Greater Joliet Area YMCA

GREATER JOLIET AREA YMCA

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

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Your Voice Matters: Village of Shorewood YMCA Program Surveys

As we prepare for the grand opening of the new Village of Shorewood YMCA in spring 2026, we are excited to learn more about the types of programs and classes Y members and the community would like to see offered in the new facility.

We have designed a series of four short electronic surveys, which are designed to gather feedback in the areas of Health and Wellness, Youth Development, Adult, and Aquatics programming. Your answers, combined with those of others, will help the Y plan for future programming and initiatives in the new Village of Shorewood YMCA.

Surveys will be available online January 13-31.

Health and Wellness Programs Survey

Youth Programs Survey

Adult Programs Survey

Aquatics Programs Survey

Thank you in advance for sharing your feedback!

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Tickets Now On Sale for the 2026 YMCA Gala

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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Village of Shorewood YMCA Invites Community to Attend Winter ‘Coffee with the YMCA’ Events

As we prepare to open the new Village of Shorewood YMCA later this spring, the Y is excited to invite the community to participate in our ‘Coffee with the YMCA’ events! These meet and greets will be wonderful opportunities to learn more about the new facility, future programming, membership opportunities, and grand opening festivities.

Wedneday, January 21
12:30-1:30 p.m.
Troy Township Building
25448 W. Seil Road
Shorewood, IL 60404

Wednesday, January 28
9:30-10:30 a.m.*
Shorewood-Troy Public Library
650 Deerwood Drive
Shorewood, IL 60404

*Complimentary child care services will be available onsite at this meeting.

Thursday, February 19
10:30-11:30 a.m.
Minooka Village Hall
121 McEvilly Road
Minooka, IL 60447

To learn more about the new Village of Shorewood YMCA, please contact Executive Director Trisha Dust at [email protected] or (815) 744-3939, ext. 327.

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Introducing the YMCA Centennial Anniversary Store

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

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

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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United Way