Greater Joliet Area YMCA

GREATER JOLIET AREA YMCA

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

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Early Bird Pricing for YMCA Youth Basketball Leagues Available Through September 21

YMCA Youth Basketball Leagues heavily emphasize teamwork and sportsmanship while teaching kids the basics of the game: shooting, dribbling, rebounding, passing and defense. Most importantly, everyone plays and everyone has fun.

SIGN UP TODAY AND SAVE!
Early Bird Pricing is available through Monday, September 21.

The Y offers five convenient youth basketball league locations throughout Will and Grundy Counties to serve your family:

C.W. AVERY FAMILY YMCA – Plainfield
Games and practices will be held at the YMCA and at Plainfield District 202 schools.

CO-ED DIVISIONS
Junior YBL, Grades K-12

GIRLS DIVISIONS*
Grades 3-4, 5-6

REGISTER TODAY

JOLIET COMMUNITY YMCA – Joliet
Games and practices will be held at Joliet Junior College, Messiah Lutheran Church, or local schools. Grades Pre-K-6 will play games on Saturdays at Joliet Junior College. Grades 7-8 and the High School Division will play on Tuesday evenings at a Plainfield school and on Saturdays community partner location.

CO-ED DIVISIONS
Junior YBL, Grades K-12

GIRLS DIVISIONS*
Grades 3-4, 5-6

REGISTER TODAY

MORRIS HOSPITAL YMCA – Two locations in Grundy County

Morris League 
Games and practices will be held at Morris Grade School.

CO-ED DIVISIONS
Junior YBL, Grades K-8

GIRLS DIVISIONS*
Grades 3-4, 5-6

REGISTER TODAY

Coal City League
Games and practices will be held at Coal City Intermediate School.

CO-ED DIVISIONS
Grades K-6

GIRLS DIVISIONS*
Grades 3-4, 5-6

REGISTER TODAY

VILLAGE OF SHOREWOOD YMCA – Shorewood

Practice and game locations TBD.

CO-ED DIVISIONS
Junior YBL, Grades K-12

GIRLS DIVISIONS
Grades 3-4, 5-6

REGISTER TODAY

*In order for competitions to run in the Girls’ Divisions, a minimum number of participants must be enrolled. The Y will determine if these divisions will be able to run by November 13, and families will be notified.

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Stronger Today Because of Yesterday: Greater Joliet Area YMCA Unveils History Wall

In celebration of the Greater Joliet Area YMCA’s Centennial Anniversary in 2026, the Y unveiled a new history wall within the Village of Shorewood YMCA this week. This installation celebrates the visionary leaders, pivotal moments, and enduring milestones that have guided the Greater Joliet Area YMCA’s journey and deepened its impact across the community over the past 100 years.

We remain deeply grateful to the members, employees, volunteers, donors and community partners whose dedication to the Y’s mission and the residents of Will and Grundy Counties made this historic milestone possible. As we begin our second century of service, we remain guided by our mission, inspired by our history, and committed to strengthening our community and transforming lives for generations to come.

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Junior Wolves Program Recognized as a 2026 Governor’s Hometown Award Finalist

We are very excited to announce that the Junior Wolves youth sports program, made possible through an innovative partnership between the Joliet Community YMCA (JCY) and Joliet Junior College (JJC), was recognized as a finalist for the 2026 Governor’s Hometown Award. As part of this honor, a delegation from the YMCA and JJC traveled to Springfield on August 19 to present more about the program and the positive impact it is having on youth in our community.

Officially launched in February 2025, Junior Wolves provides year-round YMCA youth sports leagues and camps on JJC’s main campus in Joliet, giving local youth access to high-quality facilities close to home. Through the program, kids of all ages have the opportunity to learn and train alongside JJC student-athletes and coaches, as well as YMCA staff.

The partnership also extends beyond the playing field. Through the Paws on the Street program, JJC student-athletes volunteer in the YMCA’s after-school Kid Zone program, where they mentor, encourage, and inspire younger students. Together, JCY and JJC are creating opportunities for young people to be active, build confidence, develop meaningful relationships and discover their potential – both on and off the field.

Now in its 18th year with Serve Illinois, the Governor’s Hometown Awards continue to bolster the commission’s mission to improve Illinois communities by enhancing volunteerism and instilling an ethic of service throughout the state. ​

To learn more about the exciting programs the Joliet Community YMCA has to offer the community, please click here.

Pictured in top photo (left to right): Joliet Community YMCA Sports Director Zach Jarosz, Joliet Junior College Assistant Athletic Director & Assistant Baseball Coach Nick LoFurno, Joliet Junior College, Director of Athletics & Head Baseball Coach Gregg Braun, Illinois State Senator Rachel Ventura, Greater Joliet Area YMCA President & CEO Katy Leclair, Greater Joliet Area YMCA Director of Branch and Program Operations Lisa Behounek, Joliet Community YMCA Executive Director Brooke Hall,, and Joliet Junior College Dean of Student Success Angie Kaysen-Luzbatek.

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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].

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Commit to Your Health: 2026 September Personal Training Sale

Whether you’re just starting your health and wellness journey, or looking to add a little variety to your exercise program, a YMCA personal trainer can help you to achieve your wellness goals. And now you can take your first step with the help of our September Personal Training Sale! Throughout the month when you purchase four sessions, you will get one free!*

One-on-One Personal Training
C.W. Avery Family YMCA
Morris Hospital YMCA
Village of Shorewood YMCA

Group of Two Personal Training
C.W. Avery Family YMCA
Village of Shorewood YMCA

Learn more about personal trainers at your local Y branch by clicking below.

C.W. Avery Family YMCA
Morris Hospital YMCA
Village of Shorewood YMCA

*Offer good September 1-30, 2026. Valid at any Greater Joliet Area YMCA location. Cannot be combined with any other offers. Visit your local branch for more details.

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100 Years, 100 Minutes: YMCA Announces Centennial Health and Wellness Challenge

As the Greater Joliet Area YMCA continues our Centennial Celebration in 2026, we want to give members a chance to help mark this incredible milestone with a special health and wellness challenge.

Here’s how the challenge works:

-Participants will register online and then receive a tracking sheet to log their weekly workouts.

-Participants will need to complete 100 minutes of exercise per week for 5 weeks between August 31-October 4.

-Whether you try a group fitness class, complete a personal training session, swim laps in the pool, or take a jog on the treadmill, your workout counts!

-Participants will return their completed sheets by the end of the day on Sunday, October 4.

-One winner from each branch will be drawn to earn a special prize of 3 free months of membership.

The deadline to register is Friday, September 4.

Cost: $25 Open to Facility Members ONLY

Dive in and be part of our centennial celebration!

REGISTER TODAY

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United Way