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Ymca Instructor Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Crossroads YMCA

Assistant Swim Instructor

Gary, IN · On-site

$11/hr

HOBART FAMILY YMCA | 601 W. 40th Place, Hobart, IN Tuesdays & Thursdays in July: 11 AM-2 PM ... The Assistant Swim Instructor will maintain a supportive, positive atmosphere that welcomes and ...

Crossroads YMCA

Assistant Swim Instructor

Hobart, IN · On-site

$11/hr

The Assistant Swim Instructor will maintain a supportive, positive atmosphere that welcomes and ... Follows all YMCA policies, rules, regulations, and procedures, including emergency and safety ...

Crossroads YMCA

Assistant Swim Instructor

Hammond, IN · On-site

$11/hr

The Assistant Swim Instructor will maintain a supportive, positive atmosphere that welcomes and ... Follows all YMCA policies, rules, regulations, and procedures, including emergency and safety ...

YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago

Swim Instructor

Chicago, IL · On-site

$18/hr

Join our team as a Swim Instructor and become a community hero! Why This Job Is for YOU: * Great ... Free YMCA Membership: Enjoy access to our facilities and discounts on programs * Build Your Future:

YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago

Swim Instructor

Chicago, IL · On-site

$18/hr

Join our team as a Swim Instructor and become a community hero! Why This Job Is for YOU: * Great ... Free YMCA Membership: Enjoy access to our facilities and discounts on programs * Build Your Future:

YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago

Swim Instructor

Chicago, IL · On-site

$18/hr

Join our team as a Swim Instructor and become a community hero! Why This Job Is for YOU: * Great ... Free YMCA Membership: Enjoy access to our facilities and discounts on programs * Build Your Future:

Crossroads YMCA

Group Ex Instructor I

Gary, IN

$15/hr

Group Centergy July 18 & 19 | Schererville YMCA | 221 US-41 N, Schererville, IN Group Core July ... The Group Exercise Instructor I is responsible for providing high-quality instruction and guidance ...

Valparaiso YMCA

BARRE INSTRUCTOR

Valparaiso, IN · On-site

$12/hr

The Barre Instructor supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening ... Follows YMCA policies and procedures; responds to emergency situations. Obtain and maintain ...

Valparaiso YMCA

BARRE INSTRUCTOR

Valparaiso, IN · On-site

$12/hr

The Barre Instructor supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening ... YMCA COMPETENCIES (Team Leader): Mission Advancement : Models and teaches the Ys values. Ensures a ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsYmca Instructor JobsYmca Instructor Jobs in Chicago, IL

Ymca Instructor information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$10

$21

$37

How much do ymca instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for ymca instructor in Chicago, IL is $21.84, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $24.76 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a YMCA instructor?

YMCA Instructors are professionals who lead classes and programs at YMCA facilities, often focusing on fitness, aquatic activities, youth development, or community education. They are responsible for creating a safe, welcoming environment and ensuring participants have a positive, engaging experience. YMCA Instructors may teach group exercise, swim lessons, youth sports, or enrichment activities, and they often require certifications in first aid, CPR, and their area of instruction. Their role also includes motivating members, ensuring safety, and fostering the YMCA's core values of respect, responsibility, honesty, and caring.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a YMCA instructor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a YMCA Instructor, you need expertise in fitness instruction, CPR/First Aid certification, and relevant fitness or recreation qualifications. Familiarity with fitness equipment, scheduling software, and group class management systems is typically required. Strong communication, motivational skills, and the ability to adapt to diverse participant needs are valuable soft skills. These competencies ensure safe, engaging, and inclusive programs that support participants' health and wellness goals.

What are some common challenges YMCA instructors face when leading group classes, and how can they overcome them?

YMCA Instructors often encounter challenges such as managing diverse participant skill levels, maintaining engagement, and adapting lessons for varying age groups. To overcome these, instructors should prepare inclusive lesson plans, foster a positive and supportive environment, and utilize flexible teaching methods to accommodate all participants. Effective communication and ongoing professional development also help instructors address group dynamics and ensure safe, enjoyable experiences for everyone involved.

What is the difference between Ymca Instructor vs Lifeguard?

AspectYmca InstructorLifeguard
CertificationsCPR, First Aid, YMCA Instructor CertificationCPR, First Aid, Lifeguard Certification
Work EnvironmentTeaching classes, leading activities, engaging with participantsMonitoring pool, ensuring safety, rescuing swimmers
Job FocusInstruction and program deliverySafety and rescue

Ymca Instructors primarily focus on teaching and leading activities, requiring certifications like CPR and YMCA Instructor Certification. Lifeguards concentrate on pool safety, rescue, and prevention, with certifications like Lifeguard Certification. While both roles require CPR and First Aid, their daily tasks and environments differ significantly. Understanding these distinctions helps job seekers find the right position aligned with their skills and interests.

Ymca Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Ymca Instructor job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 53% Full Time, 42% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,468 per year, or $21.9 per hour.

GROUP EXERCISE INSTRUCTOR

Valparaiso Family YMCA

Valparaiso, IN • On-site

$12/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Re-posted 2 days ago

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY:
The Group Exercise Instructor supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. This part-time position supports the Wellness team by welcoming people of all skill and fitness levels and modifies class as needed to meet varied health, ability and cultural needs. Effectively builds community within classes.
OUR CULTURE:
Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day. We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger, beginning with you.
BENEFITS:
Free Y membership.
Discounted family membership
Child Watch hours available free of charge
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Leads energizing, fun, safe, and educational group classes, as directed by the supervisor, to accomplish the YMCA mission and goals.
  • Asks and answers questions from program participants and members to support them in achieving their goals related to health and well-being.
  • Maintains working knowledge of wellness and trends to provide effective information and support to members.
  • Builds effective, authentic relationships with members; helps members and program participants connect with each other and the YMCA.
  • Observes and adjusts approach to support all participants' capabilities, physical conditions, health, and culture.
  • Celebrates achievement of program participants related to program or personal goals, mastering of specific skills or overall health and well-being.
  • Follows YMCA policies and procedures; responds to emergency situations. Obtain and maintain required training(s).
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Required certifications: CPR, AED, national certification (ACE, NETA, AFAA, NASM) in group fitness instruction or YMCA Foundations of Group Exercise certification within 90 days of hire (only CPR and AED required for dance instructors.)
  • Certification in formats taught (or appropriate experience for dance instructors.)
  • Internal training completed within 45 days of hire.
  • At least one year of experience teaching group wellness classes preferred.

SALARY:
Minimum starting rate of $12 an hour
Starting rate based on experience
SCHEDULE & LOCATION:
Part-time
Flexible hours, but daytime availability is required
Kouts Public Library - Mileage reimbursement included
WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disability to perform the essential functions.
1. Physical ability and stamina to perform the duties as outlined above, including but not limited to extended periods of sitting, standing, and walking, bending, stooping, reaching, lifting, and carrying up to 30 pounds.
YMCA COMPETENCIES (Team Leader):
Mission Advancement : Models and teaches the Ys values. Ensures a high level of service with a commitment to changing lives. Provides volunteers with orientation, training, development, and recognition.
Collaboration : Champions inclusion activities, strategies, and initiatives. Builds relationships to create small communities. Empathetically listens and communicates for understanding when negotiating and dealing with conflict. Provides staff with feedback, coaching, guidance and support.
Operational Effectiveness : Provides others with frameworks for making decisions. Conducts prototypes to support the launching of programs and activities. Develops plans and manages best practices through engagement of team. Holds staff accountable for high-quality results using a formal process to measure progress.
Personal Growth : Shares new insights. Facilitates change. Model's adaptability and an awareness of the impact of change. Utilizes non-threatening methods to address sensitive issues and inappropriate behavior or performance. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well. Uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology.
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