Membership Information

You belong. With a growing and active membership of more than 120,000 and with programs developed to assist an additional half-million area residents, the YMCA of Metro Chicago is committed to serving the spirit, mind and body of every member.

AWAY Program

The AWAY (Always Welcome at Ys) Program allows you access to more than 2,300 Ys across the United States and in 130 countries and territories around the world. Visiting members are always welcome by showing their Y AWAY membership card. Some local restrictions apply. Please call ahead prior to your first visit. Check out www.ymca.net for the nearest Y you are planning to visit.

Reciprocity

The YMCA of Metro Chicago allows its members to use other YMCAs within the Association at no additional charge. Members are encouraged to join the Y that they most often use.

Membership Card

Your YMCA membership card is a passport. It verifies your agreement to receive the benefits of membership and to abide by the rules and policies of the YMCA of Metro Chicago. Please present your membership card each time you enter the facility and when registering for programs in order to avoid delays.

Member Guest Privileges

The YMCA of Metro Chicago provides each member with six guest passes every year. In addition, the YMCA allows members the opportunity to purchase up to three guest passes per visit for family and friends at the Center in which the person is a member. Members must accompany guest(s) when a pass is purchased. All guests must present a valid ID and sign a facility waiver. Each guest is limited to three visits per year.

Guest Pass Policy

As a visitor of any YMCA of Metro Chicago, you may use a free guest pass up to three times within a calendar year. After which time, you may only use the Center by purchasing a daily fee pass* or purchasing a membership. All guests must present a valid iD and sign a facility waiver.

*Daily fee passes are not available at all Centers

Age Guidelines

Members eight years and younger must be accompanied by an adult or guardian when visiting the YMCA unless the member is participating in a class or program. Youth must be 10 years of age and either enrolled in or completed the "Fit Pass" to gain access to the cardiovascular equipment, and 16 years or older to use free weights.

Cell Phone Policy

Due to the advances in cell phone video/picture technology and for the privacy of our members and guests:

  • Cell phones can only be used in the lobby or designated area.
  • Cell phones should not be used or carried in ANY other area.

Membership Holds

Anyone with an Adult, Family or Household Membership, in good standing, may put their membership on hold one time only, during a calendar year for a maximum of three (3) months. The member must come into the Center 15 days before the requested hold date. There is a nominal administrative fee for this service. Stop by the membership desk at your Center for details.

Moving

When transferring an annual membership from another YMCA, we will contact your previous YMCA for a prorated balance of your membership. Our membership department will gladly honor your credit and apply this amount to your first year’s dues, subject to the policies of your previous YMCA. You will not be responsible for the joiner’s fee if your transfer occurs within 30 days of membership expiration.

Cancellation

As a member of the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago, you can cancel your membership at any time by giving the YMCA a minimum of 15 business days notice and returning all membership cards associated with the membership. The cancellation must be made in person or in writing, hand delivered or sent by certified mail. If you participate in a membership draft payment plan, the YMCA will continue to draft until you cancel the membership as provided above. Cancellation of membership is not necessarily cancellation of Annual Fund deductions and vice versa.

Take the Next Step

Come join us at the Y. Here's how you can get started: