4,300 Take Polar Plunge into Freezing Lake Michigan for Special Olympics Illinois

About 4,300 plungers ran, screamed and submerged at North Avenue Beach for the 26th annual Polar Plunge, raising about $1.5 million so far for Special Olympics Illinois while organizers pursue a $2 million goal and continue to accept donations through the end of March. The event is the largest fundraiser of the year for Special Children’s Charities, which organized the plunge.

Lake temperatures were reported slightly differently across outlets, with the Chicago Tribune citing about 34°F and the Chicago Sun-Times, NBC Chicago and National Today reporting 35°F; air temperatures that morning were described as in the high 20s by the National Weather Service and reporters also noted strong wind gusts. Organizers and media emphasized the chill: many plungers wore only swimsuits, while others used costumes and team uniforms to raise awareness and money.

Costumes and crowd scenes punctuated the plunge. The Chicago Tribune’s photo captions and photographer Brian Cassella highlighted groups of boys and a Santa suit running into Lake Michigan, while the Chicago Sun-Times credited Candace Dane Chambers for images of participants in crayon outfits, hot-dog and Santa costumes. NBC Chicago and National Today likewise reported a festive atmosphere with colorful costumes and cheering crowds as thousands took the dip.

The plunge mixed levity with grit. Chicago Tribune coverage included Mary Dina, 67, who said she came with her son and tried a below-freezing dip for the first time because she wanted to do something “nutty.” No detailed reports of rescues or injuries were published in the supplied coverage, and National Today noted emergency personnel were on hand to ensure safety during the event.

Fundraising totals at the beach reflected both success and a shortfall against recent highs. The roughly $1.5 million reported so far falls short of organizers’ $2 million goal and trails last year’s $1.7 million total cited on the event website. The Sun-Times recalled a record turnout two years ago when more than 5,000 people joined the plunge and donations reached about $1.9 million, a year that also featured Mayor Brandon Johnson taking the plunge.

Organizers signaled plans to stage the next Polar Plunge on the first Sunday of March 2027, and multiple outlets directed readers to the Special Children’s Charities website for continuing donations. With winter winds and subfreezing water tempered by costumed teams and thousands of participants, this year’s plunge reinforced the event’s role as a fundraiser and community ritual supporting Special Olympics Illinois.