTE: Registration is required and all children must be accompanied by an adult.
Santa Splashtacular
Friday, December 19
5:30-7:30 p.m.
REGISTER TODAYChildren will be able to enjoy a “sleigh ride” with Santa around the lap pool, as well as open swim, games, and a craft.
Cost: This event is free and open to the community.
PLEASE NOTE: Space is limited and registration is required. Participants may be swim tested prior to entering the pool. Members are encouraged to review the pool rules prior to registering.
Joliet Community YMCA
Kids’ Night Out: Winter Pajama Party (Ages 4-12)
Date: Friday, December 5
Time: 5:30-7:30 p.m.
REGISTER TODAYLocation:
Salvation Army Joliet Corps Community Center
300 3rd Avenue
Joliet, IL 60433YMCA Kids’ Night Out is the perfect way for kids to have fun with their friends on a Friday night! Join us for a variety of activities such as games, sports, movies, and arts & crafts. Pizza and drinks will also be provided. Don’t forget to wear your most festive pajamas!
Cost: $20 for Facility Members, $40 for Community Members
PLEASE NOTE: Registration is required at least 48 hours in advance.
- New Greater Joliet Area YMCA Membership Agreement Launching November 4
At the YMCA, we are committed to maintaining a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment for everyone who walks through our doors. To help ensure that our policies and expectations are clear and consistent, we are rolling out an updated YMCA Membership Agreement beginning November 4.As part of this update, a primary adult on each Facility Membership unit will be asked to review and accept the YMCA’s new Membership Agreement. This process will only take a few moments and can be completed either online or during your next visit to the Y.
The updated Membership Agreement reflects the Y’s core values and strengthens the community standards that help ensure every member feels comfortable, respected, and included. The new Agreement also outlines the Y’s membership cancellation policy, which now allows members to request to change their membership status electronically 5 days prior to their next billing date- reduced from the previous 10-day notice. We appreciate your cooperation as we roll out these improvements, aiming for all Facility Members to review and acknowledge the updated Agreement by March 1, 2026.
What You Can Expect
- Beginning November 4, Facility Members will be prompted to review and accept the new Membership Agreement when checking in at their local branch.
- YMCA staff will be available to assist if you have any questions.
Thank you for your partnership in strengthening our Y community. By completing this simple step, you will help us continue to build a safe and positive space where everyone can learn, grow, and thrive together.
C.W. Avery, Central City, Galowich, Morris
