Our Story

What began in 1960 as a recommendation to the Evanston Y that Kenneth A. Thiel be permitted to extend the work of the YMCA in the Village of Northbrook, grew into a Y that has directly and indirectly touched the lives of countless individuals.

The first office for the Northbrook YMCA was located in the basement of the Thiel's home. With only one desk, chair, and telephone, the work of the Y took root through the mobilization of key individuals and guidance of community groups like the Deerfield-Northbrook Rotary. On January 4, 1962 the first meeting of the Northbrook Y Affiliated Committee was held. Mr. Walter Johnson was elected President. By the year's end, the Y had an income of $3,952.00 and expenditures of $454.86. Total membership at the end of the first year was 171.