The Evanston YMCA was founded in 1885 to "promote mental, moral, physical and social welfare." We remain true to the spirit of that mission, but have expanded to serve everyone in our diverse community.

The Evanston YMCA was renamed the McGaw YMCA in 1984 in appreciation of a major gift from the Foster McGaw family. Our membership is over 10,000 and we serve an estimated 20,000 people each year across all our programs.

Recreational Facilities
In 1994, the Grimm Family Aquatic Center addition provided a 6-lane lap pool, whirlpool, multi-purpose rooms, and family locker rooms in addition to the existing 4-lane pool.

Our facility expanded again in July of 2002 with the completion of the Sebring-Lewis Center, which includes a 30,000 square foot gymnasium, an indoor running/walking track, and several multi-purpose rooms.

In 2003, we opened a new fitness center with over 50 cardio training machines, a 15-station strength training circuit, a comprehensive Hammer Strength free weight area and our new Group Exercise Studio.

In 2009, we purchased 29 new pieces of cardio equipment for our fitness center.

Other Facilities
In addition to our facility at 1000 Grove Street, the McGaw YMCA offers programs at three other sites: the McGaw YMCA Child Care Center at 1420 Maple Street, the Foster Reading Center at 2010 Dewey, and Camp Echo in Fremont, Michigan.

While our Y may look quite different from the one started in 1885, we share a vision with the YMCA of the past. Through supporting healthy living, youth development, and social responsibility, we strengthen the foundations of our community.