JCC Chicago - Mayer Kaplan JCC in Skokie, Skokie

Started in 2005 by four-time Olympic gold medalist Lenny Krayzelburg, this aquatic academy offers a learn-to-swim program for children of all ages. In their nearly 10 years in operation, Krayzelburg and crew have taught thousands of children how to be safe, proficient swimmers.

During group classes, private lessons, and parent-tot sessions, the team uses a seven-level SwimRight curriculum to build proper form. The approach starts with helping kids get into the water and assisting them during back floats and basic drills. As students progress through the program, they learn to master the freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly. Advancement to a new level is marked with color-coded swim caps.