North Suburban YMCA Launches Winter Session 2 and 'Y Try-It Week: Bring a Friend Free'

The Y offers flexible program sessions and a free trial week to encourage community participation.

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

The North Suburban YMCA is inviting the community to stay active, explore new interests and experience its wide range of programs with the launch of Winter Session 2 and a special 'Y Try-It Week: Bring a Friend Free' event, running February 23 through March 1. During this one-week campaign, current participants are encouraged to bring a friend to experience a YMCA program at no cost, offering families and individuals a chance to explore new activities, meet instructors and discover the supportive community at the Y.

Why it matters

The YMCA's flexible program structure and free trial week aim to make it easier for busy families and individuals to access the organization's wide range of fitness, sports, dance, aquatics, enrichment, and visual and performing arts offerings.

The details

The initiative coincides with the start of Winter Session 2 (February 23 – April 19), part of the YMCA's new flexible program structure designed to better fit busy family schedules and budgets. Participants can choose from three shorter sessions throughout the season: Winter Session 1 (January 5 – February 22), Winter Session 2 (February 23 – April 19), and Spring Session (April 20 – June 7). Registration for Winter Session 2 is open now, and families are encouraged to enroll early, as many programs have limited space.

  • The 'Y Try-It Week: Bring a Friend Free' event will run from February 23 through March 1, 2026.
  • Winter Session 2 at the North Suburban YMCA will take place from February 23 through April 19, 2026.

The players

North Suburban YMCA

A community-based organization that serves Northbrook and 14 surrounding communities, helping individuals of all ages grow stronger in spirit, mind and body through its focus on Youth Development, Healthy Living and Social Responsibility.

Ricky Gonzalez

The Senior Director of Youth Programming at the North Suburban YMCA.

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What they’re saying

“At the Y, we understand that families are balancing more than ever. Our flexible sessions and Try-It Week allow participants to explore new activities, build confidence and experience the benefits of our programs in a welcoming environment.”

— Ricky Gonzalez, Senior Director of Youth Programming (Patch.com)

What’s next

Registration for Winter Session 2 at the North Suburban YMCA is open now, and families are encouraged to enroll early as many programs have limited space.

The takeaway

The North Suburban YMCA's flexible program structure and free trial week aim to make it easier for busy families and individuals to access the organization's wide range of wellness, creativity, and community-building offerings.