Shaw JCC of Akron

Overview

• Facility Type: The Shaw Jewish Community Center (JCC) of Akron is a comprehensive community fitness and wellness center located on a 60-acre Schultz Campus for Jewish Life. It functions as a multifaceted hub offering fitness, aquatics, recreation, youth programs, early childhood education, and community-building activities rooted in Jewish values, open to all ages and backgrounds regardless of religious, marital, sexual, or economic status.
• Overall Atmosphere and Experience: Emphasizing a caring, inclusive community, the JCC is described as a “second home” that inspires values, fosters connections, promotes wellness, and provides a safe, secure environment. Members enjoy a welcoming vibe with friendly staff, group classes, family programs, and social opportunities in a supportive, non-judgmental space focused on personal growth, fun, and lifelong health.

Features & Amenities

• Fitness Center: State-of-the-art equipment, group exercise studios, InBody scans for body composition tracking, and specialized programs like J-Fit: Strong (small-group strength training with progressive overload).
• Aquatics: Indoor and outdoor pools for swim lessons (American Red Cross certified), aqua fitness classes (e.g., Water Werks), and family swim times.
• Sports Courts & Gyms:
  • 2 full-size indoor basketball courts + 1 outdoor.
  • 3 outdoor tennis courts.
  • Racquetball courts (reservations available).
  • Full-size gymnasium.
  • Pickleball courts (indoor/outdoor, free for members with schedules).
  • Outdoor sports fields and basketball/tennis courts.
• Childcare: Drop-in services for ages 6 weeks–12 years during fitness hours ($40 unlimited card), with strict health policies and reservations.
• Early Childhood Education: Mandel ECE Center (infants–preschool, Mon–Fri 8am–5pm) with gym, pools, enrichment (ballet, soccer, Spanish), lending library, and 99% kindergarten readiness.
• Additional Amenities: “My Akron J” app for class reservations/check-ins, free open gym/pickleball times, outdoor spaces on 45+ acres, and family-oriented events.

Services

• Fitness Classes: Diverse group ex led by certified instructors (TRX, Spinning, Zumba, Pilates, Yoga, SilverSneakers, Kettlebell, Barre, Vinyasa, WERQ, AquaFit). Schedules via app; examples: TRX (T/Th 5pm), Spinning (T/F 6am), Mat Pilates.
• Aquatics Programs: Group/private swim lessons (Baby & Me, Preschool, Levels 1–5, Adult), water safety training.
• Youth & Family Programs: Sports (golf, track, soccer, swim lessons, Camp JCC, TigerKids martial arts), restorative yoga, school-age care.
• Special Programs: J-Fit: Strong ($192M/$258G for 4 weeks), Adaptive Tai Chi workshops, holiday fitness events.
• Membership Services: Tours, workplace discounts, family support programs; staff support for questions (e.g., Fitness Director Anthony Ange).
• Community Events: Videos highlight Camp JCC, 50th anniversary, inclusive messaging (“You Belong at the J!”);

Pricing

• Membership: Rates via membership_rates page; benefits include free access to facilities/classes/pickleball/open gym. Workplace discounts available.
• Programs/Classes:
  • Many free for members (group ex, open play, childcare card $40 unlimited).
  • J-Fit: Strong: $192 members / $258 guests (4 weeks, includes InBody scans).
  • Pickleball non-members: $30/month or $2/day.
  • Childcare: $40 card (no expiration); guests $5–$10 for events.
  • Swim lessons/private: Register via app/phone; min. 3 participants.
• Non-Members: Pay-per-class/use fees; e.g., SilverSneakers options.

Location & Hours

• Location: Schultz Campus for Jewish Life, 750 White Pond Drive, Akron, OH 44320. 60-acre site with ample parking, enhanced security; near Jewish Family Service and Lippman School.
• Operating Hours: Vary by area (fitness/childcare 8am–11am/4:30–7:30pm most days); holiday closures/reductions (e.g., New Year’s 8am–1pm, major Jewish holidays closed, Thanksgiving closed). Full 2025/2026 schedules listed; check “My Akron J” app for updates/open gym/pickleball.

Notes

• What Makes This Special: Rooted in Jewish values (community, philanthropy, inclusivity), the Shaw JCC stands out as a holistic wellness destination beyond workouts—building friendships, Jewish identity, and family bonds. 100+ year history (renovated 2004–2005), affiliated with JCC Association of North America. Unmatched facilities (pools, courts, 45 acres), expert staff (e.g., 20+ year instructors), high educator ratios in ECE, and community impact (e.g., food drives). No sauna explicitly mentioned, but excels in aquatics, strength training, and adaptive programs for all abilities. Emphasizes safety, progress tracking, and fun; ideal for families, seniors, youth.