Explore the Stroum JCC: Swimming, Fitness, Camps & Community Events
The Stroum Jewish Community Center of Greater Seattle (SJCC), known locally as “the J,” is at 3801 East Mercer Way, Mercer Island, WA 98040. It offers a heated indoor pool, fitness facilities, gym sports, early childhood education, children’s camps, cultural events and programs for adults and seniors.
The center welcomes people from all backgrounds. You do not need to be Jewish to apply for membership or take part in eligible programs.
Visitor information reviewed October 2026. Program schedules and holiday hours may change.
Quick Answers: What Can You Do at the J?
Fitness center, exercise classes, personal training, basketball, pickleball and other court activities.
Lap swimming, open swim, aqua fitness, lessons and recreational swim team.
Early childhood school, Kidstown after-school care, school-break camps and summer camp.
Jewish holiday celebrations, family activities, film screenings, performances and lectures.
Endless Opportunities activities, social gatherings, discussions and recreational programs.
Meeting rooms, gymnasium, auditorium, indoor pool and other approved rental spaces.
Stroum Jewish Community Center Hours
The fitness center and swimming pool have different closing times. These are the SJCC’s published regular hours, not a guarantee that every activity is available throughout the day.
| Area | Monday–Thursday | Friday | Saturday–Sunday |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fitness Center | 6 AM–9 PM | 6 AM–7 PM | 8 AM–5 PM |
| Indoor Pool | 6 AM–8:45 PM | 6 AM–6:45 PM | 8 AM–4:45 PM |
| J Café | 8 AM–3 PM | 8 AM–3 PM | Check availability |
| Group Fitness | Schedule depends on the specific class. | ||
Upcoming 2026 Holiday Hours
| Holiday | Date | Published Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Thanksgiving | November 26 | 9 AM–3 PM |
| Day after Thanksgiving | November 27 | 9 AM–3 PM |
| Christmas Eve | December 24 | 6 AM–5 PM |
| Christmas Day | December 25 | 9 AM–3 PM |
| New Year’s Eve | December 31 | 6 AM–5 PM |
| New Year’s Day | January 1, 2027 | 9 AM–3 PM |
Other Jewish holidays can also affect access. Before a holiday visit, use the official SJCC hours and holiday calendar.
2026 Membership Rates & Day Pass Prices
The Stroum JCC offers individual, family, household and teen memberships. Published prices are listed below.
For someone visiting the J for one day.
A practical option for a family visiting together.
| Membership Type | Monthly Fee |
|---|---|
| Individual, age 20+ | $88 |
| Dual-adult household | $140 |
| Family, with children up to age 26 living at home | $159 |
| Teen, ages 13–19 | $64 |
| Additional adult, age 26+ in family household | $24 per person |
| College student fitness pass | $219 for 3 months |
Membership Discounts
| Eligible Group | Published Discount |
|---|---|
| Jewish community professionals | 50% |
| King County first responders and City employees | 30% |
| King County educators | 30% |
| Veterans and active military | 30% |
| French American School of Puget Sound families | 30% |
Which Pass Is Better for You?
If you visit four times monthly using $18 individual day passes, the cost is $72. That is less than the $88 individual monthly membership, before considering other benefits.
Five $18 day visits cost $90, slightly more than the $88 individual monthly fee. Membership may offer additional advantages, but compare the minimum commitment before joining.
These examples compare standard published prices only and do not include program surcharges, discounts or membership terms.
For enrollment, discount documents, guest rules and financial assistance, use the official SJCC membership and pricing page.
Programs at Stroum Jewish Community Center
The J combines athletic, educational and social opportunities for different age groups. Use this guide to select the right program before registering.
Fitness center, more than 40 group fitness classes, personal training, basketball, pickleball, volleyball and other recreational activities.
Indoor pool, lap swim, recreational swim, swim instruction, aquatic fitness and recreational swim team.
Early education inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy and Jewish values, focused on exploration, relationships and development.
After-school care for kindergarten through fifth grade, featuring activities such as swimming, crafts and homework help.
Seasonal camps, school-break care and summer activities, with separate enrollment rules depending on age and program.
Films, author discussions, performances, cultural conversations, community gatherings and Jewish cultural programming.
Indoor Swimming: Pool Hours, Lessons & Activities
The SJCC has a 25-yard indoor swimming pool. It supports lap swimming, open swim, water exercise and structured lessons for multiple age groups.
Typical Fall/Winter Pool Schedule
The published September 8–January 31 schedule includes these recurring time blocks. Lane availability can change without notice.
| Activity | Published Schedule Pattern |
|---|---|
| Early lap swim | Weekdays 6–8:55 AM, generally four lanes |
| Aqua Fit | Weekdays 9–9:55 AM; no lap swim during this session |
| Weekday open swim | Selected late-morning, afternoon and evening sessions; lane allocation varies |
| Weekday group lessons | Several afternoon/evening blocks, often limiting or suspending lap swimming |
| Weekend lap swim | 8–9:20 AM and 4–4:45 PM, subject to updates |
| Weekend open swim | 12:50–4 PM, with one or more lap lanes available |
2026–27 Swim Lesson Pricing
| Lesson | Member | Guest |
|---|---|---|
| 30-minute weekly lesson | $145/month | $215/month |
| 45-minute weekly lesson | $215/month | $265/month |
| Recreational swim team | $249/month | $299/month |
Swim Lesson Age Groups
- Parent + Child: 6–36 months, introductory water skills.
- Preschool: Ages 3–6, confidence, body control and independent swimming.
- Youth: Ages 6–12, stroke development, endurance and pre-competitive swimming.
- Adults: Ages 18+, beginner swimming and technique improvement.
- Swim Team: Ages 6–18, recreational team participation with appropriate swimming ability.
How to Register for Swimming Lessons
- Choose the swimmer’s age group. Compare the parent-child, preschool, youth, adult or recreational swim-team options.
- Identify the right skill level. New swimmers may need an assessment by the aquatics team.
- Review the weekly schedule and monthly price. Include the member or guest rate in your budget.
- Start the registration process. New swimmers are first added to a placement waitlist, which does not necessarily mean the class is full.
- Confirm placement. Review the class time, start date, fees and enrollment instructions from SJCC.
Aquatics phone: 206-388-0821.
Fitness Center, Gym & Sports
The fitness center is approximately 3,330 square feet and is described by SJCC as the largest fitness center on Mercer Island. The J also offers a regulation-sized gymnasium, group exercise and recreational sports.
Workout equipment, conditioning opportunities and personal training.
Yoga, Pilates, strength training, interval workouts and other classes.
Basketball, pickleball, volleyball and open gym at scheduled times.
Members can also explore day-use locker facilities, towel service, and recovery amenities including saunas and steam rooms, subject to facility rules and availability.
For fitness questions, contact fitness@sjcc.org or review the official fitness programs.
Children’s Programs, After-School Care & Camps
| Program | Who It Serves | Practical Information |
|---|---|---|
| Kidstown | Kindergarten–Grade 5 | After-school activities including supervised recreation, crafts, swimming and homework. |
| School’s Out J Camp | Generally K–Grade 5 | School-break day camps with scheduled activities. |
| Summer J Camp | Age and grade vary by camp | Sports, arts, swimming, educational activities and specialty camps. |
| Parents’ Night Out | Eligible children | Scheduled evening care and supervised activities. |
| Schwartz Early Childhood School | Young children | Early education with its own admissions, enrollment and school calendar. |
School’s Out Camp Published Rates
| Option | Member | Guest |
|---|---|---|
| Core day, 9 AM–4 PM | $89/day | $98/day |
| Extended care until 6 PM | $20/day | $22/day |
| Late pickup | $1 per minute per camper | |
Registration generally closes one week before a School’s Out camp date, subject to program conditions. Ask whether an existing Kidstown enrollment affects your extended-care fee.
Summer J Camp Planning
The completed 2026 Summer J Camp ran June 22 through August 21, with weekly activities generally from 9 AM to 4 PM and optional extended care. Programs served children from pre-kindergarten through tenth grade, depending on the camp.
Those dates are historical, not upcoming registration dates. Families planning a future summer should check the next published season, age eligibility, registration priority, transport arrangements, financial assistance, pickup instructions and refund rules.
Before Registering a Child
- Confirm school grade and program age requirements.
- Check registration deadlines, deposits and cancellation terms.
- Prepare emergency contact and authorized pickup details.
- Ask about medical information and allergy accommodations.
- Check transportation, lunch arrangements and extended care.
- Save payment and enrollment confirmation.
Arts, Jewish Life & Senior Activities
SJCC is not just a fitness facility. Its cultural calendar includes events reflecting Jewish life alongside programs designed for the wider Greater Seattle community.
Films, performances, lectures, visiting speakers, literature and community discussions.
Jewish cultural celebrations, family gatherings, Shabbat-related programs and community activities.
Endless Opportunities programming includes social gatherings, discussions, learning experiences, games and group outings.
Teen volunteer activities, social programs, leadership opportunities and Jewish community experiences.
Some public gatherings are free; others require tickets or registration. Always review the individual event details for entry requirements, cancellation policies, age restrictions and accessibility.
For general programming questions, contact community@sjcc.org. For performances and ticketing, contact boxoffice@sjcc.org or call 206-388-0833.
Room, Auditorium & Facility Rentals
The SJCC offers rental spaces for meetings, celebrations, bar and bat mitzvahs, birthday parties, performing arts programs and other approved events.
Seven rooms are included in the center’s published rental inventory.
Suitable for selected performances, presentations and organized community events.
Rentals may be available for approved sports, aquatic or special activities.
The Kesher Community Garden is another SJCC community space, although garden plot availability is limited. The official rental page currently states that individual garden plots are not available to rent.
How to Request a Rental
- Choose the event type. Determine whether you need a meeting room, auditorium, gym, pool or other space.
- Estimate attendance. Include expected guests, accessibility requirements, equipment and any catering needs.
- Prepare possible dates. Include event start, setup and cleanup times.
- Contact the rental team. Request availability, capacity, pricing, staffing, rules and contract requirements.
- Submit an official request. Use the facility’s rental request process and review the written agreement before paying.
The public rental page does not publish one universal rate for every room, so specific quotes must come from SJCC.
Stroum Jewish Community Center Map & Directions
3801 East Mercer Way
Mercer Island, WA 98040
The campus is on Mercer Island near Interstate 90, convenient for trips from Seattle, Bellevue and the surrounding Eastside.
SJCC states that ample free on-site parking is available.
First VisitAllow time for parking, welcome-desk check-in, signing a guest waiver and finding the appropriate activity area.
Who Should Contact Which Department?
| Question | Contact |
|---|---|
| General information / Front Desk | 206-232-7115 info@sjcc.org |
| Membership and billing | membership@sjcc.org |
| Aquatics and swim lessons | 206-388-0821 aquatics@sjcc.org |
| Fitness and personal training | fitness@sjcc.org |
| J Camp and youth programs | camp@sjcc.org |
| Community programs | community@sjcc.org |
| Schwartz Early Childhood School | schwartzecs@sjcc.org |
| Rentals | rentals@sjcc.org |
| Arts and ticketing | 206-388-0833 boxoffice@sjcc.org |
First-Time Visitor Checklist
- Choose the activity before checking hours.
- For swimming, verify the appropriate lap-swim or open-swim session.
- Compare a day pass with membership fees and minimum commitments.
- Ask whether your class or program costs extra.
- Bring identification and be ready to complete any guest waiver.
- For children’s programs, verify registration and pickup requirements.
- Check holiday hours and event-specific announcements.
- Use 3801 East Mercer Way for directions and allow check-in time.
Related Community Center Guides
If you’re comparing community-center membership benefits, pool schedules or activities, these additional guides may be helpful.
Official Information & Registration
The key information for planning your visit is provided above. Use the following official SJCC resources when you’re ready to complete an action or verify a changing schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Stroum Jewish Community Center located?
Stroum Jewish Community Center is located at 3801 East Mercer Way, Mercer Island, WA 98040. The main telephone number is 206-232-7115.
What are the Stroum JCC fitness center hours?
The fitness center is normally open Monday through Thursday from 6 AM to 9 PM, Friday from 6 AM to 7 PM, and Saturday and Sunday from 8 AM to 5 PM. Holiday schedules may differ.
How much does a Stroum JCC day pass cost?
The published individual day pass costs $18, while a family day pass costs $35. Guests must complete the applicable waiver.
Do you need to be Jewish to join the Stroum JCC?
No. Stroum Jewish Community Center welcomes individuals and families from all backgrounds, although particular programs can have specific enrollment and participation requirements.
Does Stroum Jewish Community Center have an indoor pool?
Yes. Its 25-yard indoor swimming pool offers lap swim, open swim, aquatic exercise, swimming lessons and recreational swim-team activities. Check the activity-specific pool schedule before visiting.
How much are swim lessons at Stroum JCC?
For 2026–27, published monthly prices are $145 for members and $215 for guests for 30-minute weekly lessons. The 45-minute weekly lessons cost $215 for members and $265 for guests.
What children’s programs are available at Stroum JCC?
Programs include Schwartz Early Childhood School, Kidstown after-school care for kindergarten through fifth grade, School’s Out J Camp, summer camps, swim lessons and other youth activities.
Does Stroum Jewish Community Center have free parking?
Yes. The official SJCC rental information describes ample free on-site parking at its Mercer Island campus. Event-specific arrival arrangements should still be confirmed with the organizer.
Can I rent a room or auditorium at Stroum JCC?
Yes. SJCC accepts rental inquiries for meeting rooms, its auditorium, gymnasium, indoor pool and other approved event spaces. Pricing depends on the space, date and event requirements. Contact rentals@sjcc.org.
How do I contact Stroum Jewish Community Center?
Call the main desk at 206-232-7115 or email info@sjcc.org. For swimming lessons, contact aquatics@sjcc.org or call 206-388-0821. Membership questions can be directed to membership@sjcc.org.