Registration for Polar Plunge® Chicago for Special Olympics Illinois presented by Special Children's Charities is now open!
Don't miss this iconic Chicago winter event!
Registration for Polar Plunge® Chicago for Special Olympics Illinois presented by Special Children’s Charities is now open! Join us at North Avenue Beach on Sunday, March 1 to support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Chicago!
Whether you go knee-high, waist-high or all the way under, make a splash and sign up today!
Help us meet our goal
Why Plunge?
By taking the plunge, you help Special Children’s Charities fund Special Olympics Illinois programs that provide sports and athletic activities for athletes of all ages throughout Chicago’s 77 neighborhoods. Your participation empowers individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to discover new strengths and achieve personal milestones.
Join in the Fun!
Get Involved
Challenge yourself or bond with friends, family, or colleagues. Junior and High School teams can join our school challenge.
Fundraising
Your support helps us continue to carry on the mission of Special Children’s Charities and support Special Olympics Illinois programs.
We encourage online donations for efficiency, but if donating by check, please make it out to:
Special Children’s Charities
2 E 8th Street, Suite 2M
Chicago, IL 60605
Corporate Partners and Teams
Form a Corporate Team or becomae a Corporate Partner.
Find out more about becoming a corporate partner.
Corporate Sponsors
Interested in becoming a corporate partner? Contact Ann Hartnett, Director of Development, at ann.hartnett@specialchildrenscharities.org.
Media Requests
For media inquiries, interview requests, or additional information, please contact Maura Bruton at maurabruton@gmail.com.
General Questions
For all other questions, contact us at events@specialchildrenscharities.org or 312-527-3743
Location:
North Avenue Beach
1601 N. Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, IL 60614
What to Bring
Pack warm clothes, shoes, and a towel.
Shoes are required to participate.
Costumes are encouraged for our costume contest!
Schedule
8:00 AM: Beach and registration open
9:45 AM: Opening ceremony
10:00–11:15 AM: Plunge waves
Amenities
Enjoy complimentary hot chocolate.
Capture the moment at our selfie stations!
Early Registration
Transportation & Parking:
Public transportation options available (bus routes and Red Line)
Free parking at Lincoln Park Zoo at 2400 N. Cannon Drive (Zoo parking often reaches capacity early, so plan accordingly).
Metered parking along Cannon Drive
There is no public parking in the North Avenue Beach lot.
