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    Inspiring Change with

    The Power of Play

    Whether it's through personal training, youth sports, Summer Camp, or any of our core community services, at the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago, we play for fun, and we play for progress.
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Promising & Delivering Positive Change – 166 Years Strong

Serving more than 300,000 individuals each year, the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago is one of the largest social enterprises in Chicagoland — and in many ways, one of the largest playgrounds! From neighborhood Hubs to Early Education and Childcare sites to Camps throughout the Midwest, the Y offers countless activities, programs, and services that nurture potential, bring people together, and ultimately support and strengthen our communities. There's something here for everyone — so check out what's happening right now!

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Get In On The Action

Each YMCA offers an array of activity options that transform ourselves and the world around us! Explore these action-packed programs near you.
  • A teen swim lesson
    Teens & Adults - Lake View YMCA

    Teen & Adult Swim Lessons

    YMCA teen and adult intermediate swim lessons are designed to build stroke introduction and endurance. Participants should be able to swim 25 yards continuously and be comfortable in deep water. Skills will include proper lap swimming etiquette, endurance, stroke refinement of front and back crawl, and introduction to breastroke, sidestroke, and treading water.

  • A child swimming
    Youth - Irving Park YMCA

    Swim Lessons

    Students will become comfortable independently going underwater, front and back glides, and safely exiting the water. Safety is reinforced when students learn the importance of lifeguard/adult supervision, asking permission before going into any body of water, finding help, and lifejackets.

  • A child jumping into a pool
    Pre-School - Irving Park YMCA

    Swim Lessons

    Students will become comfortable independently going underwater, front and back glides, and safely exiting the water. Safety is reinforced when students learn the importance of lifeguard/adult supervision, asking permission before going into any body of water, finding help, and lifejackets.

  • Two girls in a pool
    Infant & Toddler Care - South Side YMCA

    Water Discovery

    The infant/toddler program requires a parent/guardian to be present in the pool with the participant at all times. We will introduce basic aquatic safety to parents and set healthy expectations for your child. Several safety skills will be introduced including asking permission to enter the water, and safe entry into and exit from water.

  • A coach with basketball players
    Youth - Indian Boundary YMCA

    Winter Break Camp

    This winter break, don’t keep your family cooped up inside — unplug and enroll in a Y winter camp instead! The Y’s winter camps are filled with fun indoor and outdoor activities where youth can play, make new friends, stay active, and have fun!

  • Student cheering
    Youth - Indian Boundary YMCA

    Schools Day Out

    On days when school is closed, we offer Schools Day Out classes to keep children busy and learning — and give parents peace of mind. Our dedicated staff makes sure your children are developing the values, skills, and relationships that lead to positive behavior, better health, and greater educational achievement.

  • Children playing with beads
    Youth - Buehler YMCA

    Before and After School Care

    Learn more about Before and After School Care at the Buehler YMCA today! Click on the arrow to fill out our Before and After School interest form for the 2024 – 2025 YMCA childcare program. Once the form is complete, you’ll receive a receipt as well as forms and online payment instructions to reserve your spot. Please call 312-545-1730 if you have any questions!

  • Campfire at night
    Teens - YMCA Family Camp Nawakwa

    Family Retreat

    Our cabins are available to rent year-round. We welcome families, couples, and any other group looking to get away, relax, and have some fun together! Our programs and activities improve quality of life for youth and families – providing enrichment, teaching life skills, and promoting wellness of spirit, mind, and body.

  • Kids at Parents Night Out
    Youth - Fry Family YMCA

    Parents’ Night Out

    Parents’ Night Out is the perfect opportunity for parents to take some time for themselves while their children have pizza and play with their peers at the Y under the supervision of trained YMCA staff. Activities include themed arts & crafts, reflex sports wall, freeze dance, giant inflatables, games on the courts (i.e. balloon volleyball, cooperative games, basketball), and occasionally swim time in the pool! A win-win evening for families!

  • Kids doing arts and crafts
    Youth - Indian Boundary YMCA

    Livewires

    6-8th graders are invited to join the Indian Boundary Y for music, swimming, dodgeball, games, and more! It’s a great event for those looking to make friends, have a safe place to hang out, and discover a whole lot of fun.

  • A TRX class
    Adult - Foglia YMCA

    TRX Bootcamp

    This class takes your workout to a whole new level utilizing the TRX suspension trainer along with additional tools (will vary week to week) to build total body strength and cardiovascular endurance while increasing flexibility and challenging your core all at the same time.

  • A personal trainer and client
    Adult - Lake View YMCA

    Personal Training Packages

    Personal training is designed to help you get the most out of your workouts. Whether you’re interested in one or more regular training sessions, our certified personal trainer will help make your exercise program safer, more effective, and more fun.

  • A small group training class
    Adult - Irving Park YMCA

    Small Group Training

    Small Group Training at the Irving Park YMCA is an affordable way to work with a personal trainer while building your community. We hope that you’ll join and grow with us at the Y! Learn more by following the arrow to our program registration page.

  • A man lifting a barbell
    Adult - Foglia YMCA

    Full Body Strength

    Challenge your muscles in every possible way using hand-held weights and bands in this total-body muscle conditioning class. This simple, easy-to-follow strength workout challenges every major muscle using a variety of equipment. Increase your lean body mass while reducing your body fat in this full body workout.

  • Irving Park YMCA Tech Hub
    Anyone - Irving Park YMCA

    Explore Our Tech Hub

    Want to learn more about how to use a computer or other electronic devices? The Irving Park YMCA’s Tech Hub is here to help! Our computer lab and internet access are open to all individuals at no cost, and no appointment is necessary! Visit The Irving Park Y Tech Hub on Wednesday and Friday from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.

  • Two girls clapping
    Youth & Teens - YMCA Camp Duncan

    Summer Overnight Mini Camp

    This half-week program is the ideal introduction to overnight camping for the first-time camper, who will get a taste of traditional camp activities while making new friends, all without the commitment of being away from home for the entire week.

  • Children backpacking
    Teens - YMCA Camp MacLean

    Pioneer Program

    Our Pioneer Program focuses on providing teen campers with a more challenging and age-appropriate camp experience than our Explorer program. Activities encourage teens to build self-esteem and strengthen peer relationships. Highlights include geo-caching, overnight camping trips to local parks, hiking, learning outdoor living skills, and participating in the adventure course. Pioneers will also attend a teen dance, giving them an opportunity to relax, have fun, and bond with their peers.

  • Boys posing for the camera
    Teens - YMCA Camp Duncan

    Teen Adventure Camp

    Teen Adventure Camp is similar to traditional camp, but the entire camp is reserved exclusively for teens — and it includes your daily camp activities in addition to special evening programs, teen trips/outings, leadership opportunities, and more!

  • Canoes on the lake
    Youth - YMCA Camp MacLean

    Explorer Program

    Our popular Explorer program is the classic camp option, providing campers a chance to gain new skills and create unforgettable memories! On a typical day, Explorers participate in activities such as archery, arts & crafts, teambuilding, Mount MacLean Skyway, sports, and nature discovery, with an hour swimming in Rockland Lake during General Swim. Evenings are spent enjoying games, campfires, sing-a-longs, and smores.

  • A girl skiing
    Anyone - YMCA Family Camp Nawakwa

    Wonderland Family Camp

    Come enjoy a long weekend away with your family at Camp Nawakwa! We offer tons of activities for the whole family, from skiing, to snowshoeing, to playing broomball. This winter getaway has something for everybody!

  • A teen in the pool
    Teens - YMCA Camp Duncan

    Counselors in Training

    The Counselor in Training program is for teens ready for future leadership roles as YMCA summer camp counselors who have previously attended YMCA Camp Duncan or another YMCA camp for at least one summer.

  • Boats on the lake
    Youth & Teens - YMCA Camp MacLean

    Aquatics Camp

    Dive into our Aquatics Camp and discover all the fun and excitement that Camp MacLean’s beautiful lakefront has to offer! Aquatics campers will spend more than five hours each day enjoying our waterfront, while also having the chance to participate in traditional camp activities like archery, the Mt. MacLean Skyway, and a campout. Throughout the two-week experience campers will learn snorkeling, sailing, kayaking, windsurfing, canoeing, distance swimming, and much more!

  • Campers on the high ropes
    Teens - YMCA Camp MacLean

    High Adventure Camp

    Looking for a challenge? Our exhilarating High Adventure Camp is designed specifically for teens ready to push themselves beyond their comfort zone. Through a combination of high ropes courses, team adventure programs, problem solving, camping, and recreation, teens will develop confidence, self-esteem, and learn to build trust with their peers and counselors.

  • Basketball game
    Youth - Rauner Family YMCA

    Teen Basketball

    Grab your friends and join our basketball program, which helps improve your passing, dribbling, and shooting skills.

  • People taking a HIIT class
    Adult - Irving Park YMCA

    Small Group Training: Fall 2

    Discover Small Group Training at the Irving Park YMCA! This cost-effective program allows you to work with a personal trainer while fostering connections within your community. We invite you to join us and grow together at the Y! For more information, follow the arrow to our program registration page.

  • Boys playing flag football
    Youth - Elmhurst YMCA

    Flag Football

    Whether you're new to the sport or an experienced player looking for a fun, non-tackle option, our co-ed program is perfect for you. We emphasize football education, team participation, and sportsmanship, ensuring every player has a great time while learning and growing.

  • Children basketball
    Youth - Elmhurst YMCA

    Spring Basketball League

    Y-Ball is back at the Elmhurst YMCA! Spring league participants will engage in weekday practices and gameplay on the weekend. Player assessments, jerseys, and an end of season tournament are all included. Learn more and register for this program by clicking the arrow!

  • A child with archery
    Youth & Teens - YMCA Camp Duncan

    Voyagers Camp

    The tradition continues! Voyagers are off to discover new areas of camp — including the climbing tower! — and enjoy activities like art experiences, sports, games, swim practice, and recreational swimming!

  • Kids playing hockey
    Youth - Elmhurst YMCA

    Floor Hockey Camp

    Sports Specialty Camp focuses on a different sport (or sports!) each session. Campers will learn specific skills and strategies for the week’s sport(s) using the appropriate equipment in gym and outdoor spaces. Offerings include floor hockey, dodgeball and kickball, volleyball, basketball, baseball and softball, multi-sport (Sports of All Sorts), and more.

  • High ropes course
    Youth - Hastings Lake YMCA

    Adventure Seekers Camp: High Thrills

    If it’s adventure you seek, look no further! Campers will enjoy the thrills of High Ropes Course, skydiving, and a fun day of Arcade thrills — for the adventurous types only!

  • A child smiling
    Youth - Buehler YMCA

    Talent Show Camp

    Get ready to show off your hidden (or not-so-hidden) talent! At Talent Show Camp, campers will have the opportunity to try their hand at a variety of activities to discover where their talents and passions lie. Each participant will prepare an act for the end-of-week talent show, and participate in a groupwide act.

  • Kids looking at a computer
    Youth - McCormick YMCA

    Schools Days Out

    On days when school is closed, we offer Schools Day Out classes to keep children busy and learning — and give parents peace of mind. Our dedicated staff makes sure your children are developing the values, skills, and relationships that lead to positive behavior, better health, and greater educational achievement.

“

Y's are community builders and that is what we need, sharing our love and light! Thank you! - Melissa E.

Excited youth girl

When you are involved with the Y, you help bring about lasting personal & social change.

A child ziplining Work with Us

Work with Us

There is no greater joy than dedicating yourself to work that serves and benefits your community! Whatever your skill set, whatever your expertise, we welcome a variety of talents from all members of our community!

Explore Our Job Openings
Volunteer at Community Impact Day

Volunteer with Us

Whether you choose to volunteer with a specific program or donate to a cause you believe in, your passion is what carries on our legacy and drives our mission forward. Since 1858, the YMCA has been dedicated to fostering community connections, supporting families and making a difference in everyday life.

Ways to Support Us
Outdoor Workout Class

Become a Y Member

Become a member of your local Y and enjoy the benefits of a community-driven and supportive environment. We provide a space where people can connect, grow and evolve.

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