YMCA Mission - To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all persons in a positive, healthy, Christian environment through quality leadership programs, services and facilities.

Whether it's tumbling or Tae Kwon Do or simply a safe place
to be before or after school ...the Illinois Valley YMCA has it all!

After School Center

The new YMCA After School Center is open from 3-9 pm M-F at the YMCA. Socialize, play games, do school work and more. Ages 7-14.

Illinois Valley YMCA Tae Kwon Do

Tae Kwon Do teaches self defense as well as improves self confidence, discipline, coordination, and physical and mental capabilities. Through Tae Kwon Do, students learn to become leaders, not followers, and they develop the ''yes, I can'' attitude when facing daily challenges at home, school or work.
The Illinois Valley YMCA's Tae Kwon Do is a branch school of the Won Jung Martial Arts Association of Rockford. Amber Sessler is the instructor.

When: Tuesdays & Thursdays
Times: 5:00-6:00 white, yellow belts & children 6-12
6:00-7:00 purple belt and above & children and all ranks
 of Adults 13 and up
Fees: $25 Monthly YMCA member
$40 Monthly non YMCA member

Youth Self-Defense Classes

Isshinryu Karate is a self-defense based martial arts system from Okinawa, founded in 1954. Isshinryu teaches the use of in-close techniques, 50/50 punch, kick combinations, natural stances, use of low kicks, multiple-purpose techniques, and making the shift from offense or defense in a quick movement. Isshinryu installs self-defense, self-confidence, and self-discipline in all of its students.
This class will be under the direction of Sensei Cliff Morse of the Morse School of Isshinryu, Inc. Sensei Morse is a 5th degree Black Belt in Isshinryu Karate, and has over 25 years of martial arts experience. Sensei Morse has taught several self-defense classes for elementary and high schools throughout Bureau county as well as various local and state organizations. This class will be continual all year round class. Feel free to sign up at anytime. For classes, please wear comfortable clothing. If you have any questions about classes, please feel free to contact me at: senseimorse@verizon.net

Ages 4-12 years of age
Monthly cost: $40 Monthly for YMCA Members
  $50 Monthly for Non-YMCA members
Runs: Monthly
Times: Monday & Wednesday from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm

 

Parent's Night Out

Enjoy a night out away from the children with our Parent's Night Out program. This program runs from September through May of each year. This program allows parents to drop their children off at the YMCA with the youth sports staff supervising and enjoy a night out without the children. Sports, movies, games and a snack will be provided for your children. Registration deadline is 24 hours in advance. Limited enrollment.

Who:    Boys/Girls, Ages 3-12
When:  First Saturday of the month 6-10 p.m.
Fee:     $7 First child YMCA member
             $10 First child non/YMCA member
             $5 Second child YMCA member
             $7 Second child non YMCA member
             $3 Third child YMCA member
             $4 Third child non/YMCA member

 

 

YMCA Dolphin Swim Team   

Come join the fun! Learn proper stroke and form technique, sportsmanship, goal setting, and competitive spirit. Coaches are American Swim Coaches Association certified. The program is open to all athletes aged 5-21, with a minimum requirement  of the ability to swim 25 yards (one length of the pool) by the end of the first week of practice. That first week is called "Rookie Week" and it is an opportunity to come and try out the team with no financial obligation. Dolphin swimmers hail from many areas in north central Illinois; as far west as Princeton, south as Varna, north as Mendota, and east as Utica, with all towns within those borders represented. Competitions are held, usually on Saturdays, in accordance with NCAA swimming rules at various  area YMCA's and include season end District, State and National opportunities, with these last three dependent on achieving qualifying times for the respective meets. The team strives to have qualifiers in all areas, and many of our athletes help us achieve this goal! Swimming practices are held at two locations: the Link Aquatic Facility at the IV YMCA and the Hennepin Pool. Practice begins the last week of September and the season runs through late March. Practice times are in the early evening and will be determined by ability. There is a two meet minimum requirement in order to qualify  for any participatory awards given at the Awards Banquet  held at season's end, so your child's level of involvement can be tailored to their own ability level and desire. We swim about 15 meets per season. Participation fees are $100 per swimmer per year and you must also have a currently  paid YMCA membership. To access the Dolphin swim team page, please go to:
www.ilvydolphinswimteam.org

For additional information or to answer any questions, call Head Coach Rob McNally at 223-7904 voice mail Box 48. See you at the pool!

 

TEEN ACTIVITIES

Junior High Dance Nights

Come and hang out with friends at the Illinois Valley YMCA Junior High Nights every third Saturday of the month. Live DJ services are provided for grades 6, 7 and 8. Dances open at 7:00 p.m., and parents are required to pick up students at 10:00 p.m. No student is allowed to leave without his parent's permission. Dances are chaperoned by YMCA staff.

Who: Monthly - Every 3rd Saturday, August - May. Special Holiday Dates  Time: 7:00 - 10:00 p.m., Fee: $3 YMCA members, $5 Non-Y members

Wellness Training

Are you fourteen years of age and tired of just playing in the gym and are you serious about getting in shape? Well the YMCA has a program for you. Sign up now to receive your Wellness Center Training from one of the quality YMCA personal trainers. Class is required if you wish to use the Wellness Center.

Who: YMCA members age 13-17, When: Saturday Mornings 9:00 
 Cost: Free to YMCA Members only

***Please call and set up an appointment now***


YOUTH GYM

The Illinois Valley youth gym is open during all operation hours of the YMCA. The gym is open for basketball or volleyball, and is equipped with 3 volleyball courts and 6 basketball backboards. At times the gym may be scheduled with youth activities in non-prime time hours.

 

The YMCA's policy is that no one will be turned away because of lack of funds. If you know of a person who would benefit from a YMCA membership or program, but does not have the needed funds, please contact our courteous staff.

more information please call the YMCA at (815) 223-7904 or email us at ivymca@comcast.net