Chicago Polar Bear Club

Your guide to the various Polar Bear Clubs in Chicagoland... 

Upcoming Polar Bear Swims:



Chicago Polar Bear Club
North Avenue Beach, Chicago, IL
Friday, January 1st, 2010
12:00noon


Ring in the New Year with a splash and set an adventurous tone for the upcoming year!  We meet at North Avenue Beach near the north end of the beach house just prior to Noon for pictures.  Wear your swimsuit under your warm clothing.  We'll all disrobe together and take group pictures in swimsuits before going in the water.  Then we'll run in together, get wet, run back out and get dressed quickly.  You'll be really cold for about 5 minutes total, probably spending less than 30 seconds actually in the water, unless you want more.  Spectators are always welcome.

Rules:
1.  Swimsuits only.  No nudity (it's a family event) and no wetsuits (that's cheating).
2.  Swimmers must go all the way under the water before coming out to be "official."
3.  No whining!

Parking: There are two very convenient options.  There is parking at North Avenue Beach and also a larger lot on the east side of the Lincoln Park Zoo (enter on Fullerton just west of Lake Shore Drive and then cross the pedestrian overpass to access the beach area). 

Fine Print:  While some participants or spectators who are medical professionals, there is no official medical support on site.  Participate only if you are willing and able.  Like anything, there is probably some risk so if you have medical considerations please check with your doctor before participating.  The Chicago Polar Bear Club a group of adventurous friends, not a formal organization and thus there isn’t anyone to sue if you don’t like being cold!   The founder and organizer for the New Years Eve Swim is Leesa Drake .  No need to sign up, just show up at noon on New Year's Day!



Big Cat Polar Bear Club
North Avenue Beach, Chicago, IL
Friday, January 1st, 2010
Time: 8:45am


"You'll Freeze Your Paws Off."  Brian McDougall is the founder and organizer of this event.





Lakeview Polar Bear Club
Celebration of Shrinkage - 2010
Oak Street Beach, Chicago, IL
Saturday, January 30th, 2010
Noon (arrive at 11:30am)


 

 



http://www.lakeviewpolarbearclub.com/

While there are many fantastic charities that raise money for good causes, the LPBC raises money for a specific family because it allows us to truly make a difference in one family’s life each year. This year, they will be helping the Nate Jones and the Pond Family.  Brian Marchal is the founder and organizer of the Lakeview Polar Bear Club.  If you can only make one polar bear swim event this year, we suggest the Lakeview Polar Bear Club's event.







10th Annual Chicago Polar Plunge
North Avenue Beach, Chicago, IL
Sunday, March 7th, 2010
9:30am - Registration/Check in


http://www.chicagopolarplunge.org/site3.aspx 

This city sponsored event asks that all participants raise a minimum of $100 to benefit the Chicago Special Olympics.  Please direction questions to:  Email





 

 

 






Local Polar Bear Club Organizers: 

January 1st, 12:00noon
Leesa Drake
leesaruns@aol.com

January 1st, Time: 8:45am
Brian McDougall
bigcatpolarbearclub@yahoo.com

January 30th, 11:30am
Brian Marchal
LakeviewPolarBearClub@Gmail.com


December Swimming
Nathan Mustain nathanm79@gmail.com

March 7th, 2010, 8:30am (Donations Required)
Special Olympics Chicago
scc@sochicago.org

General Polar Bear Questions:
Allan Doeksen
ChicagoPolarBearClub@gmail.com


Local Polar Bear Club
Websites:

Brian Marchal's Lakeview Polar Bear Club
www.lakeviewpolarbearclub.com

Nathan Mustain's I.C. Plunge
luc.edu/orgs/invisibleconflicts


Chicago Mayor's Office Chicago Polar Plunge (Donations Required)
www.chicagopolarplunge.org


National and International Polar Bear Websites:

The World Cold Water Swimming Championships
www.slsc.org.uk/wwsc2008/index.php