About the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago The YMCA is the place where many of us spent much of our childhood. WeÍre known as a swim and gym but, today, the Y is so much more. The Y is focused on exercising the potential of each one of us to make healthy choices at every stage of our lives. Our mission is to develop strong children, families and communities through academic readiness, character development, violence prevention, and fitness & healthy living across Metropolitan Chicago. WeÍre a nonprofit well-known for our 21 centers, camps, and health and fitness programs. But we have also moved wellness beyond the gym to prepare our next generation with the physical, academic and social skills they need to thrive. Our neighborhood base helps strengthen communities through programs offered at hundreds of sites citywide. Come to the Y for personal fitness, sign up for a family program, or play a more active role in our community service mission. When you join the Y, youÍre part of something big. To learn more, visit www.ymcachicago.org.