Chicago's bravest (or craziest, depending who you ask) can officially start signing up to run into a very cold Lake Michigan this spring. Registration opened Wednesday for the city's annual Polar Plunge, returning to North Avenue Beach on Sunday, March 1, with organizers already banking on a bigger crowd than last year.
The icy dip is not just for bragging rights. It raises money for Special Olympics Illinois and Special Children's Charities, and every adult participant is asked to bring in at least $200 in donations. Plungers 17 and under can join the fun with a $100 fundraising minimum.
Event details and schedule
According to Special Children's Charities, the Polar Plunge is locked in for Sunday, March 1, at North Avenue Beach. The beach and on-site registration open at 8 a.m., the opening ceremony kicks off at 9:45 a.m., and plunge waves are scheduled to run from 10 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.
Fundraising, perks and turnout
As reported by CBS Chicago, participants are asked to raise a minimum of $200, with a reduced $100 registration level for plungers 17 and under. CBS Chicago also notes that everyone who takes the plunge gets a souvenir T-shirt, a towel and free photo downloads to prove they actually went in the water.
Organizers are expecting more than 5,000 people to show up this time around, after roughly 4,800 plungers raised about $1.8 million at last year's event.
How to register and join a team
Registration and fundraising are handled through the event's official online platform. The registration page lays out options for individuals, corporate teams and school challenges, and notes that larger groups are urged to pick up their packets early.
The plunge platform also lists specific early packet pickup windows and on-site check-in rules designed to keep lines moving on event day.
Getting there and safety
Special Children's Charities says free parking will be available at the Lincoln Park Zoo lot at Fullerton Parkway and Cannon Drive, but warns that the lot can fill up early. Public transit is an option, too, with several bus routes and a nearby Red Line stop within walking distance of the beach.
Event organizers repeatedly stress safety: shoes are required for anyone entering the water, and participants are strongly encouraged to bring warm clothes and a towel to bundle up quickly after their plunge.
Why it matters
The money raised at the Polar Plunge supports year-round Special Olympics Illinois programming, including transportation to competitions, sports equipment, meals and intramural activities, as detailed by ABC7 Chicago. Companies, schools and neighborhood-based teams account for a big chunk of that fundraising, and organizers say the plunge helps sustain athletic opportunities across Chicago's 77 neighborhoods.
To sign up or create a team, head to the event registration page for fundraising tools and wave selection options. Those with questions can email [email protected] for help. With spots and parking both known to fill fast, organizers recommend registering early to lock in preferred wave times and swag.
