What is the Tucson J? What do you offer? 

The Tucson J is a non-profit community center that serves over 9,000 members and many more guests in our 110,000 square-foot facility. Alongside our comprehensive fitness and wellness offerings, we also have year-round childcare programs, including a holistic early childhood education program and summer and winter camps for kids.  

Our programs range from arts and culture, sports and wellness, children and family, and healthy aging. Amenities and programs include:  

• A state-of-the-art Fitness and Wellness Center 

• A full-court gymnasium 

• A year-round junior-Olympic-sized heated swimming pool 

• An outdoor splashpad and indoor play space for kids 

• Six tennis courts and three pickleball courts at the Sarver Tennis Center 

• Indoor racquetball and squash courts  

• Tucson’s only public-access sculpture garden 

• An indoor Fine Art Gallery 

• Arts + culture events, classes, and workshops 

• An Early Childhood Education program for infants through pre-k 

• Summer and Winter Camp J 

• Afterschool program for school-aged children 

• Sports leagues and lessons for kids and adults 

• And so much more!  

Do I have to be Jewish to be a member of the J? 

No, at the Tucson J, everyone belongs! Guided by Jewish values, we welcome and invite people of all backgrounds to enjoy our facilities and offerings — that is what makes the J so special!  

How can I learn more about my Jewish background? 

Tucson has a strong Jewish community that we are proud to be a part of. Throughout the year, we host a variety of Jewish arts and culture events, like our Tucson J International Film Festival or Community Shabbat, which bring our community closer together.  

If you are looking for other ways to get involved in the community or in need of additional resources, we have strong partnerships with Jewish organizations across Tucson. Please contact Tucson J Senior Director of Jewish Living + Engagement, Jennifer Lorch Selco, at jselco@tucsonjcc.org to learn more.  

What’s Challah? 

Challah is a type of braided bread typically eaten on Shabbat and many of the major Jewish holidays. At the Tucson J, you will see that we sell challah at the Welcome and Wellness Desks at the end of each week, making it easy for families to get a loaf for Shabbat.  

Shabbat is a day of rest, beginning at sundown on Friday and ending on Saturday evening. It is an opportunity to reflect and reconnect with ourselves and others. At Shabbat dinner, we say Ha’Motzi, the blessing for challah, and share the bread with each another.  

Do you offer financial assistance for rent or utilities? 

No, the Tucson J does not offer rent or utility assistance, but our partners at Jewish Family and Children’s Services of Southern Arizona do. Please reach out to them at jefa@jfcstucson.org.  

I want to join the Tucson J but don’t have the financial means. Do you offer scholarships? 

Yes, we offer financial aid based on need and financial circumstances. Financial assistance can cover up to 75% of fees and can be applied to membership or childcare program costs.  

Click here to apply for assistance and learn more about the process.