- Building a Healthier Community: Save During the YMCA’s 2024 Fall Membership and Youth Basketball League Sales
Fall Membership Sale
New and alumni members who join the Y anytime between October 4-7 will pay a $0 Joiner’s Fee – a savings of up to $120.
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:- Two 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 YMCA On the Go App provides 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, from October 4-7, you’ll earn your first 150 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.THREE CONVENIENT LOCATIONS
C.W. Avery Family YMCA
15120 Wallin Dr, Plainfield, IL 60544Galowich Family YMCA
749 Houbolt Road, Joliet IL 60431Morris Community YMCA*
320 Wauponsee St, Morris, IL 60450
*The future Morris Hospital YMCA will open on December 16. Early Bird Memberships are on sale now! Learn more here.Youth Basketball League Sale
Families can also save when registering for the upcoming YBL season between October 4-7! Use promo code YBLSALE2024 when registering online and save $10 per player.
To learn more about YBL in your area, or to register online, please click below.
- Celebrate Halloween at the YMCA
Prepare yourselves! This October, the Greater Joliet Area YMCA has a series of spooky, Halloween-themed activities planned for you and your family. Join us for ‘Spook-tacular’ fun!Galowich Family YMCA
Kids’ Night Out: Halloween Monster Mash
Friday, October 18
5:30-7:30 p.m.Kids need a break from your parents? No problem! Bring your friends and have a blast at the Y with our cool counselors on Friday night! Wear your favorite Halloween costume to celebrate a Monster Mash! PLEASE NOTE: Registration is required at least 48 hours in advance.
Cost: $15 for Facility Members/$30 for Community Members
Boo Bash
Friday, October 25
6-8 p.m.Join us for a family friendly spooktacular Halloween event with fun activities, games, crafts, and candy! Don’t forget to wear your Halloween costume.
Cost: Free and open to the community.
The Y is also looking for businesses to participate in this event by hosting a table with a game, activity, or craft, as well as handing out candy to the trick-or-treaters. A table and chairs will be provided.
To learn more, please contact Youth and Family Director Tracy Wrase at [email protected] or (815) 744-3939, ext. 315.
Morris Community YMCA
Trunk-or-Treat
Saturday, October 26
10-11:30 a.m.Location:
Morris Grade School
2001 Dupont Ave
Morris, IL 60450It’s Halloween time and we’re having a bash! Wear your best costume and do a little Monster Dash! Come trunk or treat from the numerous trunks provided by local businesses.
Cost: Free and open to the community
If you would like to host a trunk during this event, please contact Youth and Family Director Jordan Overton at [email protected] or (815) 513-8080, ext. 513.
C.W. Avery Family YMCA
Kids’ Night Out: Halloween Costume Party
Friday, October 25
6:30-9 p.m.Join us for a variety of activities such as games, sports, movies, and arts & crafts. Be sure to wear your Halloween costumes! PLEASE NOTE: Registration is required at least 48 hours in advance.
Cost: $15 for Facility Members/$30 for Community Members
Halloween Spooktacular
Saturday, October 26
1-3:30 p.m.Stop by the C.W. Avery Family YMCA for our exciting Halloween Spooktacular! We will have a Trunk-or-Treat with a haunted house as well as games, crafts, bounce houses, and more!Cost: Free and open to the communityIf you are interested in hosting a trunk, please contact Youth and Family Director Shannon Stawikowski at [email protected] or (815) 267-8600, ext. 212. - Let Your Talent Shine: 2024 YMCA Holiday Card Design Contest
The YMCA’s Holiday Card Design Contest is back! Open to Y Members, ages 6-12, the contest is the perfect opportunity for kids to let their artistic talents shine and help spread a little cheer this upcoming holiday season.
Here’s how to enter:
1. Download an entry form and print it out. Entry forms are also available at the Y’s Front Desk.
2. Grab some crayons, markers and colored pencils and draw a picture that depicts your favorite things about the holidays and the winter season. From snowmen to Christmas trees, to candy canes and snowflakes, we can’t wait to see your original designs!
3. Complete the entry form and drop it off at the Y.
We will select our three favorite designs—one from each age group—to be featured on the Y’s holiday card.
Age Groups
- Ages 6-7
- Ages 8-9
- Ages 10-12
Each of our winners will receive a YMCA Sweatshirt and other exciting prizes.
The deadline to enter is 8 p.m. on Thursday, November 7.
- Greater Joliet Area YMCA Partnering with Joliet Junior College to Host Youth Basketball and Coaching Clinics
The YMCA is teaming up with Joliet Junior College (JJC) to prepare for the upcoming YBL season by hosting youth basketball clinics for kids of all ages, as well as a special coaches clinic. These FREE co-ed clinics will be taught by JJC’s Head Women’s Basketball Coach Shaun Sanderson and Head Men’s Basketball Coach Danny Turner alongside members of their respective teams.
Youth Basketball Clinics
These sessions will focus on teaching young athletes the fundamentals of the game of basketball, including dribbling, passing, shooting, and ball handling.
Saturday, October 26
Grades 5-12
12:30-2 p.m.
REGISTER TODAYFollowing the clinic on October 26, all participants and their families are invited to cheer on JJC during the annual women’s basketball Alumni game, which will begin at 3 p.m.
Saturday, November 16
Grades Pre-K-4
9-10:30 a.m.
REGISTER TODAYFollowing the clinic on November 16, all participants and their families are invited to cheer on the JJC Women’s basketball team at 1 p.m.
Coaches Clinics
These sessions will provide coaches with an overview of skills, drills, practice schedules, and game strategies for the upcoming YMCA youth basketball season. Session topics will vary based on grade level, but coaches are welcome to participate in all sessions.
Saturday, December 7
Pre-K-Kindergarten: 9-10 a.m.
Grades 1-3: 10-11 a.m.
Grades 4-6: 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Grades 7-12: 12:30-1:30 p.m.
REGISTER TODAYAll clinics will be held at the following location:
Joliet Junior College Event Center
1215 Houbolt Road
Joliet, IL 60431
ABOUT COACH SANDERSON
As the winningest coach in the program’s history, Coach Sanderson has been at the helm of the JJC women’s basketball program for 17 seasons. Since becoming the head coach at JJC, Sanderson has helped more than 50 athletes extend their playing careers at four-year institutions and has coached 22 all-conference players, 23 all-region players, four All-Americans, and six Academic All-Americans.ABOUT COACH TURNER
Coach Turner became the head men’s basketball coach at JJC in 2022, bringing more than 30 years of coaching experience at both the high school and collegiate levels to the Wolves program. Turner has also worked as an instructor at several high-profile camps in the Chicagoland area, including the Chicago Bulls Basketball Academy, Northwestern University, and DePaul University basketball camps. - 2024 Golf Classic Raises More Than $72,000 for YMCA Mission Strong Fund
The Greater Joliet Area YMCA was proud to kickstart an impactful fall during our annual Mission Strong Golf Classic, which was held on Wednesday, September 18 at ‘The Creek’ in Morris. It was truly a day to remember as an inspired and generous group of YMCA supporters helped raise more than $72,000 at the sold-out event.
Funds raised from the outing, which was generously presented by Midland States Bank, 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. Now in its third year, the Mission Strong Golf Classic has raised more than $200,000 to provide financial assistance for children, adults, and families living in our community.
Golfers enjoyed lunch, 18 holes of golf, on-course games, and an evening program that included a cocktail reception, dinner, and exciting raffles. Participants also had the opportunity to learn more about the Y’s mission and pledge their support by making a charitable donation to the Y’s scholarship program through our ‘Clear the Pond’ fundraiser, which raised nearly $10,000 at this year’s outing.
The 2024 Mission Strong Golf Classic volunteer planning committee included: Madi Brown, Maria Macris, Kristin Orban, Whitney Valdivia, and Barb Ziegner. Donnie Chestnutt, Dori Fugate, Carolyn Hamilton, and Erin Lightbody provided staff support.
Our generous sponsors included:
Presenting Sponsor
Midland States BankLeading Sponsors
Narvick Bros.
Old National BankTitanium Sponsors
Guy and Jan Christensen
D’Arcy Motors
Edward Jones
Grundy Bank
Hamilton & Antonsen, Ltd
Hollywood Casino Joliet
Hope Bound Development Corporation – Housing Authority of Joliet
Joliet Bank & Trust, A Branch of Old Plank Community Bank, N.A. A Wintrust Community Bank
Low Voltage Solutions, Inc.
Testa Steel Constructors, Inc.
T R Miller Heating, Cooling & PlumbingGraphite Sponsors
Ascension Saint Joseph – Joliet
Edward Jones
Midwest Equipment GroupGolfer’s Choice Sponsors
Baish Excavating
Suzy and Chris Brown
C and J Avery Family Foundation
Cintas
Concrete by Wagner, Inc.
ExxonMobil – Joliet Refinery
Law Offices of John F. Argoudelis, LLC
L. DeGeus & Associates, Inc.
Morris Hospital & Healthcare Centers
Ron Tirapelli Ford
Dr. Theresa Rouse
Silver Cross Hospital
Valley Fire Protection Systems, LLCExclusive Hole Sponsors
Associated Orthodontists
“D” Construction, Inc.
Old Second Bank
Ozinga
Plainfield Shorewood Area Chamber of Commerce
Window World of Joliet
Young CompanyHole Sponsors
Margie Bonuchi, Plainfield Village Trustee
Burks Bros. Drywall, Inc.
The Butkus Family
Conley Excavating & Construction
DesignGroup
Elliott Electric Supply
Financial Plus Credit Union
Gene May Heating & Cooling
Hometown National Bank
Hospitality Guru Group
JB Contracting Corp
Ron & Kathy Kazmar, Proud Supporters of the YMCA
Kozol Bros., Inc.
Larson Engineering, Inc.
Lori Bonarek Realty
Morris Hospital & Healthcare Centers
Northfield Block Co. an Oldcastle Company
PLZ Corp
SERVPRO of Joliet
Sparkle Laundromat
Speedway Auto Parts
State Farm – Howard Wright
Turk FurnitureIn-Kind Support
Graphic Promotions, Inc.We look forward to seeing everyone at the 2025 YMCA Mission Strong Golf Classic, which will be held on Wednesday, September 17, in Morris. To make a tax-deductible donation to the YMCA’s Mission Strong Fund, please click here.