Grayslake YMCA to Close September 1

In what seems to be a surprise to many members of the , the location at 1850 E. Belvidere Road will close its doors September 1.

Members were notified by mail this week. The letter stated:

"The YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago continually assesses our facilities and programs to determine the best and most effective ways to positively impact our communities. The Grayslake YMCA currently operates out of a rented, storefront space. This presents several challenges, including the inability to expand in order to provide a pool or additional programming to support our mission. This is not the experience we wish to provide for our members."

For nine-year member Jason Wyckoff of Grayslake, it comes as a surprise. "There wasn't much notice, or any indication that we were aware of that this could happen," Wyckoff said.

"We never heard there were any problems. It just seems odd. It doesn't add up," he said.

Last spring Lindsey Aeverman of Grayslake shopped around for a fitness facility that would offer not only a place to work out, but also exceptional childcare and at an affordable price. Her family chose the YMCA and use it often.

"We just love it there," she said. "I can tell that the girls running the childcare area care a great deal for my kids. And, it was so convenient for us," Aeverman said.

Members of the Grayslake YMCA will be able to use the facility through August 31. Those who wish to transfer their membership to another YMCA location will receive two months of their membership free. 

Also, if members choose to transfer their membership to another YMCA on their own before Grayslake closes, members will receive one free month. 

The Grayslake YMCA is also offering open house events at the four closest YMCAs to the area.

• Foglia YMCA, 1025 Old McHenry Road, Lake Zurich, Saturday, July 28, 9am–12pm
• Hastings Lake YMCA, 1995 Grass Lake Road, Lindenhurst, Friday, August 3, 6–9pm
• Buehler YMCA, 1400 West Northwest Highway, Palatine, Saturday, August 4, 9am–1pm
• Lattof YMCA, 300 East Northwest Highway, Des Plaines, Saturday, August 4, 9am–2pm

In the statement the YMCA said "Our members are very important to us. We regret any inconvenience and hope you will choose to continue your Y of Metro Chicago membership at one of our other facilities in the area."

Aeverman said her family will try one of the other YMCA locations, but knows the convenience is not the same as the Grayslake location. "I may just have to start shopping around again," she said.