It's almost time for the Chicago Polar Plunge presented by Jackson!

The 24th Annual Chicago Polar Plunge presented by Jackson is almost here!

Make a splash at the 24th Annual Chicago Polar Plunge presented by Jackson! Register now and join us at North Avenue Beach on March 3 for an iconic Chicago winter event. We'll be there with thousands of participants, plus friends, families, and celebrities to help Special Olympics Chicago/Special Children's Charities support Chicago’s athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Make a donation

Check out the official participant shirt for the Chicago Polar Plunge presented by Jackson! This year's shirt celebrates Chicago icons! Every participant who signs up and raises $200 receives one!

And don't forget we have amazing fundraising incentives if you take your fundraising to the next level! Check out the items!

Start your fundraising

Volunteers needed for Thursday, March 29!

We're looking for volunteers to help us set up for the Chicago Polar Plunge presented by Jackson on Thursday, February 29 from 1:00–4:00 PM. This is a great opportunity for small corporate groups or clubs to help us make the event a success! Lunch will be provided and you'll receive a volunteer shirt!

Associate Board Trivia Night

The Special Olympics Chicago/Special Children's Charities Associate Board is excited to kick off the Chicago Polar Plunge season with their first fundraiser of the year! Join the Associate Board at Pilot Project on February 22 for a night of trivia hosted by Chicago's Whaddayaknow? Trivia. A variety of awesome raffle prizes will also be offered.

Find out more and purchase raffle tickets

Join #TeamSpecialOChicago for the 2024 Chicago Marathon

We still have open spaces for this year's Bank of America Chicago Marathon! Join #TeamSpecialOChicago and you’ll receive a guaranteed spot, a refunded entry fee after raising the fundraising minimum, fundraising tips and toolkits, a discounted training program, and the best race day headquarters and cheering section at mile 25.5! Best of all, as part of #TeamSpecialOChicago, you'll be supporting Special Olympics Chicago/Special Children's Charities athletes all across Chicago!

Athletes in Action

Our athletes have had a busy month with tons of exciting activities, classes, competitions, and events. Check out some highlights of their fun and accomplishments.

Alpine Ski Rookie School

88 new skiers travelled to Wilmot Mountain to try out skiing for the first time at Alpine Ski Rookie School. We love providing our athletes with the opportunity to learn a new and exciting sport! More than 10 of these skiers advanced to the Midwest Classic Invitational which is happening this week!

Soccer Intramurals

Soccer Intramurals were held at the end of January at four locations around the area. Spanning three weekdays, more than 2,300 athletes participated and had a great time!

Athlete Leadership Council Annual Luncheon

In January, this year's Athlete Leadership Council held a fun luncheon at Connie's Pizza to kick off their 2024 year! Soon after, they held their first meeting to begin planning activities and events for the year.

Winter Family Opportunities

It's winter time and the Chicago Park District is offering some fun weekly activities for athletes and their families. Don't miss opportunities for indoor rowing and bowling!

See the full schedule

Are you a Special Olympics Chicago/Special Children's Charities athlete who wants to join our classes and activities?

Join our list

Athlete Artwork Feature

Our artwork for February is by Amelia Hernandez and it is called "Girl Power!" Amelia knows a thing or two about Girl Power–She participated in the first Special Olympics Games at Soldier Field in 1968 and has been competing ever since! Powerlifting is one of her favorite sports and she has lifted as much as 165 lbs!

Special Olympics Chicago/Special Children's Charities

2 E 8th Street, Suite 2M

Chicago, IL 60605

312-527-3743 scc@sochicago.org