Galowich Family YMCA — Greater Joliet Area YMCA

Make a Splash at the YMCA: 2026 Winter Swim Lesson Sale

January 15, 2026

The Greater Joliet Area YMCA is excited to announce a Winter Swim Lesson Sale!

Save $7 when you register for Winter 2 swim lessons from January 19-26.

Offer valid at any Greater Joliet Area YMCA location. Open to Facility Members and Community Members. Some restrictions may apply.

Use promo code: SWIMWI26 when registering online. You can also call your local branch to reserve your time slot:

C.W. Avery Family YMCA
15120 Wallin Drive
Plainfield, IL 60544
(815) 267-8600

Galowich Family YMCA
749 Houbolt Road
Joliet, IL 60431
(815) 744-3939

Morris Hospital YMCA
2200 West Dupont Avenue
Morris, IL 60450
(815) 513-8080

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Celebrating YMCA Volunteer Leadership: Cheri Rubocki

January 14, 2026

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.”

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Tickets Now On Sale for the 2026 YMCA Gala

January 12, 2026

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!

Since its inception, the Y’s signature fundraising event has raised nearly $1.8 million to benefit families within our community. Join us as we celebrate charitable giving at the YMCA by showcasing the Y’s impact in our community and the generous donors who help to make our mission come to life each and every day.

This elegant evening will include:

A cocktail hour, dinner, and open bar
Silent and Live auctions
Raise the Paddle giving opportunities
Wine Pull and Heads or Tails raffles
Live entertainment and dancing

Funds raised from this year’s event will benefit the YMCA Mission Strong Fund, helping to ensure that no one is turned away from the Y due to the inability to pay.

PURCHASE GALA TICKETS TODAY

INSPIRING GENEROSITY
At this year’s Gala, the Y will also present the C.W. and J.L. Avery Philanthropic Award to Paul E. Gantzert in recognition of his generous and inspiring charitable support of the Greater Joliet Area YMCA.

LEARN MORE
For more details about remaining sponsorship opportunities, or to purchase cash raffle/toast of the town raffle tickets, visit our event headquarters.

If you have questions about the YMCA Gala, please contact:

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

SPONSORSHIP INFORMATION
Donnie Chestnutt
Mission Advancement Director
Email: dchestnutt@jolietymca.org
Phone: (815) 782-0800

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Introducing the YMCA Centennial Anniversary Store

January 7, 2026

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 Centennial Anniversary Store features an exclusive collection of limited-edition YMCA merchandise, available in both adult and youth sizes. With apparel and accessories for the whole family, everyone can take part in the celebration all year long as we honor the Y’s long-standing commitment to strengthening our community and inspiring healthy living for all.

Every purchase made from the Centennial Anniversary Store is more than a celebration, it’s an investment in the Y’s mission. Proceeds from every purchase will support the YMCA’s Mission Strong Fund, helping to ensure that no one is turned away from YMCA programs due to the inability to pay.

Thank you for being part of our journey over the past 100 years. We invite you to shop the Centennial Anniversary Store, celebrate this milestone with us, and help carry the Y’s legacy into our next century of service.

SHOP NOW

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Greater Joliet Area YMCA Members Invited to Participate in Centennial Check-In Challenge

January 5, 2026

The Greater Joliet Area YMCA is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2026! And, to help inspire members during this year-long celebration, we’re excited to announce the YMCA Centennial Check-In Challenge!

Here’s how it works:

YMCA Facility Members who check in at any Greater Joliet Area YMCA branch 100 times or more by December 15, 2026 will be entered into a drawing to win a free 1-Year Membership to the YMCA. (Some restrictions apply.)

One winner from each branch will be announced on Friday, December 18, 2026.

Get started by visiting your local Y branch today:

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

We can’t wait to see you!

For more information about the Greater Joliet Area YMCA’s Centennial Anniversary celebration, click here.

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Greater Joliet Area YMCA to Celebrate 100 Years of Community Impact in 2026

January 5, 2026

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.

Throughout 2026, the YMCA will commemorate this historic milestone with a series of special events, programs, and celebrations honoring its rich history, the people who have helped to shape its legacy, and the members, donors, volunteers, staff, and community partners who continue to make its mission thrive in communities throughout Will and Grundy Counties.

YMCA members and the community will also have the opportunity to celebrate the Y’s 100th Anniversary by purchasing commemorative apparel from its new Centennial Anniversary Store, which will launch on January 7. Proceeds from every purchase will support the YMCA’s Mission Strong Fund, helping to ensure that no one is turned away from YMCA programs due to the inability to pay.

“We are so excited to celebrate the YMCA’s Centennial Anniversary in 2026,” said Greater Joliet Area YMCA President and CEO Katy Leclair. “This milestone gives us a chance to reflect on the lasting impact the Y has had on generations of families in our community. We are deeply thankful for the support we’ve received over the past 100 years and look forward to continuing to serve and strengthen our community for generations to come.”

For more information about the Greater Joliet Area YMCA’s 100th anniversary celebration, click here.

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