Sports, Fitness & Martial Arts

Youth Triathlon

The McGaw YMCA presents the 5^th Annual Youth Triathlon on Sunday, July 7, 2013 for kids ages 7 to 14 hosted by Evanston Township High School. Sign up by June 23 to receive a discounted rate.

All participants are required to attend the Pre-Race Expo on Saturday, July 6 at the McGaw YMCA from 10 AM – 2 PM. Awards will be given to the top finished. All participants will receive a medal and goody bag.

Youth Triathlon Clinics

After 4 weeks of training, you’ll be equipped with everything you’ll need to know for race day. Get trained by McGaw YMCA sports staff and master all elements of Triathlon – swimming, biking and running. In addition, youth will learn proper form and the importance of physical fitness and nutrition while preparing for their race.

Youth T-Ball

Along with learning basic baseball concepts T-ball provides the opportunity to hit the ball so participants can succeed while gaining the experience of being part of a team.

Youth Volleyball

Discover the basics of volleyball while enhancing flexibility, balance, and coordination. Learn through drills and playing as part of a team all in an encouraging environment.

Youth Basketball League

Learn the fundamentals of basketball in a youth league where everyone plays at least half of the game. Participants develop skills in passing, dribbling, shooting, and teamwork. You are guaranteed to get the playing time you need to put your skills to practice.

Youth Basketball League Rosters & Schedules

Spring League Basketball Rosters & Schedule Updated 5/17/13

YMCA Traveling Basketball

Practice, patience and persistence are the three “Ps” of team sports. Help sharpen these skills in your 5^th- 8^th grader by signing up for YMCA travel basketball.

Youth Smart

To maintain a healthy lifestyle in the long run, it is important to start early. Middle schoolers can become certified to workout in the Wellness Center by participating in and successfully completing our Youth Smart series.

Martial Arts

Taekwon-do

Many young people come to martial arts hoping to rise to the level of Black Belt. What they learn is that to accomplish this they first have to be Black Belts in their minds, hearts, and community as well as learning the physical skills. Students in this traditional martial arts program learn leadership – true leadership that comes from respect of self and others, goal setting and accomplishment, confidence, honor, and an understanding of responsibility to the larger community.

Our martial arts program emphasizes safety and self control. Students work with the teacher to progress at the pace that is right for them, because one of the tenets of this art form is that we learn throughout our lives, not according to fixed time periods. Students of all ages develop lasting strength and focus in a non-competitive, mutually respectful environment.

Training methods include sparring, traditional patterns, and practical self-defense techniques. Sparring in class and during belt promotion tests is strictly non-contact, although instruction for senior belt levels may involve light contact sparring. New students are welcome to join any time.

Meet the Instructors

Grandmaster Joe Connelly
BS, Communications, Southern Illinois University
MS, Counseling, National Louis University

Grandmaster Joe Connelly has over 43 years of experience in martial arts. He was awarded his 7th degree black belt in July 2009 and is internationally recognized for pioneering and creating success-based Martial Arts programming for special needs and handicapped populations. You can contact him at JoeC@mcgawymca.org or 847.568.0912.

Eli Clark
Eli Clarke is a 1st Dan Black Belt and has been a student of Grandmaster Connelly’s for 4 and a half years. He also holds a 2nd Degree Blacksash in Northern Shaolin KungFu which he practiced for 13 years. Currently, Eli is a Broadcast TV Cameraman whose clients include HBO, Comedy Central, TBS, the Networks, and many others.

Eli views Martial Arts as a lifestyle, not just a means of self defense or exercise. “It changes the way you breathe. It changes the way you eat. You develop more respect for yourself and others. And, you gain the courage and confidence to resolve conflicts peacefully rather than fight.” A native New Yorker, Eli relocated to Chicago in 1992 to get married. He and his wife are raising their child in Evanston.

Manel Valdes-Cruz
MA, Philosophy, Northwestern University
JD, University of Chicago

Manel Valdes-Cruz is a 3rd Dan Taekwon-do and began studying Taekwon-do with Grandmaster Connelly in 1997. He has been a communications professional in the pharmaceutical industry since 1984.

David Austen-Smith
PhD, Economics, Cambridge University, England
BSc, Economics, Bristol University, England

David Austin-Smith, a 3rd Dan Taekdon-do, has been studying Taekwon-do with Grandmaster Connelly since January of 1988 when his (then) 7 year-old daughter insisted on taking a martial arts class with her fatherl while the daughter only managed a few classes, her father became hooked. When not training, David is the Peter G. Peterson Professor of Corporate Ethics at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management and an elected fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

Vinny Finneran
BA, Fine Arts, Rutgers University
MS, Exercise Physiology, University of Illinois – Chicago
MEd, Secondary Education, DePaul University

Originally from the Bronx, New York, Vinny Fineran is a 2nd Dan black belt and has studied Taekwon-do under Duk Sung Son, 9^thDan, from 1974-78, Tai Chi Chuan under Sifu Jou, 1973-77, and has been studying Taekwon-do under Grandmaster Connelly since 2004. Vinny is also the N.Y.C. Breast Stroke Champion, 1968 and 1969; All New York State in Cross Country(14^th place), 1972; Competed in Track and Cross Country at Rutgers University, 1973-77; National Age Group Triathlon Championship Qualifier 1983-88; 3^rd place overall in Leon’s QEM Triathlon, 1982; winner of several Chicago area races including 1982 McGaw YMCA Evanston Express with course record. Married to Sarah Linsley, he has 3 daughters, and currently is the Physical Education Teacher at Nichols Middle School.

Anne Mason
Anne Mason received her BS from Michigan State University in Earth Sciences and Mathematics and did her graduate work in Systems Project Management. She worked as a systems consultant to the construction industry for 25 years. Anne is a 3rd Degree Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do and devotes her time to being a Senior Program Leader in Connelly’s Academy, working mainly with elementary school children. She has designed and supervised Martial Arts programs for Special Needs populations. Currently, she leads the Special Needs Taekwon-do program at McGaw YMCA. She became a certified, full-force self-defense and Kidpower instructor in 1990 and is active as an instructor, teaching supervisor and trainer. Anne is also a Licensed Massage Therapist and Certified Structural Therapist.

McGaw YMCA Youth Triathlon 2012

The McGaw YMCA Youth Triathlon strives to encourage all youth to be active and achieve their personal best, regardless of how many triathlons they’ve experienced. Give your child the chance to boost their confidence and grow their athletic abilities with the triathlon. The 2012 Youth Triathlon took place on July 8, 2012. Click below to view race information and statistics.

Race Results for 2012

Open Gym

At certain times during the week, our gym (the Sebring-Lewis Center) is open to youth and adults to use however you’d like. You can view open gym times by checking the gym schedule.