Kishwaukee Family YMCA

What Kishwaukee Family YMCA does

Kishwaukee Family YMCA is a community-based nonprofit organization incorporated in Illinois in 1957 and headquartered in Sycamore, serving DeKalb County. It operates a single comprehensive facility at 2500 W. Bethany Road featuring two indoor pools, a wellness center with 45+ cardio machines, a gymnasium, sports center, dance studios, Kid Zone, indoor track, racquetball court, and steam/sauna rooms. The organization operates five program verticals: Aquatics (swim lessons, private lessons, and the DeKalb County Swim Team), Sports & Recreation (youth and adult leagues and programs, martial arts, tennis, pickleball, dance), Summer Camp (Kish Summer Camp, Elburn Summer Camp, Camp Power), Healthy Living (50+ group exercise classes, personal training, specialty programs such as Pedaling for Parkinson's and Project Phoenix), and Youth Development (before/after school care, preschool, No School No Problem days). Specialty wellness programs are delivered in partnership with healthcare providers such as Northwestern Medicine and require physician referrals for clinical-grade interventions for cancer survivors, individuals with Parkinson's disease, and those with Class II/III morbid obesity. Membership access includes nationwide reciprocity across 2,000+ YMCA locations.

The organization operates a multi-stream nonprofit revenue model. Primary revenue derives from monthly recurring memberships (8 tiers ranging from $25/month for youth to $110/month for households), with program fees for youth sports leagues, swim lessons, camps, martial arts, dance, personal training, and facility rentals providing supplementary income. With close to 150 staff and 500+ volunteers annually, the entity runs community-driven acquisition through word-of-mouth referrals, healthcare partnerships, corporate wellness programs, and events such as Healthy Kids Day and Senior Expo. In 2026, the organization implemented a $1/month rate increase across all tiers and added an insurance partnership with American Specialty Health to enable Silver & Fit (ages 65+) and Active & Fit Enterprise (ages 18-64) reduced-rate memberships. The Open Doors financial assistance program subsidized over $450,000 in program costs and served 877 individuals who could not otherwise afford full membership, funded through individual donations, corporate sponsorships (e.g., NAPA AutoCare Centers since 2007), grants, and foundation support including the DeKalb County Community Foundation and Ideal Industries Foundation.

Name

Kishwaukee Family YMCA

Legal name

Kishwaukee Family YMCA

Website

https://kishymca.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1957

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Kishwaukee Family YMCA is a 60+ year-old community nonprofit in Sycamore, Illinois, serving DeKalb County with a single comprehensive facility offering aquatics, youth sports, summer camps, fitness, and youth development programs to individuals, families, seniors, and corporate partners.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Community Recreation and Youth Development Services

NAICS

Fitness and Recreational Sports Centers (71394), Sports and Recreation Instruction (611620), Recreational and Vacation Camps (except Campgrounds) (721214)

SIC

Services-Membership Sports & Recreation Clubs (7997), Services-Child Day Care Services (8351), Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900)

akta.pro primary industry

Group Fitness, Personal Training & Wellness Coaching (EDALAIAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

Multi-Activity Enrichment Camps (Academic + Arts + Sports) (EDAMALAA), Youth Multi-Sport Camps (General Athletics, Summer Camps) (MPAKAJAA)

Keywords

• Community recreation services
• Youth development programs
• Fitness facility membership
• Swim instruction
• Nonprofit wellness programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Sycamore

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Fees: Monthly membership fees from individual, family, senior, and household memberships. Primary revenue stream supporting operations.
2. Program Fees: Fees charged for youth sports, swim lessons, summer camps, before/after school care, dance classes, martial arts, and other programs.
3. Donations & Annual Campaign: Charitable donations from individuals, businesses, and foundations through annual giving campaigns and capital campaigns.
4. Corporate Sponsorships: Sponsorships from local businesses and organizations supporting YMCA events and programs.
5. Grants: Grant funding from foundations and government programs supporting community health and youth development initiatives.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Kishwaukee Family YMCA is a community nonprofit that sells monthly memberships and program enrollment for access to its Sycamore, Illinois facility, including a wellness center, two indoor pools, gymnasium, sports center, and Kid Zone. It also delivers a broad portfolio of paid programs across aquatics (swim lessons, private lessons, DeKalb County Swim Team), youth and adult sports (tennis, pickleball, martial arts, soccer, basketball, roller hockey, volleyball, dance), summer and school-year day camps, before/after school care and preschool, group exercise classes, personal training, and specialty therapeutic programs (LIVESTRONG, Pedaling for Parkinson's, Project Phoenix), supplemented by facility/birthday party rentals.

Product overview

Kishwaukee Family YMCA is a community nonprofit organization offering a comprehensive portfolio of health, fitness, and youth development programs. The core offerings span five main areas: Aquatics (swim lessons, private lessons, and competitive swim team DCST), Sports & Recreation (youth/ adult leagues and programs, summer camps, martial arts, tennis, pickleball), Healthy Living (50+ group exercise classes, personal training, wellness center, specialty programs like Pedaling for Parkinson's and Project Phoenix), Youth Development (before/after school care, preschool), and Dance (Dimensions Dance Academy for youth and adults). The YMCA operates from a single facility featuring two indoor pools, fitness center with 45+ cardio machines, gymnasium, sports center, and various program spaces. Membership-based access includes facility use, group classes, Kid Zone child watch, and nationwide YMCA reciprocity. The organization also offers facility rentals for birthdays and events, and runs seasonal community events.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• YMCA Membership Monthly facility membership providing access to the wellness center, two indoor pools, group exercise classes, Kid Zone child watch, racquetball court, steam/sauna rooms, indoor track, studio, cycling room, and reciprocal access to 2,000+ nationwide YMCA locations; available in Household ($110/mo), Family ($95/mo), Senior Couple ($73/mo), Single Senior ($48/mo), Single Adult ($58/mo), 1 Adult + 1 Youth ($82/mo), College Student ($39/mo), and Youth/Teen ($25/mo) tiers.
• Swim Lessons Group swim instruction for all ages and skill levels teaching water safety and swimming skills, conducted in indoor pools by certified lifeguards and trained instructors; for youth, teens, and adults in DeKalb County.
• Private Swim Lessons One-on-one personalized swim instruction offering individualized attention for swimmers seeking focused skill development at their own pace.
• DeKalb County Swim Team (DCST) Competitive youth and teen swim team offering structured training and competitive participation for swimmers seeking a team-based aquatic program.
• Youth Sport Programs Comprehensive youth sports instruction including tennis lessons, martial arts (Little Dragon, Youth Martial Arts), roller derby, dance, pickleball, and specialized sports instruction for children and teens.
• Youth Sport Leagues Organized competitive league play for youth in basketball, soccer, roller hockey, and other sports, emphasizing teamwork and sportsmanship; team and individual registration available.
• Adult Sport Programs Adult recreational sports offerings including pickleball, basketball, martial arts, self-defense, tai chi, and dance classes for adult members and non-members.
• Adult Sport Leagues Organized adult league competition in roller hockey and co-ed volleyball for members and non-members.
• Kish Summer Camp Day camp programs for grades K-5th and 6th-8th offering summer activities, field trips, and age-appropriate programming.
• Elburn Summer Camp Summer day camp for children grades K-8th at the Elburn location.
• Camp Power Specialized YMCA summer day camp program offered to youth participants.
• Group Exercise Classes More than 50 free group exercise classes included with membership, including Zumba, yoga, Pilates, cycling, step, bootcamp, water exercise, functional training, and strength & conditioning for teens.
• Personal Training One-on-one fitness training sessions with certified personal trainers to help members achieve weight loss, toning, athletic training, or specific fitness goals.
• Pedaling For Parkinson's Therapeutic cycling program using rapid pedaling (80-90 RPM) to help reduce Parkinson's disease symptoms, based on Cleveland Clinic research showing 35% symptom reduction; free for YMCA members and non-members with doctor's note.
• Project Phoenix Free 12-month program for individuals fighting Class II and Class III morbid obesity, requiring doctor's referral, combining exercise, nutritional counseling, and community support.
• LIVESTRONG at the YMCA Cancer survivor support program helping individuals regain physical strength and emotional well-being after cancer treatment.
• Before & After School Care Supervised child care for school-age children before and after regular school hours, operating in conjunction with local school district D428.
• Preschool Early childhood education program preparing children for kindergarten with developmental activities and social learning.
• Dimensions Dance Academy: Youth Youth dance instruction including Tippy Toes (ages 3-5), Just Dance (grades 1-4), Beginning Tumbling (ages 4-6), and Intro to Astro Cheer (ages 6-9).
• Dimensions Dance Academy: Adult Adult dance classes including Barre Fitness, Beginning Ballet, and Beginning Jazz offered by Dimensions Dance Studio.
• Youth Martial Arts Martial arts instruction including Little Dragon (ages 5-6) and Youth Martial Arts (ages 7-12) teaching karate and kung-fu with emphasis on discipline and self-defense.
• Tai Chi Mind-body exercise class combining deep rhythmic breathing with slow, flowing movements for relaxation and health benefits; available to family members/members at $25/session and non-members at $100/session.
• Pickleball Year-round paddle sport open to all skill levels, with sessions on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday afternoons; free for family members/members and $6/visit for non-members.
• Youth Tennis Lessons Tennis instruction for ages 7-17 with comprehensive training in technique, footwork, and game strategy across multiple skill levels; members pay $65-$131/session and non-members $130-$262/session depending on age.
• Birthday Parties Birthday party packages for children ages 3-12 offering pool parties, sports parties, and science parties at YMCA facilities; priced $200-$350 depending on party type and member status.
• Facility Rentals Rental of Sports Center, Gymnasium, Studio, and Conference Room spaces for events and activities; member and non-member hourly and half-day rates available.
• Open Doors Financial Assistance Financial assistance program offering reduced membership and program rates for individuals and families who cannot afford standard fees; supported by the YMCA's Annual Campaign.
• Indoor Pools Two indoor pools including lap swimming and recreation pools for swimming, lessons, aquatic programs, and pool-based birthday parties.

Quantifiable outcome

• 877 individuals received full YMCA benefits through financial assistance
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• NAPA AutoCare Centers of DeKalb CountyminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 31 July 2026Members of NAPA AutoCare Centers of DeKalb County (including John Volkert at Barb City Automotive, Jon Bockman at Bockman's AutoCare Center, Dan Doty at 3-D Auto Repair, Christie Gabriel at Archer Alignment, Meghan Huber at Motor Works, and Sean Kellett at Think Driven) donated $1,000 to fund youth financial assistance scholarships. NAPA has funded scholarships for children in need every year since 2007.
• Northwestern MedicinecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHealthcare partner providing medical support and referrals for wellness programs. Listed as a major sponsor in community partnership recognition.
• DeKalb TownshipminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal government partner supporting community programs and initiatives.
• City of DeKalbminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMunicipal partner supporting community health and youth development initiatives.
• American Specialty Health (ASH)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInsurance partnership providing Silver & Fit (ages 65+) and Active & Fit Enterprise (ages 18-64) programs enabling members with Medicare/Medicaid or commercial health insurance to receive reduced or free YMCA memberships.
• Congressman Darin LaHoodminorOthersCongressional visit and support for YMCA community initiatives.
• Turning Back Time Car ClubminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLocal car club that gives back to the community through support of YMCA events and programs.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Anytime Fitness: Global 24/7 franchise fitness chain with compact, accessible locations. Competes for convenience-driven adult members and may overlap with the YMCA's personal training and small-group offerings.
• Life Time Fitness: Large premium fitness operator offering pools, group exercise, personal training, youth programs, and family memberships. Competes for the same adult and family fitness segment in DeKalb County and broader Illinois markets with broader geographic footprint.
• LA Fitness: Mid-market fitness chain offering pools, group classes, courts, and family memberships. Competes with the YMCA for multi-generational family fitness memberships in the broader Illinois/Midwest market.
• Gold's Gym: Established global fitness brand offering strength training, group fitness, and personal training. Competes for adult fitness members in DeKalb County seeking traditional gym access.
• Planet Fitness: National low-cost fitness chain with memberships starting around $10–25/month. Directly competes with the YMCA for budget-conscious adults and seniors in DeKalb County on basic fitness access, undercutting YMCA's $48–$110/month price points.
• 24 Hour Fitness: Large multi-state fitness chain with broad amenities including pools, group exercise, and youth programs. Comparable to YMCA's family fitness value proposition at scale across urban/suburban U.S. markets.

Direct peers

• Boys & Girls Clubs of America: National nonprofit operating community-based clubs focused on youth development, healthy living, and character building. Highly comparable to the YMCA's mission-driven, membership-supported, multi-program community service model serving youth and families.
• JCC Association (Jewish Community Centers): National network of Jewish Community Centers offering comparable programming — fitness, aquatics, summer camps, early childhood education, senior services, and community events — under a similar nonprofit community-center model.

Emerging players

• Orangetheory Fitness: Boutique group fitness franchise specializing in heart-rate-based interval training. Competes for the same adult members seeking structured group exercise programming that the YMCA provides through its 50+ free classes.

Regional players

• YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago: The largest YMCA association in the Chicago metro area, operating multiple branches with similar fitness, aquatics, youth sports, and childcare programming. Operates the same YMCA brand and reciprocal membership network, serving a different but adjacent Illinois geography.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company-beta/1197067
• Xx.com/KishYMCA

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 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 Kishwaukee Family YMCA