John Rolfe YMCA in western Henrico to close its doors in October after two decades

HENRICO COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- The John Rolfe YMCA in Henrico County will be closing its doors in late October after two decades due to significant costs as a result of the lease terms.

The YMCA of Greater Richmond announced on its website that the John Rolfe YMCA, a gym located inside a Publix store in the western part of Henrico, will close on Friday, Oct. 31, after two decades, citing rising costs due to a changing agreement as the reason for its closing.

"We worked diligently to reach an agreement with the building owner," the YMCA of Greater Richmond said. "However, the lease terms would have required the Y to take on significant costs for an aging facility. This level of expense would not have been a responsible use of member and donor resources."

Officials said that, despite the western Henrico location closing, memberships will be valid at all 16 YMCA branches. The YMCA of Greater Richmond encouraged members to visit the newly renovated Tuckahoe Family YMCA or explore other locations.

Y officials added that they will lock in current John Rolfe membership rates through October 2026, and will waive the $20 annual maintenance fee that would normally be charged in October 2025.

Staff members will remain on-site through Oct. 31 to answer questions and guide members through the transition, with some staff and instructors transferring to other branches.

Officials said updated schedules will be shared at a later date and ensure that no staff positions will be eliminated due to the closure.

The western Henrico gym within a store originally opened to "help accommodate the growth of the Tuckahoe Y, John Rolfe quickly became a beloved part of our YMCA family," per a social media post from John Rolfe Family YMCA.

“The John Rolfe Y has been a place where thousands of families and individuals have found connection, wellness, and belonging," said Chris Hughes, chief Experience Officer of the YMCA of Greater Richmond in a statement provided to 8News. "While this chapter is ending, our mission and commitment to serving the Greater Richmond region remain as strong as ever."

This news comes a few weeks after the YMCA of Greater Richmond unveiled its new community-built playground at the Chester Family YMCA on Thursday, Sept. 4.