1001 S. Wright St., Champaign, IL 61820 | M-TH 9A-9P,
F 9A-5P, Sa-Su events only | hello.ymca@universityymca.org | (217) 337-1500 |
Leading change since 1873. The University YMCA is one of the oldest independent non-profits in the area and among the first campus YMCAs in the U.S. We engage college students, faculty, staff and community members in creating lasting, positive change. Learn more about our journey.
The YMCA of the University of Illinois was founded in 1873. The University's first President (Regent), Baptist minister John Milton Gregory, led a daily chapel service that every student was required to attend but students wanted a religious organization of their own. So began the University YMCA.
Today we are a stand-alone non-profit that serves and engages the university community, with no dedicated financial support from the University. We are student-centered and community-focused.
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Founded among the first campus YMCAs in the U.S.
Campus YMCAs nationwide in the early 1900s vs. 2025.
See the list
Independent campus associations - a stand-alone non-profit.
Homes on campus, including our building at Wright & Chalmers since 1937.
More than 150 years of serving students and the community.
The Y begins with Bible studies and service projects in Room 23 of Adelphus Hall, in the University's original building.
The Y helped students find housing from the earliest years. In 1908 it built Association Hall, housing 88 students — later purchased by the University and renamed Illini Hall.
The Y begins organized services for international students — then 201 students from 31 countries. Today the U of I has more than 10,000, and the Y still runs cooperative programs with them.
After four earlier locations, the Y moves into its current building on the corner of Wright and Chalmers, in the heart of campus.
One of the Y's earliest projects was the free “Student Handbook,” later called the “I Book.” The Y published it for students until 1955, when the University took it over.
As Illini Hall, our 1908 building, was demolished, we recovered the time capsule placed inside it.
See what we found →Over time we have worked to become a more inclusive, justice-focused organization, willing to tackle the toughest challenges facing our local and global communities. The Y is home to student organizations focused on:
Meet the Y-affiliated student organizations →Archives, histories and features about the University YMCA.
Browse nearly 1,500 Friday Forums across 100 years, plus our 150th-anniversary collection.
The Y at 150, featured in the 2023 alumni magazine.
Read the feature (PDF) →
1001 S. Wright St.
Champaign, IL 61820
Mon–Thu 9a–9p
Fri 9a–5p
Sat–Sun events only
We do not have swim or fitness facilities. For the Stephens Family YMCA, call (217) 359-9622.
© 2026 University YMCA. All rights reserved.