North Suburban YMCA — Local services in Northfield Township

The saddest part of the new YMCA is it's no longer accessible to those who aren't wealthy. I grew up at the Y. I have just discovered that those days are OVER. $708 a year folks! That's twice the price of most gyms. You used to go to the Y because they were reasonable and down to earth. Not anymore. What really hurts is I had to fill out this very invasive application to get the fee reduced. It was so completely humiliating. Invasive as it was I did it even though it really didn't ask the right questions. I've been living in the area so long and I really need to go to the gym because my health is suffering but every time I tried to join the fees were just unmanageable. So I applied then FINALLY they send me a note saying they can give me 10% off like they're doing me a favor. That's $70. They say I make too much money. They didn't take into account that I'm $70k under water on my home. But you know, I'm rich. Someone I know, who is rich actually, said the price was outrageous and so she found she couldn't join. What kills me is I told another woman how great the Y was and I'm trying to convince her to join. I tell her how they do so much and they try to help people. What a crock! I'm so broken-hearted. I always believed in the Y because they cared about the community. They were supposed to be not-for-profit. I guess...

North Suburban YMCA is a good but old facility. Unless you got used to it it feels like a maze, especially since a lot is on the underground level with locker rooms and a gym. Everything feels disjointed as if there is no ryme or reason for where to go. Once you get used to it it's OK but still after years going in there I have to stop and think how to get where I need to go. Also, it's mostly meant for kids facility so a lot of equipment is in various disconnected rooms. Also, the overall price for just adults is high in contrast to the completion around. So unless you are buying into a family membership and have several kids attending classes it may not be worth it. As an example, Pool hours are quite limited...

My family and I have been members of this YMCA for years, and we love the friendly staff members. They all work hard to keep the Y operating smoothly. The programming people are very accommodating and flexible. They added pickleball court time when a group of players asked for more. It's not a new building, and it does show its age: the basketball/pickleball court wooden floors have "dead" boards and protruding bolts; the stairwells are narrow; the locker rooms and shower areas are dingy. Overall, the programming and staff make this fitness center a fine place to exercise...