A membership with us allows you to invest into our community. We look forward to serving you! At the Y, we’re so much more than a gym.
Show Me MoreThrough the Y’s activities for kids and teens, our youth are cultivating the values, skills and relationships that lead to positive behaviors, better health and educational achievement.
Show Me MoreThe Y’s teen programs and activities provide opportunities for youth to realize who they are and what they are capable of achieving, all while making friends and memories along the way.
Show Me MoreAge is just a number! It is never too late to start getting involved in YMCA activities. Active Older Adults (AOA) at the YMCA experience a strong sense of belonging and create a network of friends who provide support for sustained health and well-being.
Show Me MoreWhen kids experience YMCA Summer Day Camp, they experience something new every day… like the power of a positive mentor, the confidence that comes from trying (and succeeding), and the importance of healthy, long-lasting friendships.
Show Me MoreThe YMCA is the nationwide leader in helping people of all ages feel safe in the water. Each year, the Kankakee Area YMCA teaches thousands of children and adults to swim and certifies a large percentage of area lifeguards. From swim lessons to birthday pool parties to swim team, you'll find water fun at the Y.
Show Me MoreThe Y offers an array of exciting sports programs - whether it’s gaining the confidence that comes with learning a new sport, building the positive relationships that lead to good sportsmanship and teamwork, or learning new skills, participating in sports at the Y is about building the whole athlete, inside and out.
Show Me MoreOur YMCA offers a wide variety of group fitness classes for almost every ability and interest. You'll find low-impact and beginner classes, cardio fitness, dance, Pilates, cycling, yoga and more.
Show Me MoreJoin Our Team at the Kankakee Area YMCA!
We are always looking for committed, passionate, and talented individuals to join us at the YMCA! The YMCA offers a workplace that is all about growing, supporting, serving, and walking alongside our employees.
We have many different opportunities to join our team in multiple different capacities. Whether that be working as a Lifeguard, a Childcare Teacher, a Sports Referee, a Summer Camp Counselor, a Membership Services Staff, and so much more! You can click here: to apply today or on the "Experience the Y!" photo and join our team at the Y!
Working at the Y is not just a job, it's an experience!
Hello Kankakee YMCA Team, Volunteers, and Community,
I couldn’t be more excited—and proud—to be joining you as the new Chief Executive Officer of the Kankakee Area YMCA.
From day one, my focus is simple: build genuine relationships and move forward—together. This Y has a rich legacy of impact, and I’m here to help us dream even bigger. In the next 90 days, I’ll be listening closely, learning what matters most to you, to our members, and to the communities we serve. We’ll take quick action on urgent priorities while mapping a future where every person feels seen, valued, and inspired.
My Y journey started at the Sherwood YMCA, and I’ve spent the last several years leading efforts to expand the Y’s footprint in new communities. I’m a coach, a community builder, and someone who believes deeply in doing the little things right—because they add up to big outcomes. I believe in honesty, heart, and showing up for one another every single day.
My family and I recently relocated from Newberg, Oregon. I’m joined by my incredible wife Jamie—an audiologist and truly the heart of our family—our son Daejeon, and our cat, Hakeem “Keem” Olajuwon.
I grew up in Southern Oregon, in the town of Grants Pass, and I’m a proud graduate of the University of Oregon (Go Ducks). I have a deep love for Italian food, a lifelong passion for basketball, and I’ll admit it now, I’ve been a Lakers fan for as long as I can remember (please don’t hold that against me).
I can’t wait to learn from you, work alongside you, and build something incredible with you. Thanks in advance for your passion, your ideas, and your belief in what’s possible.
Let’s get to work!
David Parker
President & CEO
Kankakee Area YMCA
We offer many different sports programs for all different ages. These sports programs run all year round with different sports seasons! Check out our sports tab!
Know moreEach year, the Kankakee Area YMCA teaches thousands of children and adults to swim and certifies a large percentage of area lifeguards.
Know moreY Kids School Aged Child Care (SACC) is a before and after school aged child care program designed to meet the needs of children with working parents. SACC is designed to help develop children to their fullest potential, to support and strengthen the family unit, and to provide an environment of safety, support and care.
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