University YMCA - UIUC

09/15/2026

Welcoming Week is in full swing! View the full calendar and Immigrant Business Showcase coupons by visiting: nawc.universityymca.org/programs/welcoming-week.

09/11/2026

Whoever thought the Y couldn't come up with new surprises or fresh takes on an art gallery event was proven wrong when a mariachi band showed up at Art @ the Y. 🎺

Jose Vazquez is a Mexico-born, Chicago-raised artist, muralist, and illustrator whose work blends bold color, public art, and community storytelling. With decades of experience, he continues to transform spaces through his art. Welcome week was truly a special experience and had a strong start because of him.💛🦋

09/09/2026

Join us at the opening reception TOMORROW, September 10 at 5:00 to celebrate the spirit of Welcome with live mariachi music, performance by UHS Ballet Folklorico de los Tigres, and food from Maize!

Murals are not only about bright colors and beautiful imagery, they can be powerful community tools. This exhibition is a glimpse into how an artist working with local people on mural projects can showcase the beauty and diversity of community and the positive impact that can have on everyone involved.

Jose Vazquez is a Mexico-born, Chicago-raised artist, muralist, illustrator, and concept artist whose work spans public art, fine art, and digital media. For more than three decades, he has created artwork that transforms public spaces through bold color, dynamic composition, and community storytelling. Vazquez began his artistic career in Chicago's graffiti movement, where he became an original member of the renowned DC5 Crew, helping establish it as one of the city's most respected graffiti collectives.

09/08/2026

Swipe to see highlights from the Bailey Scholar Reception! We’re so happy to have celebrated and recognized this year’s scholars. ✨

08/25/2026

TOMORROW, join us for our annual Welcome Back Open House! Meet new and familiar faces around the Y, learn how to get involved, and enjoy some Y Thai eggrolls!

08/21/2026

Welcome Back Open House
August 26, 2026
11:30am-1pm
At the University YMCA Building
1001 S. Wright St., Champaign IL
Across Wright Street from Lincoln Hall

Center for Civic Education & Justice (CCEJ) and the University YMCA invites you to come visit the building, learn more about our programs, and more!

08/21/2026

08/18/2026

The Pavilion is FULL!!! Our staff and volunteers are working hard to get everything ready for you to shop this weekend!

WHAT?
A little bit of everything... Bicycles, Household Items, Furniture, Clothing, Electronics, and so much more!

WHEN?
Saturday, August 22
8:00am to 3:00pm, $5 admission (free with a student ID)

Sunday, August 23
11:00am to 2:00pm, $3 to fill a bag and 1/2 price furniture
2:30pm to 3:00pm: "Free sale" (Everything must go!)

WHERE? University of Illinois Stock Pavilion, 1402 W. Pennsylvania

08/12/2026

There are still a few more days left to drop off your items at Dump & Run! All donations will be sold at the Big Sale on August 22-23. Donate and volunteer to help us divert 30+ tons of used goods from the landfill!

Volunteer sign up link: https://signup.com/client/invitation2/secure/5132611600117/false #/invitation.

More information: https://www.universityymca.org/dump_and_run

08/06/2026

We are looking for our next Director of Development & Membership! To apply or learn more, visit www.universityymca.org/careers

Marc has accepted the position of Director of Advancement for the Performing Arts, in the College of Fine & Applied Arts at UIUC. It's a marvelous fit for him given his passion for music, as well as his parents' history with the School of Music, where they met in grad school, and his dad's long-tenure there as a faculty member. We are so grateful for everything Marc has poured into our community, and we couldn't be more excited to see him step into a role that connects so deeply to his own story.