Greater Joliet Area YMCA

GREATER JOLIET AREA YMCA

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

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Enjoy Family Fun with ‘Shamrock Shenanigans’ at the Galowich Family YMCA this March

The Galowich Family YMCA is the place to be for all your ‘Shamrock Shenanigans’ this March! We are so excited to offer a wide range of St. Patrick’s Day themed youth, family, and fitness activities! See below for more details. 

VIP and Me – Clover Create with Me
Date and Time: Thursday, March 6, 9-10 a.m.

VIP and Me is the perfect opportunity for toddlers and preschoolers to bond with the very important people in their lives! Stop by the Y and craft a few clover creations to bring home for St. Patrick’s Day! PLEASE NOTE: Activities designed for ages 2-5

Cost: $10 for Facility Members/$20 for Community Members
REGISTER TODAY

St. Paddy’s Divin’ for Gold
Date and Time: Friday, March 14, 4-7 p.m.

Members are invited to dive into the depths of the lap pool to collect “Leprechaun Gold” tokens. The tokens can then be exchanged for prizes. PLEASE NOTE: Participating children will be swim tested. Families are reminded to bring their own swimsuits and towels.

Cost: Free and open to the community
REGISTER TODAY

Clover Hunt
Date and Time: Friday, March 14, 5:15-5:45 p.m

Grab your flashlight and a bag, a silly leprechaun has left behind clovers to find! Who knows, you may find that special clover with gold on it! Prizes will be available. Open to ages 3-10. PLEASE NOTE: Start time is 5:15 for ages 3-5 and 5:30 for ages 6-10

Cost: Free and open to the community
REGISTER TODAY

Friday Family Fitness – Over the Rainbow Zumba
Date and Time: Friday, March 14, 6-7 p.m.

If you are looking for some family fun, look no further than Friday Family Fitness at the Y! You’ll be over the rainbow with a special Zumba event! This low-impact, high energy class will give you and your family an awesome workout! Remember to wear your green!

Cost: Free and open to the community
REGISTER TODAY

Shamrock Stroll and Scavenger Hunt
Date and Time: Monday, March 17, 10-11 a.m.

Dress in green and join the Shamrock Stroll around the track while taking part in a scavenger hunt, prize raffles, and more!

Cost: Free and open to the community
REGISTER TODAY

If you have any questions about these events, please contact the Y at (815) 744-3939.

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Stay Active and Have Fun: Registration for YMCA Spring Pickleball Programs is Underway!

Pickleball is a great way to stay active and participate in friendly competition. And this spring, there are plenty of ways for you to get involved in this fun sport at the YMCA! Learn more about pickleball programs available at your local Y branch below:

C.W. Avery Family YMCA

Doubles Pickleball League
Dates: March 27-May 13
Season will run eight weeks which includes a seeded playoff. All matches will be played at a Plainfield school on Tuesdays and/or Thursdays at either 7 p.m. or 8 p.m.

Teams will consist of two players. One team member will be responsible for registering the team.

Pickleball rackets will be provided to those who need them but participants are welcome to bring their own equipment.

League winners will receive a championship t-shirt.

Open to ages 18 and up.

Cost: $150 per team (if registering team member is a Facility Member), $225 per team for Community Members

REGISTER TODAY

Endeavor Health Seminar: Stay Strong on the Court – Shoulder Health Tips for Pickleball Players
Date and Time: Wednesday, March 19, 12:15-1:15 p.m.
Are you a pickleball player looking to keep your game strong for years to come? Join us for an insightful session with Endeavor Health Physical Therapist Lauren Baloun, who will share expert tips on keeping your shoulders injury-free with essential exercises, warm-up and cool-down strategies, and guidance on proper body mechanics. Whether you’re playing for fun or competition, this event will help you stay at your best on and off the court!

Cost: Free and open to the community.

REGISTER TODAY

Open Pickleball
Dates and Times: Mondays, 7:15-8:45 p.m.; Tuesdays, 5-9 a.m.;, Wednesdays 7 a.m.-Noon; Thursdays, 10 a.m.-Noon or 6:30-8:30 p.m.; Saturdays 9 a.m.-Noon

Join us for a some friendly competition and exercise! Paddles are available but participants are welcome to bring their own equipment.
PLEASE NOTE: Court availability is subject to change.

Cost: Free for Facility Members. Registration is not required.

Morris Hospital YMCA

Doubles Pickleball League
Dates: March 10-May 9
Season will run eight weeks which includes a seeded playoff. Two matches will be played weekly. All matches will be played at the Morris Hospital YMCA on Mondays and/or Fridays starting at 5:30 p.m.

Men’s, women’s, and mixed leagues are available. Teams will consist of two players. Both team members must register.

Pickleball rackets will be provided to those who need them but participants are welcome to bring their own equipment.

League winners will receive a championship t-shirt.

Cost: $150 for Facility Members, $225 for Community Members

REGISTER TODAY

Pickleball Beginner Classes
Dates: Mondays, 4-5 p.m. or Wednesdays, 10-11 a.m.
This 5-week class that will explain the rules of pickleball and help participants work on skills that include serving, volleying, positioning on the court, etc. Have some fun and burn some calories at the same time! No classes will be held the week of March 24 during spring break.

Cost: $70 for Facility Members, $140 for Community Members

REGISTER TODAY

Galowich Family YMCA

Open Pickleball
Date and Time: Tuesdays, 10:15-11:45 a.m. or 6-7:30 p.m.; Fridays, 10:15-1145 a.m.

Join us for a some friendly competition and exercise! Paddles are available but participants are welcome to bring their own equipment.

Cost: Free for Facility Members, $5 for Community Members

REGISTER TODAY

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Celebrate Valentine’s Day with the Y’s ‘Be My Fitness Valentine’Guest Pass Offer

The Y is getting in the Valentine’s Day spirit with a special ‘Be My Fitness Valentine’ guest pass offer!

From February 13-16, YMCA Facility Members who attend a group fitness class or participate in a personal training session can pick up a special valentine card they can give to a friend. The valentine will also serve as a free one-day guest pass and can be redeemed at any time.

PLEASE NOTE: Passes available while supplies last. Good for one family or adult daily visit. One pass per person. Valid at any Greater Joliet Area YMCA location.

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Galowich Family YMCA Offering Free Swim Lesson Sampler Classes from January 23-25

The Galowich Family YMCA is offering FREE swim lesson sampler classes for kids, ages 3-13. Free and open to the community, this is a great opportunity for families to learn more about the YMCA’s swim lesson program. As part of the class, participants will complete a swim test to determine the best starting level for their first lesson at the Y!

DATES AND TIMES

Thursday, January 23 and Friday, January 24
Classes are available from 4:50-5:20 p.m., 5:25-5:55 p.m., and 6:00-6:30 p.m.

Saturday, January 25
Classes are available from 11:15-11:45 a.m. and 11:50 a.m-12:20 p.m.

Spots are limited, so register today!

REGISTER TODAY

If you have any questions about swim lessons at the YMCA, please contact:

Catie Wallis
Galowich Family YMCA Aquatics Director
[email protected]
(815) 744-3939, ext. 320

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Join the Y During Our January Membership Sale

The new year is the perfect time to join the Y!

During the Y’s January Membership Sale, new members and alumni members who join the Y will pay a $0 Joiner’s Fee – a savings of up to $120.

When you are a member of the Y, you show a commitment to more than just a healthy lifestyle. You support the values and programs that strengthen your community.

Current YMCA members who refer a friend to the Y can earn a FREE month of membership! To learn more, visit the Membership Desk at your local Y branch.

LEARN MORE

OUR FACILITY MEMBERS ENJOY:

Access to Three Branches

Your membership gives you unlimited use of the Greater Joliet Area YMCA’s four 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 On the Go App will provide 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. You can also check out a full list of our programming by taking a look at our Winter 2025 Program Session Schedules.

*Programs, classes, and amenities vary by location and are subject to change

THREE CONVENIENT LOCATIONS

C.W. Avery Family YMCA
15120 Wallin Dr, Plainfield, IL 60544

Galowich Family YMCA
749 Houbolt Road, Joliet IL 60431

Morris Hospital YMCA
2200 W. Dupont Avenue, Morris, IL 60450

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Happy Holidays to You: Give the Gift of the YMCA This Holiday Season

Guest article courtesy of YMCA of of the USA.

Stumped for ideas for your family and friends this holiday season? Looking to do something creative and a bit unexpected this year? Take a break from the malls and online shopping sites and give your loved ones the gift of health, wellness, and community.

Whether your holiday shopping list includes a college-age nephew just starting his fitness journey, the sister who just discovered pickleball, or the grandmother who already has everything, there is––quite literally––something for everyone at the Y.

Here are five reasons why a Y membership makes the perfect holiday present.

  1. The gift of self-care? Priceless. Sometimes the best gift you can give your loved one is an opportunity to prioritize and take care of themselves––body, mind, and spirit. Finding balance in life can be difficult, but the Y can help, from stress-relieving yoga classes to complimentary childcare services so parents and caregivers can take time for themselves without having to find a sitter.
  2. Connection and belonging. A Y membership does more than just provide access to a gym. Through group activities, events, and volunteer opportunities, it also provides a space for real human interaction and social connection, leading to new friendships and a sense of belonging. It’s a supportive environment where you can find people who share similar interests, are encouraged to achieve your goals, and can feel accepted and valued for who you are.
  3. There’s something for everyone. Sports leagues, water aerobics, personal training, cooking classes, nutrition counseling––the Y offers all that and so much more. The wide variety of programs, classes, and amenities at the Y not only help support one’s physical and mental health, but they also encourage personal growth and, yes, provide opportunities for fun and creativity!
  4. It’s a gift that gives back. When you give the gift of a Y membership, you’re not only enriching the life of the recipient, but you are also impacting the lives of others. As the leading nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities, Y membership fees help provide scholarships to families in need, ensure kids receive nutritious snacks at after school programs, and create opportunities for everyone to connect and thrive. It’s an investment in people and communities, not corporations.
  5. Versatility is key.  Memberships come in a variety of options—it depends on your local Y. They can be used to access welcoming facilities, pools, for specific programs, lessons, training, or classes, making it a thoughtful and flexible way to let your loved ones know you support their health and well-being. The possibilities are endless!

To give the gift of the YMCA, please visit the membership desk of your local Y branch today to purchase a gift card. Bonus coupons can be used towards YMCA memberships or programs and are valid at any Greater Joliet Area YMCA location.

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United Way