This summer, Chicago teens have the opportunity to access YMCA facilities for free, thanks to a new partnership between the city and the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago. The initiative, known as the Get Summer program, was announced by Mayor Brandon Johnson and aims to provide teens aged 12-18 with free memberships from June through August 31.
The program is designed to offer young people access to fitness centers, gymnasiums, basketball courts, swimming pools, and other recreational spaces across seven YMCA locations in the city. This effort comes as city officials seek to address the challenges posed by large youth gatherings, sometimes referred to as ‘teen takeovers,’ which have occasionally resulted in violence.
Mayor Johnson emphasized the importance of creating safe and engaging spaces for young people, stating, ‘By opening doors to free recreational opportunities and welcoming spaces for teens across our city, we can build confidence, foster belonging, and open new opportunities.’
Addressing Youth Gatherings
The initiative follows recent incidents over Memorial Day weekend, where large gatherings led to violence and arrests. These events have sparked ongoing debates at City Hall about the best approach to manage such gatherings. While some officials advocate for stricter curfews and parental accountability, Mayor Johnson supports youth programming and community spaces as part of a long-term strategy.
Community leaders and residents have pointed out that enforcement alone is insufficient to address the issue, citing the influence of social media and the lack of structured activities for teens. Alderman Desmon Yancy highlighted the disappearance of traditional gathering places like malls and arcades, which previously offered safe spaces for teens.
The YMCA partnership aims to fill this gap by providing a positive environment for teens to socialize and engage in healthy activities. Adam Alonso, president and CEO of the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago, expressed hope that the program will serve as many as 5,000 teens, removing barriers and opening doors to new opportunities.
In addition to the YMCA memberships, the Mielle Cares foundation announced a $250,000 Summer Opportunity Fund to support youth-centered gathering opportunities, further enhancing the initiative’s impact.
Teens interested in the free membership must provide proof of age and Chicago residency, with those under 17 requiring an adult during registration. More information is available on the YMCA’s website.
Original reporting: Block Club Chicago — read the source article.
