The McGaw YMCA is a charitable organization committed to cultivating the whole person, strengthening community, and providing equitable access to transformational experiences that uplift the mind, body, and spirit — and that starts with a Y membership!
The Y is committed to strengthening community and becoming a place of belonging for all people at every stage of life. We focus on empowering young people, improving health and well-being and inspiring action in and across Evanston. A YMCA membership is your community connection to feeling great through programs that support youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.
View Current Specials & Promotions
Ready to get a Y Membership? Click the button below to join the Y!
Join online today or stop by to join in person at our 1000 Grove Street location. If you don’t have an account in our registration system, start here.
To finalize your membership registration, please stop by the front desk to take your photo and pick up your membership ID tag.
Take A Tour: Are you interested in a 30-minute virtual or in-person tour of McGaw YMCA? Request one today!
MEMBERSHIP INCLUDES:
Some membership benefits are not available currently due to COVID-19.
- State-of-the-art fitness facilities and amenities (temporarily limited due to COVID-19)
- Indoor heated swimming pools
- Unlimited free group and water exercise classes at all fitness levels
- Free SMART START new member experience
- No contract to join, no annual fee
- Free parking
- Savings on all McGaw Y programs, including youth sports & enrichment, swim lessons, day camp, Camp Echo, childcare, and more
- Priority access to McGaw Y program registration
- Special rates on personal training, nutrition coaching and massage
- Access to all Ys in Illinois and across the country (returning soon!)
- Free Kids Club access with Family Memberships (up to 2 hours while using the facility; reservations required)
- Exclusive access to family swim and family gym times in our pools and gym with Family Memberships
- Discounted member rates for seniors, active-duty military personnel, and veterans
- An opportunity to be a part of the Y movement through volunteering and our community response efforts.
Whether you’re looking for a swimming pool, yoga class, childcare, family activities, or simply want to work out in a community-focused environment, McGaw YMCA is here for you.
Ready to get a Y Membership? Click the button below to start the joining process!
MEMBERSHIP CATEGORIES & FEES
| Membership Type | Monthly Fee* |
| Adult: One person (age 26+) | $69/mo |
| Family 1 Adult + Children: 1 adult (age 19+) and dependent children in the same household age 23 and under. | $104/mo |
| Family 2 Adults + Children: 2 adults (age 19+) and dependent children in the same household age 23 and under. | $120/mo |
| Couple: 2 adults age 19+ in the same household. | $110/mo |
| Young Adult: One person (ages 19 – 25) | $48.30/mo |
| Teen: One person (ages 14 – 18) |
$45/mo |
| Youth: One person (ages 13 and under) | $33/mo |
*This monthly fee does not include the Joiner Fee, which will vary by membership type. First and last month dues are receipted at time of joining.
Financial assistance is available to those who qualify. View the “Financial Assistance” section below.
Membership Category Details
Financial Assistance
Special rates are available for each membership type for those who meet income requirements. We use a sliding scale fee based on your annual income, the number of adults and dependents in your household, and then determine assistance to align with your individual situation. Our goal is to help everyone who qualifies for assistance. Qualification for YMCA financial assistance is reviewed annually. Financial assistance is possible thanks to our generous donors.
To apply: Please complete and submit the online Financial Assistance Application. Attach copies of the required financial documents to this form. All records will be retained confidentially. Unfortunately, we cannot process incomplete applications.
NOTE: If you do not have a YMCA membership, please submit your Financial Assistance Application first if you would like the assistance to take effect at the time of joining. Assistance is not backdated.
If you have questions, please email info@mcgawymca.org or visit our Member Services desk and one of our team members will be happy to assist you.
Discounts
Corporate partner discount: Employees who work at one of McGaw Y’s corporate partners enjoy 15% off their membership fee and no joining fee. Corporate partner employees must be active members on any family membership to receive the discount. Please present proof of employment at time of joining. Current corporate partners include Northwestern University and Rotary International. If you are interested in having your organization become a corporate partner, please contact us at info@mcgawymca.org.
Senior discount: Individuals age 63 and older may opt-in to a senior membership at 10% off. If joining under a family membership, both individuals must be 63 or older to receive this discount. If interested in opting in, please visit the YMCA front desk when joining or to change your membership type.
Military discount:
Active Duty: 50% off membership fee. Contact Military OneSource at www.militaryonesource.com to confirm eligibility and receive an eligibility form. Bring your eligibility form, Military ID and Deployment Orders or Military Service Headquarters approval letter to the front desk to receive discount.
Veterans: No joiner fee and receive 25% off membership fee. Present your Retired Military ID, Veterans DD214 or Veterans ID card from the Department of Veteran Affairs to the front desk to receive discount.
Discounts cannot be combined with scholarships based on income
Policies
View all other policies here.
RESOURCES
Step-by-Step User Guide – Registration System
WE’RE HERE TO HELP
For immediate help with registration, call 847-475-7400 and press ‘0’ to speak with a Member Relations team member.
For issues that can be resolved within two (2) business days, contact us by email at info@mcgawymca.org.
