Policies

YMCA of Metro Chicago Policies

Whether you’re a member, guest, program participant, or friend of the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago, we’re glad you’re part of the Y Community! Please be aware that as part of your patronage, you may be subject to certain Y policies (and we reserve the right to modify or change these policies). 
  • As YMCA members, participants, and guests, it is important to remember that we share our facilities with young children, teens, and people of all backgrounds. We can ensure the YMCA remains a safe and positive place for all by demonstrating the YMCA core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility. Members, participants, and guests are expected to exhibit appropriate behaviors at all times, including but not limited to: 

    • Respecting all members, participants, guests, and staff. 

    • Using appropriate language at all times. 

    • Wiping down fitness equipment after each use. 

    • Refraining from resting on equipment between sets, and allowing others to work-in while you work out. 


    All YMCA facilities and equipment should be used for their appropriate purpose at all times. 

    The YMCA of Metro Chicago reserves the right to suspend or cancel a membership or registration if a member’s, participant's, or guest's behavior or language is judged to be in conflict with the welfare of other members, participants, guests, or staff, or is in conflict with the YMCA’s mission. 

  • A request for membership change must be made by the fifteenth (15th) day of the month preceding the request period. For example, if a member wishes to make a change for the month of February, the request must be received by January 15; if the request is received on January 16 or later in January, the change will take effect as of March 1.  

    Please contact Customer Care at 773-905-5115 or [email protected] or visit the front desk at your local Community Hub to complete the process. 

  • While a membership is on hold, all YMCA privileges will be temporarily suspended, and no dues will be drafted from the member’s account during this period. Automatic billing will resume at the end of the hold date as stated on the form that is signed by the member. Additional terms include:

    • A membership hold will be granted for a maximum of three (3) consecutive months.
    • There is a fee of $10 per month on hold, which must be paid in advance of the hold taking effect.
    • A request for membership on-hold must be made by the fifteenth (15th) day of the month preceding the request hold period. For example, if a member wishes to place a hold for the month of February, the hold request must be received by January 15; if the hold request is received on January 16 or later in January, the hold will take effect as of March 1.
    • A membership can only be placed on hold once per calendar year; requests to be placed more than once per calendar year must be approved by your home location’s Executive Director.
  • A member may cancel membership at any time by providing the YMCA notice of a cancellation request by the fifteenth (15th) day of the month preceding the cancellation request. For example, if a member wishes to cancel their membership beginning February 1, then notice must be received by January 15; if the cancellation request is received on January 16 or later in January, the cancellation will take effect as of March 1.

    A cancellation may be made in person, by postal mail return receipt requested, or email with receipt of confirmation. If the member participates in a membership draft payment plan, the YMCA will continue to draft until the member cancels the membership as provided above. Any membership cancellation will be effective as of the next billing cycle. The YMCA  cannot refund the prepaid portion of a membership. Cancellation of membership is not necessarily cancellation of Annual Fund deductions and vice versa.

  • In the event you need to cancel your enrollment in a paid class, please contact the membership desk to request a credit on your account for the unused portion, less any non-refundable deposit. All credit requests must be made prior to the end of the program along with a completed credit request form. Missed classes cannot be made up and credit requests must be made prior to the end of the program.

  • At the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago, we are committed to keeping our community informed with timely and accurate information. To enhance our community efficiency and environmental sustainability, we have adopted the following policy for providing operational notices and information:  

    Primary Communication Method 
    All operational notices and important information will be communicated via email.  This includes, but is not limited to, updates on facility hours, program changes, event announcements, and emergency notifications.  

    Your Responsibilities  

    • Customers are responsible for providing a valid, current, and unique email address to ensure they receive communications from the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago.  
    • Customers should promptly update their email address and other contact information through our website, visiting a front desk, by emailing [email protected], or calling 773-905-5115. 


    Regulatory and Compliance Information 
    Data Protection & Privacy: We comply with all applicable data protection and privacy laws, including the Illinois Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA). For more information, please visit Terms & Conditions

    Opt-Out Communications: You have the right to opt out of receiving communications from us at any time, except in circumstances such as transactions or situations where you agree to being contacted. To opt out of marketing communications, please follow the unsubscribe instructions included in our emails or contact us directly.  

    Emergency Communications: In the event of an emergency, we may use additional methods such as SMS or phone calls to ensure timely and effective communication.  

    Accessibility: We strive to make our communications accessible to all members, including those with disabilities. If you require communications in an alternative format, please contact us to discuss your needs.  

    Compliance with CAN-SPAM Act: We adhere to the CAN-SPAM Act, ensuring that all of our email communications are transparent, provide clear opt-out instructions, and do not contain misleading information.  

  • The YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago’s Terms of Use incorporates the necessary elements of web standards.

  • The YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago’s Privacy Policy incorporates non-identifiable and personally identifiable information, health information, payment information, use of your information, and our commitment to data security, children’s privacy, and donor privacy.