Greater Joliet Area YMCA

GREATER JOLIET AREA YMCA

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

You are here: Home / Archives for Greater Joliet Area YMCA

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].

SHARE THIS:

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.

SHARE THIS:

Try Something New: Ann Wright’s Y Story

When the Morris Hospital YMCA opened last December, it opened the door to new possibilities for those in the Morris community, including individuals like Y member, donor, and volunteer Ann Wright. 

“My husband and I joined the Y at the old downtown location to support the cause, but never had the intent to go. Then we got really excited about the new Y, and when it opened we were on board from the get go,” Ann said. 

With new spaces like an eight lane lap pool to explore, Ann came to find her go-to activities at the Y were water fitness classes, a passion now shared by many in the community. 

“I do water fitness two or three times a week and every class seems to fill up. It’s incredible. There are classes in the morning and at night, and when I’m sitting in church on Sunday I can tell people are ready to hit that button and sign up for the Monday morning class,” she said.

Ann also noted being a Y member has helped her build stronger relationships with past acquaintances and forge new friendships along the way.  

“I remember telling one woman about the evening water fitness class and we had a date night with our husbands,” Ann said. “Now they do about four or five classes a week. It’s a great example of being willing to think outside the box and try something new.”

Ann was able to expand her own horizons by participating in YMCA Fit4U. During the 4-week introductory program, which is free for Facility Members, Ann learned more about the machines in the Wellness Center and Y amenities that could help her get started with new exercises.

“I did (Fit4U) because I have never used gym equipment before. It really helped me feel comfortable in the fitness center. The staff were amazing and encouraging,” she said.

Ann said that the positive energy from staff and members alike makes each visit to the Y a rewarding experience.

“You don’t leave without feeling like you’re a happier person. And that goes along with already having done something positive for your health. The physical aspect is probably what people think of and why they want to go initially, but the positivity you get here is vital.”

We are so proud to have Ann in our Y community! Please know that your Y family will always be here to support you along your health and wellness journey!

As a reminder, Fall 1 session programming begins on Monday. You can view group fitness, lap pool, and gymnasium schedules by clicking here or by using the YMCA On the Go App. If you are interested in learning more about the YMCA’s Fit4U program, please click here.

SHARE THIS:

Celebrating a Successful 2025 Summer Camp Season at the YMCA

Our 2025 Summer Day Camp season, which was generously sponsored by CN, officially came to a close this week. It was another amazing summer filled with friendship, learning, and meaningful life experiences for everyone involved! 

We’d like to thank all of our camp families for spending the summer with us here at the YMCA and wish you all the best during the new school year. We look forward to seeing you back at camp next summer.

We’d also like to thank all of our wonderful community partners who opened their doors and their hearts, allowing us to provide much-needed summer child care at locations throughout Will and Grundy Counties. 

Finally, we’d like to thank our top-notch summer camp team for their boundless enthusiasm, compassion, and creativity. Your hard work and tireless dedication helped to ensure that each of our campers had a summer full of fun and adventures.

As we take a look back at the summer that was, let’s take a closer look at YMCA Summer Camp ‘By the Numbers:’

8 Camp Locations

With a little help from our friends, we hosted camp at each of our YMCA facilities and at offsite locations throughout the community. Thank you, Salvation Army Joliet Corps Community Center, Joliet Junior College, Plainfield School District 202, and Valley View School District 365U for helping us serve kids in our community this summer.

1,302 Campers

We are so proud to provide a memorable camp experience for each and every one of our amazing summer day campers.

288 Counselors

Summer day camp would not be possible without the dynamic skills and inspiring leadership of our Summer Camp staff team.

44 Summer Day Camp Volunteers Contributing more than 1,800 Volunteer Service Hours 

Student volunteers from local high schools as well as volunteers from the Catholic Charities of Joliet were a pivotal resource during summer day camp as they provided assistance to Y staff, ensuring campers participated in a wide range of learning opportunities.

3,312 ‘Go Blue’ Swim Lessons and 107 New Blue Level Swimmers 

At the start of camp, campers completed mandatory swim tests before entering the pool for the first time and, based on their swimming abilities, received a red, yellow, or blue wristband. To improve their swimming skills, all red and yellow wristband campers participated in 15-minute swim lessons each week with the goal of “Going Blue” by the end of summer. To “Go Blue” meant that swimmers had enough strength, skill, and confidence to pass the YMCA’s blue swim test, which included jumping into the deep end of the pool, treading water, and swimming the length of the pool using a front crawl stroke without stopping.

64 Field Trips

We were thrilled to help our campers go on exciting adventures! Whether it was a trip to the arcade, a visit to the zoo, or a splash-tastic day at the waterpark, our campers got the chance to explore the community and make memories!

Nearly $100,000 Raised by the YMCA’s Send a Kid to Camp Campaign 

At the Y, nobody is turned away due to the inability to pay. Nearly half of the children who attend YMCA summer day camp programs receive financial assistance, and this is made possible by the incredible generosity of YMCA donors. This spring, our Send A Kid to Camp Campaign supporters generously funded nearly 2,000 days of camp for children in our community.

Thank you again for a wonderful Summer Camp season! We look forward to seeing you back at the YMCA next summer. Camp registration for the summer of 2026 will get underway next March!

SHARE THIS:

JETS Swimmers Produce Standout Performances During 2025 Summer Season

It was an amazing summer season for the JETS Swim Team as they represented the Y at the state, regional, and national levels, making memories that will last a lifetime!

Highlights from the summer included:

IL YMCA State Long Course Championships
July 18-20
Lake Central High School – St John, IN

Event winners:
-Nolan Ewah (8U 50 freestyle and 50 backstroke)
-Evan Johnson (10U 50 backstroke, 50 breaststroke, 50 butterfly, and 200 medley)
-Hermes Sadcopen (14U 50 backstroke, 50 butterfly, and 100 backstroke)
-Ion Siminoi (14U 100 butterfly)
-Levi Anderson, Logan Despojo, Rocco Nazerian, and Ethan Sarceda (12U 200 freestyle relay)
-12U Boys won overall division championship

“In total, 59 JETS athletes competed at this meet and the team took 3rd place overall. It marked our first time placing in the top 3 at this event,” head coach Dave Hedden said.

IL 11-14 Age Group Long Course Championships
July 24-27
FMC Natatorium – Westmont, IL

The JETS were represented by Ava Bolos, Logan Despojo, Hermes Sadcopen, and Ion Siminoi. 

Sadcopen won the 50 butterfly and finished in the top-10 of four other events. Siminoi finished 8th in the 200 butterfly.

“This is the fastest meet for 14U swimmers in the state of Illinois and it was Ava’s first time qualifying,” Hedden said.  

ISCA Summer Senior Blast
July 29 – August 2
St Petersburg, FL

The JETS were represented by Ava Bolos, Aubrey Crnich, Andrew DeMille, Sophie Francis, Chris Johnson, Caroline Krohn, Sophia Mancilla, Hermes Sadcopen, Ion Siminoi, Genesis Stansberry, Daniel Venhrynovych, and Holly Zilinger.

Sadcopen placed 3rd in the 50 butterfly. Johnson finished 4th in the 50 breaststroke.

“This was the first big travel meet, and the first outdoor meet, for most of the kids. They crushed it, posting personal bests in nearly 80% of their races,” Hedden said. 

IL 10 & Under Summer Championships
August 2-3
Stevenson High School – Lincolnshire, IL

The JETS were represented by Kaiden Forsyth, Evan Johnson, Kolin Linko, Kate Ann Yumena, and Shane Zilinger.

Johnson took 2nd in the 50 freestyle and added medals in four other events. 

IL Open Water State Championships
August 5
Lake Manteno – Manteno, IL

Ion Siminoi placed 8th in the 3K for the 13-14 age group
Evan Johnson placed 8th in the 1K for the 10U age group.

“We had 10 athletes compete, our largest contingent ever for this meet,” Hedden said. 

Central Zone 14 & Under Long Course Championships
August 7-10
Eastern Michigan University – Holland, MI

Logan Despojo, Evan Johnson, Hermes Sadcopen, and Ion Siminoi represented the JETS at this event.

“The JETS competed as part of Team Illinois in this ‘All-Star’ meet against swimmers from Missouri, Wisconsin, Michigan and Ohio,” Hedden said.

Sadcopen won the 50 freestyle and swam the butterfly leg on the champion 200 medley relay team in the 13-14 age group. Johnson took 7th in the 50 butterfly.

We are so proud of all the amazing things our JETS swimmers have done so far in 2025 and we wish them the best as they begin fall season practices! If you would like to learn more about the team, please contact Dave Hedden at [email protected] or (815) 782-0805.

You can also see additional updates on the JETS Facebook page.

SHARE THIS:

Feel Healthier, Be Stronger: Beth Yakich’s Y Story

The Y is a welcoming place for individuals looking to maintain a healthy lifestyle, providing the resources and support needed to help everyone reach their goals. For Galowich Family YMCA Member Beth Yakich, joining the Y this summer was a way to support rejuvenation and recovery. 

“I’ve had surgery on my left hip and I’m currently working on rehabbing my right hip. I completed physical therapy, but I had become very sedentary and I knew I had to change something. I needed to do something more.”

On her first visit, Beth learned right away that friendly faces are always here to greet you at the Y. 

“I’m standing at the desk on the day I joined and almost immediately I recognized two women I go to church with. They said ‘You’ve got to come to water Zumba tonight’. So I took a class the first day I joined and I’ve been coming in three days a week since then.”

In addition to group fitness classes, Beth said the Y’s Fit4U program has played a key role in helping her develop a healthier lifestyle. During the free 4-week introductory program, which is free for Facility Members, Beth learned more about machines in the Wellness Center and Y amenities that could help her get started with new exercises.

“I had a few questions about (Fit4U) when I joined and they got me set up with Sabrina from the health and wellness team,” she said. “My only experience with equipment was in physical therapy and that was just three machines – an arm bike, a stationary bike, and a leg press. With the help of Sabrina, I became more confident using all the machines in the wellness center, focusing on rotating through the ones that would help me meet my goals. I wasn’t interested in lifting weights, but now I realize how each piece of equipment can strengthen the muscles around joints.”

Beth also credited exercising at the Y for a :23 second improvement on cardiovascular stress testing at a recent doctor’s visit.

“Overall, I’m feeling healthier. I know it’s going to take time to be where I want to be, but I’m impressed with how short of time it has taken for me to feel stronger,” she said. 

And after struggling to stay committed to a health and wellness routine, Beth said being at the Y keeps her motivated. 

“When I was at home, it was always a case of ‘Well, I’ll work out tomorrow.’ When I walk through these doors, I’m working today.”

We are so proud to have Beth in our Y community and we wish her the very best as she strives to reach her health and wellness goals.

If you are interested in learning more about the YMCA’s Fit4U program, please click here. You can also view our current group fitness schedules by clicking here or by using the YMCA On the Go App.  

SHARE THIS:

United Way