North Suburban YMCA Honors Lester Lampert

Northbrook, IL – The North Suburban YMCA (NSYMCA) is proud to celebrate and recognize the Lampert family, whose legacy of community involvement, athletic passion, and philanthropic support has made a lasting impact across generations. With deep roots in both Northbrook and Chicago, the Lampert family has long been a pillar of the YMCA community and a shining example of leadership and service.

At the heart of this story is Lester Lampert, patriarch of the Lampert family and a longtime racquetball enthusiast, who has been playing at the North Suburban YMCA for over 45 years. Now celebrating his 85th birthday, Lester continues to play racquetball with his grandsons—Jacob “JJ” Lampert, Alex “AlPal” Lampert, Jake ”Stretch” Lampert-West and Jordan “Just Jordan” Lieberman —a cherished family tradition that began on his 70th birthday and continues annually.

“The Y has always been one of my favorite places,” says Lester Lampert. “When I was asked what I wanted to do for my 85th birthday, it was to play racquetball at the Y with my grandsons! I love that I can share these moments with them. The Y is a place that connects people and is the center of the community—I’m proud to be a part of it.”

“Celebrating with ‘Zayde’ and spending time together as a family is always so much fun,” says Alex, Lester’s grandson. “Playing racquetball with my grandfather is something I always look forward to and no matter who wins, I’m just grateful for the time we share on the court together,” adds Jake, his brother.

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The Lampert family’s bond through sport is matched by their deep generosity. Lester’s business, Lester Lampert Jewelers, located at 7 E. Huron Street in Chicago, has long supported the NSYMCA through sponsorships and charitable contributions. Their philanthropy has helped expand the Y’s programming and outreach to families across the North Shore.

“Lester has been a wonderful support to our YMCA and gives back to our community time and time again,” says Kathy Fielding, CEO of the NSYMCA. “His family’s generosity, leadership, and ongoing involvement truly embody the values of the Y.”

Since 1920, the Lampert name has been a leading force in jewelry design. Over the years Lester Lampert Jewelers has received numerous accolades, including induction into the National Jeweler Retailer Hall of Fame, the industry’s highest honor. Lester’s artistic creations have been showcased in esteemed venues like The Field Museum’s Grainger Hall of Gems, Loyola University Museum of Art, and even the Vatican Museum. His custom pieces have adorned global icons such as Pope John Paul II, Michelle Obama, Billy Jean King, Kim Kardashian, Walter Payton, Dorothy Hamill, Scottie Pippen, Michael Jordan, to name a few.

Lester and his wife, Maureen reside in Northbrook, IL. Together they raised two children, Fradine Kipnis and David Lampert, who is now the CEO and fourth generation at Lester Lampert Jewelers, continuing the family legacy of craftsmanship and community involvement.

To learn more about membership, sponsorship, or making a donation to the North Suburban YMCA, visit www.nsymca.org or contact Kim Nyren, Director of Community Investment, at knyren@nsymca.org.

About the North Suburban YMCA

The North Suburban YMCA services Northbrook and 14 surrounding communities with programs and tools that help its residents become healthier, more connected, and confident, ensuring that everyone, regardless of age, income, or background, has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive. The NSYMCA focuses on Youth Development, Healthy Living, and Social Responsibility and is a 501(c)3 charitable organization, inclusive and welcoming to all in our community. Learn more at NSYMCA.org.