Greater Joliet Area YMCA

GREATER JOLIET AREA YMCA

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

You are here: Home / Archives for Joliet Y Jets

JETS Swim Team Set to Host Clinic at Village of Shorewood YMCA

One of the area’s most historic youth swimming clubs, the Joliet Y JETS Swim Team is a year-round competitive swim program that offers instruction and training for swimmers ages six and up. Swimmers learn the importance of teamwork, sportsmanship and goal-setting while developing their competitive swimming skills. The JETS Swim Team supports the YMCA’s mission of building strong kids, strong families, and strong communities, and our professional team of coaches strive to not only build strong swimmers but caring, honest, respectful and responsible children and young adults.

This is a great opportunity for families to learn more about the JETS and to meet our team and coaching staff. Throughout the clinic, coaches will be evaluating swimmers and will be available to answer questions about the team, which will begin swimming at the Village of Shorewood YMCA during the Spring 2026 season. A YMCA membership is not required to participate in the clinic.

Date: Saturday, May 9
Time: 10:30-11:30 a.m.
REGISTER TODAY

To learn more about the JETS, please contact:

Dave Hedden
Director of Competitive Aquatics
[email protected]

SHARE THIS:

Register Today for 2026 JETS Swim Team Spring Clinics

The Joliet Y JETS swim team offers a range of practice groups, from beginner to advanced, based on age, skill, speed and commitment. To be placed on the beginning level of the team, swimmers must be able to swim freestyle for one length of the pool (25 yards) without stopping while demonstrating the ability to comfortably swim at the surface with arms reaching forward over the water, their face in the water, and taking breaths to the side. They must also swim 25 yards of backstroke without stopping, showing they are comfortable floating on their back while maintaining a rhythmic, supportive kick.

A member of both YMCA and USA Swimming, the JETS prepare for and participate in a variety of meets throughout the year, although competition is not mandatory. The team practices 3 to 6 days per week, depending on group placement, at the C.W. Avery Family YMCA, Galowich Family YMCA, and Morris Hospital YMCA branches. Swimmers are encouraged to attend practices and work hard, however 100% attendance is not required.

If you’re interested in joining the JETS, please join us at one of our upcoming Swim Clinics. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the JETS and to meet our team and coaching staff. Throughout the week, coaches will be evaluating swimmers for team placement. A YMCA membership is not required to participate in the clinic. Registration is underway for Facility Members and opens on February 21 for Community Members!

Spring Swim Clinics

Cost: $25

Galowich Family YMCA
March 17-19 (Ages 6-17)
5-6 p.m.
REGISTER ONLINE

C.W. Avery Family YMCA
March 23-25
5-6 p.m. (Ages 6-10)
REGISTER ONLINE

6-7 p.m. (Ages 11-17)
REGISTER ONLINE

Morris Hospital YMCA
March 24-26 (Ages 6-17)
5-6 p.m.
REGISTER ONLINE

The JETS will also host a spring clinic at the future Village of Shorewood YMCA. More details coming soon.

To learn more about the JETS, please contact:

Dave Hedden
Director of Competitive Aquatics
(815) 267-8600, ext. 227
[email protected]

SHARE THIS:

JETS Swim Team Set to Host Thanksgiving Classic Meet

The JETS Swim Team is excited to feature a record contingent of more than 200 athletes heading into this weekend’s JETS Thanksgiving Classic hosted at Oswego East High School. 

“Our program is in the strongest place it’s ever been following this fall’s expansion at the Morris Hospital YMCA and continued growth in participation from kids in Plainfield and Joliet,” Director of Competitive Aquatics Dave Hedden said. “We have a great group of kids that are ready to compete.”

JETS swimmer Holly Zilinger (age 15) said it’s inspiring to be a part of the thriving team environment.

“It’s awesome to have a bunch of people interested in swimming. I know that since I started I’ve never looked back,” she said.

Ion Siminoi, a seven time Illinois YMCA State Champion, said the current team makeup is the product of multi-year commitments from a large number of swimmers.

“There’s a wave of kids that joined the team when they were 11 or 12 and now we’re all in the fastest group. This is going to be a great season and we’re hoping to do well at all our meets.”

For 15 year old Benjamin Jensen, the team has been a great opportunity to make new friends.

“Some of my best friends are on this team and that makes it easy to look forward to practice,” he said. “I go to Joliet West and I wouldn’t ever see the kids from Plainfield if it wasn’t for swimming. The camaraderie of our group has continued to build as we keep swimming with each other.”

These team bonds have been strengthened not only at competitive meets, but also on team trips to places like the Indiana Dunes and the Olympic Swim Trials. 

“I think we’ve learned a lot. We’re all very close. If somebody isn’t happy with their performance, a teammate is always there for you,” Zilinger said.

The experienced swimmers have also made it a point of emphasis to build a welcoming environment for the younger age groups.

“It’s a really familial team,” Siminoi said. “A lot of us have siblings on the team, so we do have the ability to connect and guide the younger swimmers.”

Maintaining a culture of teamwork, accountability, and respect has not gone unnoticed by the coaching staff.

“JETS swimmers aren’t just team leaders, they’re community leaders, and we are so proud of the way they represent our Y each and every day,” Hedden said.

The Y wishes all the best to our JETS swimmers competing this weekend in Oswego and look forward to all the success they will have in the 2025-26 season!

SHARE THIS:

YMCA Staff Profile: Meet JETS Assistant Head Swim Coach Manny Arriola

The JETS YMCA Swim Team, one of the area’s most historic youth swimming clubs, is a year-round competitive swimming program that offers instruction and training for swimmers, ages six and up. This fall, we were excited to welcome Manny Arriola as the team’s assistant head swim coach. Manny has been a familiar face in YMCA aquatics programs for the past three years, and brings a wide range of instructional experience to his new role. You can learn more about him in the Q&A below.

Q: Can you describe your background in aquatics and past experience with the YMCA?

My swimming journey began when I was nine years old. I swam for the Chicago Wolfpack Aquatic Club (CWAC) until I started high school. I then became a member of the swim and water polo teams at Saint Ignatius College Prep in Chicago.

I started my coaching career in September 2023 as an assistant for the JETS, and I have enjoyed working with all the amazing staff and coaches I have met during my time here. I have learned a lot about coaching from all of them. In addition to working with the JETS, I previously served as head lifeguard at the Galowich Family YMCA, which allowed me to teach training classes to prospective lifeguards. I have also worked with swimmers as a private swim instructor. 

Q: Why are you passionate about the JETS program?

With my competitive swimming background, I’ve always had a strong desire to stay connected to the sport. I gained countless life lessons as a swimmer and becoming a coach has given me the chance to give back to the community. Coaching for the JETS has given me a new perspective and allowed me to help shape the next generation of swimmers, both in the pool and in their day-to-day lives. What makes this experience even more meaningful is that I share the core values of the JETS and the YMCA as a whole. Supporting swimmers and their growth – physically, mentally, and emotionally – has been incredibly fulfilling. I’m truly grateful to be part of a community that reflects the values I believe in, and I’m proud to represent both the JETS and the YMCA

Q: What are the most important things parents/swimmers should know about the benefits of YMCA aquatics programming?

One important thing for parents and swimmers to understand is that YMCA aquatics programs go far beyond teaching swim lessons, they also help instill valuable life skills along the way.  From the earliest days of learning to float, to developing resilience after a tough race, every step becomes part of a meaningful Y story- one filled with growth, encouragement, and achievement. We also emphasize that our programs are inclusive, welcoming swimmers of all ages and skill levels. And, with the dedicated work of our instructors and directors, swimming at the Y is truly life-changing. It’s inspiring to witness how the Y transforms beginners into confident swimmers and more confident individuals overall.

Q: What is your overall coaching philosophy? 

I believe coaching goes beyond teaching technique; it’s about being a mentor and a positive influence. My coaching philosophy centers on empowering swimmers for personal growth in addition to athletic development. As a coach, I strive to instill the core values of the YMCA while helping swimmers build confidence, character, and resilience. Swimming uniquely combines individual achievement with team unity, offering a space where athletes learn to push themselves independently while supporting and growing alongside their teammates. Swimmers have the opportunity to meet new people, form friendships, and have fun – all while learning new skills. My goal is for swimmers to one day look back and recognize how much they improved not only as athletes, but as individuals. It’s this balance that makes the sport, and the coaching role, so meaningful.

Q: What are things to watch from the JETS during the fall/winter season?

With more than 200 swimmers, this is the largest the JETS team has ever been and we are so proud to expand our reach throughout the communities we serve. The launch of the JETS program at the Morris Hospital YMCA is a huge development. Welcoming a wave of new swimmers from Morris and the surrounding communities of Grundy County has been a great step forward for the program. Another milestone on the horizon is the anticipated opening of the new Village of Shorewood YMCA next spring, which will continue the expansion of the JETS program. The prospect of bringing in new swimmers and hosting more meets has generated a lot of enthusiasm among swimmers and families alike. It’s truly an exciting time to be a part of the JETS.

Q: What do you like to do in your spare time outside the Y?

I have a variety of hobbies, but swimming remains one of my favorite ways to relax during my free time.  I still swim recreationally during my time off. If I had to choose my favorite swim strokes, I would pick backstroke and freestyle, but my favorite events overall are the individual medleys. I also enjoy reading, especially philosophy books and comic books, which I enjoy for their thought-provoking ideas and creative storytelling.

We are so excited to have Manny helping lead our JETS! To learn more about YMCA aquatics programs, click here.

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:

Goggle Up: Van Walker’s Y Story

Morris Hospital YMCA member Cailey Walker says her son Van (age 10) has always been a swimmer. 

“We’ve never been able to keep him out of the water. He’s loved to swim right from when he was a baby,” she said. 

But up until last year, there was never a thought of swimming as a team activity. Cailey says that changed after Van attended a fall swim clinic hosted by the YMCA’s JETS Swim Team. 

“It was wonderful. Head Coach Dave Hedden was so welcoming and invited Van to join the team,” Cailey said. 

After getting a few practice sessions in, Van said he was excited to get the opportunity to swim competitively. 

“I love swimming because I love being in the water and I love racing. My specialty is backstroke, but my favorite race is the 200 freestyle,” he said. 

In addition to meets, Van said his favorite parts of being a JET have been participating in group activities like the annual Navy Seal Fitness Challenge, as well as the overall team atmosphere. 

“The coaches are really supportive and nice, and my teammates are nice. Nicer than any other team I’ve been on,” he said.

Cailey said the welcoming nature of the program extends to the team parents. 

“We have found a really wonderful community with a lot of great people that we would have probably never met otherwise. That’s what we like most about the JETS, the friends we’ve made,” she said. 

The Walkers are also looking forward to the future of the program in Morris. The team will begin training at the Morris Hospital YMCA later this fall, and Cailey said Van has already gotten additional chances to swim at the Y.

“We’ve used the lap pool a lot, especially during school breaks. During Christmas break, Van was begging to come in every day. It’s nice because I can also go for a walk on the treadmill while he’s swimming,” she said. 

Van said he can’t wait to begin training with new teammates at the Morris Y. 

“Whether you’re new to swimming, or if you are really good at swimming, anyone can join. Everyone is welcome,” he said.

If your child is interested in joining the JETS, a fall swim clinic is the perfect opportunity for swimmers to meet some of the coaches and learn new swim skills. Throughout the clinic, coaches will also evaluate swimmers to determine if they meet criteria to be placed on the team. Due to popular demand, a second clinic at the Morris Hospital YMCA has been added for August 4-6! Additional details can be found below.

JETS Swim Team Fall Clinic

Date: Monday, August 4-Wednesday, August 6
Time: 5-6 p.m.
Location: Morris Hospital YMCA
Cost: $25

Open to ages 6-17.

REGISTER TODAY

SHARE THIS:

United Way