Greater Joliet Area YMCA

GREATER JOLIET AREA YMCA

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

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Save During the YMCA’s One-Day Celebrating Summer Sale!

Summer is in full swing and the Y is celebrating with a special one-day membership sale! 

Join the Y on Monday, June 22 and pay a $0 Joiner’s Fee, a savings of up to $120!* 

* Valid at any Greater Joliet Area YMCA location. Cannot be combined with any other offers. 

The Y offers a wide variety of classes and programs for members of all ages, and is the perfect place for individuals and families to feel welcomed in a strong community.

LEARN MORE

OUR FACILITY MEMBERS ENJOY:

Access to Three Branches
Your membership gives you unlimited use of the Greater Joliet Area YMCA’s three YMCA locations, including:

  • Three indoor pools and our family aquatic center
  • Three wellness centers, all equipped with state-of-the-art cardio and strength equipment.

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. 

Quality Programming
In addition to our free group exercise classes, the Y offers year-round swimming lessons and personal training, among a slew of other options.

THREE CONVENIENT LOCATIONS

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

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

Village of Shorewood YMCA
1801 W. Jefferson Street
Shorewood, IL 60404

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C.W. Avery Family YMCA Launching New Sideline Dance Program This Fall

This fall, the C.W. Avery Family YMCA will introduce an all-new sideline dance program – Illuminate – bringing fresh energy, new opportunities, and an enhanced experience for young dancers in our community.

Illuminate is designed for co-ed youth dancers of all skill levels in grades K–8 who love to move, perform, and be part of a team. Participants will learn dynamic choreography that blends pom, jazz, and hip-hop from experienced YMCA dance instructors, all while building confidence, coordination, and teamwork in a fun and supportive environment. Dancers will showcase their skills by performing high-energy sideline routines at YMCA youth flag football and basketball games throughout the fall, winter, and spring seasons.

With the launch of this new program, the YMCA will restructure its Thrive Dance Team. More advanced dancers will continue to have the opportunity to audition for the Thrive Competition Team, which practices at the C.W. Avery Family YMCA and participates in competitions and community events throughout the year.

The YMCA will also continue to offer a wide variety of dance classes for all ages and skill levels. Current offerings include classes specializing in pre-ballet, ballet, tap, contemporary, hip-hop, and jazz. Summer dance class participants can also take part in the YMCA’s annual summer recital, held each August.

REGISTRATION IS UNDERWAY FOR ILLUMINATE

Registration for Illuminate’s fall season is now underway. Team members will practice once per week and perform during YMCA NFL FLAG football games. Practices will begin the week of August 17 and will be held on weeknights at the C.W. Avery Family YMCA. Game day performances will primarily take place on Friday evenings and Saturday mornings beginning the week of September 7. The outdoor fall season will run through late October.

REGISTER TODAY

To learn more, please contact Health, Wellness, and Dance Director Kristen Derengowksi at (815) 267-8600, ext. 224 or via email at [email protected].

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Early Bird Registration for YMCA Fall Youth Sports Leagues Runs Through June 22

Children compete in YMCA youth soccer programs. When kids play sports, they do more than just exercise. Besides being physically active, they develop higher self-esteem, perform better in school and work better in groups.  Youth sports programs at the YMCA teach kids the fundamentals of the game while emphasizing the importance of teamwork. Above all, kids who participate in YMCA youth sports have a lot of fun.

And now, registration is underway for YMCA fall youth sports leagues! Register by June 22 during our early bird registration period and save!

As a reminder, members from all Greater Joliet Area YMCA branches are welcome to participate at any of our league locations. Learn more about fall sports leagues available at your local Y branch by clicking below:

C.W. Avery Family YMCA
Offering NFL FLAG Football and Soccer
REGISTER ONLINE

Joliet Community YMCA
Offering NFL FLAG Football and Soccer
REGISTER ONLINE

Morris Hospital YMCA
Offering NFL FLAG Football and T-Ball/Pinto Baseball/8U Softball
REGISTER ONLINE

Village of Shorewood YMCA
Offering NFL FLAG Football and Soccer
REGISTER ONLINE

If you have any questions, please contact:
Maria Freeh, Sports Director
C.W. Avery Family YMCA
[email protected]
(815) 267-8600, ext. 217

Zach Jarosz, Sports Director
Joliet Community YMCA
[email protected]
(815) 782-0813

Kaeli Ford, Sports Director
Morris Hospital YMCA
[email protected]
(815) 513-8080, ext. 523

Chris Interal, Sports Director
Village of Shorewood YMCA
[email protected]
(815) 763-5900, ext. 605

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Registration Underway for Junior Wolves Summer Youth Softball Program

The YMCA’s Junior Wolves program is excited to offer a new youth softball program this summer. This program is designed for girls, ages 6-8, who are looking to strengthen their game!

Athletes will practice key skills, including catching, throwing, hitting, and base running. Whether your child is brand new to the sport or working to develop their fundamentals, this program is the perfect way for kids to have fun and learn the values of teamwork and sportsmanship!

Participants may attend programming at both of the following locations:

Dates:
May 26-27
June 1, 3, 8, 10, 15, 17, 22, 24, and 29
July 1

Location:
Joliet Junior College Event Center
1215 Houbolt Road
Joliet, IL 60431

Program will run from 5-7 p.m. each week and include 60 minutes of practice and 60 minutes of gameplay. All participants must bring a glove and are encouraged to bring a helmet, face mask, cleats, and a bat.

Cost: $25, includes a t-shirt

REGISTER TODAY

If you have any questions, please contact Sports Director Zach Jarosz at [email protected] or by phone at (815) 782- 0813.

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Constellation Provides Generous $20,000 Donation in Support of YMCA Send a Kid to Camp Campaign

At the Y, we believe that every child should have the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive at summer day camp, but we can’t do it alone. Last summer, more than half of the children who attended YMCA camp did so with the support of our financial assistance program – made possible by the generosity of donors.

And with our 2026 Send a Kid to Camp Campaign in full swing, we are excited to announce an incredible $20,000 donation from Constellation. This gift will help support the camp experience of 80 children this summer.

“We are so grateful for the kindness of local businesses like Constellation and the impact charitable giving has on children in our community,” Greater Joliet Area YMCA Chief Business Development Officer Missy Durkin said. “Every gift, no matter the size, makes a difference in helping the Y fulfill our mission of creating safe educational spaces for kids. We can’t thank Constellation enough for their commitment to a shared vision of youth development.”

To ensure that the Y’s mission will continue to thrive and help those kids in our community who need it most, we invite you to make a donation to our Send a Kid to Camp today by clicking here.

Pictured in top photo: (L-R) Morris Hospital YMCA Executive Director Jamie Heitman, Greater Joliet Area YMCA Chief Business Development Officer Missy Durkin, Constellation Outage Scheduler Ryan Stapleton, Constellation Facilities and Maintenance Staff Member Rebecca Perez, Constellation Rad Protection and Site Impact Staff Member Rachel Lobb, Constellation Community Relations Manager Val Runner, Morris Hospital YMCA Youth and Family Director Jordan Overton, Constellation Mechanical Maintenance Staff Member Tony Drapal, and Morris Hospital YMCA Youth and Family Manager Maggie Fowler. 

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Meet Morris Hospital YMCA Sports Director Kaeli Ford and Sports Manager Mac VanOudt

At the Y, we understand that when kids play sports, they do more than just exercise.  Besides being physically active, they develop higher self-esteem, perform better in school and work better in groups.  The Y’s youth sports programs go above and beyond teaching the fundamentals of the game by emphasizing the importance of teamwork.  And, it’s our dedicated sports instructors that help to guide and train our young athletes at the Greater Joliet Area YMCA.

Leading the Morris Hospital YMCA’s sports team are Sports Director Kaeli Ford and Sports Manager Mac VanOudt. They have an exciting summer planned with a variety of summer sports camps, which will kick off on Monday, June 1.

Q: Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and how you got started with the Y team?

Kaeli: My journey at the Y started a little over a year ago. One day after I graduated with my Masters in Business Administration from North Central College, I was named the Sports Manager here at the Morris Y and this spring I took on the role of Sports Director. Sports have been a huge part of my life for as long as I can remember. From sitting in on my dad’s practices while he played professionally overseas, to playing in college basketball myself, athletics has made me who I am today.

Mac: I originally got started with the Y a little more than two years ago in the Health and Wellness Department where I served as a personal trainer and instructor. I have loved working for the Y and when an opportunity to become Sports Manager opened up this spring I was excited to become a member of the full time team.

Q: Why do you have a passion for teaching/coaching youth sports

Kaeli: My passion comes from my own experience. I know firsthand how beneficial youth sports can be, and how it’s not limited to athletic skill development. Sports are important for socialization, building self-confidence, and so much more. What kids learn at camp/practice will stick with them for a lifetime.

Mac: I grew up playing sports and I know the impact my coaches had on me at the youth level. I try to bring the same joy and passion that my coaches had when coaching me.

Q: What do you think makes participating in YMCA youth sports programs a special experience for kids?

Kaeli: I think the environment here at the Y is what makes us so special. In sports, it can be hard to look past the concept of wins and losses. At the Y we focus on the importance of a positive environment where kids can learn and grow without getting too caught up in competitive results. Here, everyone plays and everyone wins.

Mac: I think it is amazing that our sports programs bring everyone together. Whether someone has played the sport for many seasons, or if it is someone’s first time playing a sport, we welcome everyone to come play and have fun!

Q: With summer sports camps right around the corner, what are some of the most exciting activities you are looking forward to offering for families?

Kaeli: I’m most excited about our girls basketball camps. With the recent boom of women’s sports it feels like the perfect time to expand those types of programs.

Mac: I grew up playing soccer so I am probably most excited for that camp. I am also looking forward to helping kids in some of our more unique camps like Ultimate Frisbee, Lacrosse, and Badminton.

Q: What do you enjoy doing outside the Y?

Kaeli: I really love my coffee, so trying new drinks at local coffee shops is always fun.

Mac: My favorite thing to do outside of the Y is to run. While I prefer outside, sometimes I even run inside the Y on the treadmill.

As a reminder, there is still time to register for sports camps at the Morris Hospital YMCA. To learn more about summer sports camps, click here or stop by the Membership Desk during your next visit.

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