What North Suburban YMCA does

North Suburban YMCA (NSYMCA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit community organization founded in 1960 and headquartered in Northbrook, Illinois. It operates an 85,000-square-foot facility serving approximately 15 communities across Chicago's North Shore suburbs (including Northbrook, Deerfield, Glenview, Wheeling, Arlington Heights, and Highland Park). The organization delivers programming across three core pillars: Health & Wellness (fitness center, 60+ weekly group exercise classes, personal training, chronic disease prevention), Aquatics and Youth Development (swim lessons, summer camp, after-school care with school transportation, gymnastics, dance, visual arts, athletics), and Social Responsibility (financial assistance, community resource navigation, mental health consortium, DEI initiatives). Sub-brands include HAWKS (adaptive programs for individuals with special needs), NSSOD (North Suburban School of Dance), and Café Voca (vocational training coffee bar).

The underlying technology stack centers on the Daxko Operations platform (operations.daxko.com) for membership management, program registration, and facility reservations, supplemented by a "Virtual Y" content platform offering recorded fitness, meditation, adult education, art, and dance programming distributed via YouTube. The organization participates in the nationwide YMCA membership reciprocity network, allowing members reciprocal access to 50+ Illinois Ys and Ys across the United States.

Revenue is generated through a hybrid nonprofit model: recurring membership dues ($38-$112/month across tiered youth, young adult, adult, senior, family, and household categories), program fees (swim lessons, camp, personal training, dance, gymnastics), donations and fundraising (Community Strong golf outing and dinner gala), corporate wellness program partnerships with 35+ employers, capital campaign contributions and foundation grants, facility rentals (birthday parties, bar/bat mitzvahs, corporate events), and ancillary revenue from Café Voca. The organization distributed over $560,000 in financial assistance annually to more than 1 in 5 members based on a sliding fee scale, and is led by CEO Kathy Fielding (appointed March 2020, first woman CEO) with a volunteer Board of Directors.

Name

North Suburban YMCA

Legal name

North Suburban YMCA

Website

https://nsymca.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1960

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

North Suburban YMCA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit operating an 85,000 sq ft facility in Northbrook, IL, delivering fitness, aquatics, youth development, and social responsibility programming to residents across 15 North Shore Chicago communities through tiered memberships, programs, donations, and corporate partnerships.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Community Recreation Services

NAICS

Fitness and Recreational Sports Centers (713940), Sports and Recreation Instruction (61162), Civic and Social Organizations (81341)

SIC

Services-Membership Sports & Recreation Clubs (7997), Services-Membership Organizations (8600), Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900)

akta.pro primary industry

Arts, Sports & Recreation-Based Youth Development Nonprofits (BPAGADAJ)

akta.pro secondary industries

Youth Mentoring & Positive Youth Development Nonprofits (BPAGADAD), After-School, Tutoring & Academic Enrichment Nonprofits (BPAGADAC), Special Education, Disability Support & Inclusive Education Nonprofits (BPAGADAH), Youth Multi-Sport Camps (General Athletics, Summer Camps) (MPAKAJAA), Performing Arts Camps (Theater, Musical Theater, Dance) (EDAMALAI), Local Amateur Clubs & Community Sports Organizations (MPAKACAE)

Keywords

• Community recreation services
• Youth development programs
• Aquatics swim instruction
• Wellness fitness membership
• Nonprofit community programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Northbrook

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Dues: Monthly membership fees ranging from $38-$112 per month depending on membership category (youth, young adult, adult, senior, couples, family). One-time joiner's fees apply. Annual membership discount of 7% available.
2. Program Fees: Fees for programs and classes including swim lessons, personal training, dance classes, gymnastics, summer camp, after-school programs. Members receive reduced rates.
3. Donations and Fundraising: Charitable donations supporting financial assistance, programming, and capital improvements. Annual Community Strong fundraising events including golf fundraiser and dinner gala.
4. Capital Campaign and Grants: Major gifts, endowment contributions, planned giving, and grants from foundations supporting facility improvements and specific programs.
5. Space Rentals: Rental revenue from private events including birthday parties, bar/bat mitzvahs, and other celebrations at the facility.
6. Café Voca: Coffee bar in the Y's lobby providing vocational training and employment experience for individuals with intellectual and developmental challenges, generating revenue while serving a social mission.
7. Personal Training Packages: 10% off personal training packages promotion indicates revenue from personal training services with package pricing.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion4 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

North Suburban YMCA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit community organization that provides full-facility memberships ($38-$112/month) granting access to fitness equipment, 60+ weekly group exercise classes, indoor pool, gymnasium, free babysitting, and nationwide YMCA reciprocity. Building on membership, it sells an extensive catalog of programs including swim lessons, summer camp, after-school care, dance, gymnastics, visual arts, athletics, and adaptive special services (HAWKS). The organization is sustained by membership dues, program fees, and charitable donations, while delivering $560,000+ annually in financial assistance to more than 1 in 5 members.

Product overview

North Suburban YMCA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit community organization offering a comprehensive portfolio of programs and services organized around three pillars: Health & Wellness, Youth Development, and Social Responsibility. The organization operates as a multi-program platform providing fitness and aquatics facilities, diverse youth and adult programming, and community outreach services. The core product is its full-facility membership ($38-$112/month), which provides access to state-of-the-art fitness equipment, 60+ group exercise classes, pool, gym, and childcare. This membership foundation supports ancillary programs including Summer Camp, Youth Development (Y-Time after-school care, Y-Camp), North Suburban School of Dance, Gymnastics, Visual Arts, Athletics, Special Services (HAWKS adaptive programs), and Community Programs. The YMCA also provides financial assistance through a sliding fee scale, serving over 1 in 5 members with $560,000+ in annual aid. Community support is facilitated through donations and fundraising (Community Strong events), volunteer opportunities, and partnerships with local organizations for social responsibility initiatives.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• HAWKS: Programs for children and young adults with special needs that help individuals gain confidence, promote independence and responsibility, and nurture a healthy and active lifestyle.
• NSSOD
• Cafe Voca

Products and services

• YMCA Membership Full-facility monthly membership ($38-$112/month) providing unlimited access to the fitness center, indoor pool, gymnasium, 60+ weekly group exercise classes, free babysitting, fitness assessment, reduced program rates, early registration, and nationwide reciprocity with 50+ Illinois Ys and Ys across the U.S.
• Health & Wellness Programs Group exercise classes (yoga, cycle, Pilates, TRX, strength, cardio, Les Mills), personal training, active older adult programs, and chronic disease prevention (Diabetes, Arthritis) for adults and seniors.
• Aquatics Programs Swim instruction for all ages including group lessons, private lessons, competitive swim teams, lifeguard certification, and aqua fitness classes. The Y has been America's leading swim instructor for over 100 years.
• Summer Camp Day camp programs for children ages 2-14 offering fun activities, swimming, field trips, arts and crafts, and more during summer break.
• Youth Development Programs Preschool enrichment, after-school programs (Y-Time with transportation, homework help, games, crafts, outdoor playtime), Y-Camp for school breaks, weekly youth classes, and Navigator Nights for middle schoolers.
• Special Services (HAWKS) Adaptive programs for individuals with special needs including HAWKS Group Exercise, yoga, S.T.E.A.M. classes, special needs swim lessons, and Special Olympics swim team, with accommodations such as reduced class size and individualized attention.
• North Suburban School of Dance (NSSOD) Dance education program offering Mini-Movers (preschool), Student Division with progressive levels, Adult Division, and dance companies (Inspired, Momentum, Competitive) with annual recital at Loyola Academy.
• Gymnastics Program USA Gymnastics Member Club offering Pre-K classes (Tiny Tumblers), Youth classes (1st-8th grade), Competitive Program, and Open Gym with individualized coaching focused on respect, responsibility, caring, honesty, and teamwork.
• Visual Arts Program Creative arts education for all ages including preschool (ages 3-6), Youth K-12, art workshops, and community art gallery showcasing local artists.
• Community Programs Adult programming, Diversity Equity and Inclusion Committee, YMCA Education Series (Y.E.S.), Adventure Guides family program, and community events including Trunk or Treat, Kidpalooza, Community Strong, and Seniorpalooza.
• Athletics Sports programs including Preschool Sports (soccer, basketball, T-ball), Youth Sports for building sports fundamentals, and Adult sports and fitness activities.
• Cafe Voca Coffee bar in the Y's lobby providing vocational training and employment experience for individuals with intellectual and developmental challenges, generating revenue while serving a social mission.
• Youth & Government Program Mock government club for high school students focusing on civics and leadership, where students serve as legislators, research and draft legislation, and present at the General Assembly in Springfield, IL.
• Community Resources Resource directory connecting community members to mental health services, food assistance, senior resources, immunization programs, substance misuse support, and Welcome.US refugee assistance.
• Nationwide Membership Enables members to visit any participating YMCA across the United States at no extra charge; valid for active full-facility members whose home Y participates, with members required to use their home Y at least 50% of the time.
• Space Rentals and Private Events Rental of facility spaces for private events including birthday parties, bar/bat mitzvahs, corporate events, and other celebrations.
• Financial Assistance Program Sliding fee scale assistance for membership and programming fees based on household income and size, available for children, teens, adults, and families facing financial hardship.
• Donations & Fundraising Charitable giving programs including General Donations, Community Strong fundraising events (Golf Fundraiser, Dinner Gala), Honorarium/Memorial Gifts, Capital Support, and planned giving.

Quantifiable outcome

• $560,000+ annually in financial assistance to more than 1 in 5 Y members
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Homewatch CaregiversminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 February 2025Partnership to bring back in-person Brain Games programming at the Y, combining wellness and cognitive engagement for participants.
• IBJI (Illinois Bone and Joint Institute)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 December 2024IBJI recognized with Alliance Impact Partner of the Year Award, indicating a significant partnership in healthcare and wellness services.
• Rush UniversityminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 December 2023YES Series partnership with Rush University for health-related educational presentations.
• Alzheimer's AssociationminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 July 2022NSYMCA teams up with Alzheimer's Association for educational programming through the Y.E.S. series.
• The Kindness Connection and AthletaminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 April 2021Partnership with The Kindness Connection and Athleta for community programming.
• Hunger Resource NetworkcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 November 2020Partnership with Hunger Resource Network and Northfield Township Food Pantry to help feed local families through food collection and distribution.
• Northbrook CommissioncoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 May 2017Northbrook Commission and YMCA partner to promote cultural diversity through events like Taste of Asia.
• AllstateminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate wellness partnership offering employee discounts on YMCA memberships.
• WalgreensminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate wellness partnership offering employee discounts on YMCA memberships.
• NorthShore University HealthcareminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate wellness partnership offering employee discounts on YMCA memberships.
• UPSminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate wellness partnership offering employee discounts on YMCA memberships.
• Northbrook Chamber of CommerceminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLocal business organization partnership supporting community wellness and business community.
• Northbrook School District 28coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSchool partnership for Y-Time after-school programming, providing transportation from schools to the Y.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• YWCA: Mission-driven nonprofit membership organization offering wellness, youth, childcare and social-support programs, closely mirroring the Y's nonprofit community-service model.
• JCC Chicago: Nonprofit Jewish community center providing fitness, camps, early childhood, aquatics and community programming to North Shore/Chicago families—directly comparable in mission, offerings and target market.

Regional players

• Northbrook Park District: Local public recreation agency offering fitness, aquatics, camps and youth sports in the same Northbrook catchment, competing directly for local program participants.
• YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago: Large metro YMCA association operating multiple branches in the Chicago area with the same membership, wellness, aquatics and youth development model; a same-brand regional peer serving nearby geographies.
• Mariano Park / Wilmette Park District: North Shore public park district providing community recreation, aquatics and youth programming comparable to the Y within an adjacent territory.

Broad incumbents

• Life Time: Large for-profit athletic and family club operator with fitness, aquatics, kids programs and camps; competes for the same affluent suburban membership base despite a commercial model.
• Boys & Girls Clubs of America: National youth development nonprofit offering after-school, sports, arts and mentoring programs—overlapping heavily with the Y's youth development pillar.

Emerging players

• The Little Gym: Franchised children's gymnastics and movement instruction provider overlapping with the Y's youth gymnastics and early-childhood athletic programs.
• Goldfish Swim School: Specialized children's swim instruction chain competing directly with the Y's aquatics and swim-lesson programs, a core NSYMCA revenue driver.

Others

• Special Olympics: Nonprofit providing adaptive athletics for individuals with disabilities; thematically aligned with the Y's HAWKS special-needs and Special Olympics swim programs and an ecosystem partner rather than a competitor.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/playlist?list=PLoaUuU-JKMbXxDqxaMwwsgK_kvmHb1zQv
• Xx.com/nsymca

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about North Suburban YMCA