Kishwaukee Family YMCA

The KishYMCA has been my workout space for several years now, and I am grateful for the committed efforts of group/team workout leaders, personal trainers, and desk staff for their quality service as well as genuine helpfulness and friendliness. The machines, weights, and other equipment in the Wellness center are well-maintained, modern, and quickly repaired or replaced when needed, and the overall room (as is the whole facility) is clean and well-organized. They updated the locker rooms a few years ago to more contemporary standards with better lighting, carpet, wood-paneled lockers (as available or ones you can rent for a period of time), nicer individualized showers, and saunas as well as steam rooms. I understand the pre-school and the separate child care space/program are both well-run and clean, and that they have quality volunteer programs, swim lessons, and summer or holiday vacation/afterschool programs that seem popular (and fun for the kids). They have a huge arena fit for hockey, indoor soccer, and basketball (open gym times and for kids sports events). Nice spaces for racquetball as well. I know they have a top-notch swim team (as well as a nice pool for it). I do feel like their progress in advancing new services has slowed since the pandemic--possibly b/c it seems membership has fallen and also due to labor shortages (temporary problems, hopefully). Hours are convenient, and the membership fees are reasonable for access to a diverse array of work out experiences (this is to be contrasted with cheaper fitness centers that offer only limited services like weights and treadmills). I get an employee discount for working with NIU, and I think there may be other discounts for other employees you should inquire about. Parking is good, except for when there are swim teams that consume MOST of the spaces. They used to block off space with a minder for gym members, but I have not seen that in a while. Overall, this is a good place to workout.

This is the worst place to send your kid to for almost any program. The before and after school as well. All staff is unorganized, and no one seems to have a clue as to what’s going one you speak to someone one day and think things is settled and BAM next week it’s not. My friends who have kids also experienced the same problems. Just always keep record and have whoever you speak to write down and initial what they are saying to you.

First time back in 15 months. Place was clean as a whistle. My locker was just as I left it. Sauna and steam was open. Towel service rolling. Pool was open. People are so friendly and helpful. Kate was closing for first time and helping everybody. Jordan was the lifeguard and going out of his way to help us and others. Was a special night for my 7 yr old grand niece, who swam the entire length of the pool and the treaded water for 60 seconds!!! She was practicing for a swimming test tomorrow. YMCA has family rooms with showers, which was great for her to use on her own while I waited outside door. Thank you YMCA for being such a great quality and trusted family oriented institution!