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Club
4 STAR ENDURANCE
[email protected] (312) 880-7811
Multisport events nearby
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Distance: 960 m from ChicagoTue, Jul 07, 2026 at 4:00 PMSee full details
SUPPORTING THE COMMUNITY FOR 14 YEARS
Open Water Swim CHICAGO was launched in 2012 to help new triathletes and novice swimmers experience open water swimming in a safe, non-intimidating environment. Since inception, more than 20,000 participants have directly enhanced their swim abilities from our clinics and special events!
These community-focused sessions provide participants with expert coaching, gear check, wetsuit rental opportunities, life guard support and post-event socials with fellow participants and coaches.
While we're best known for developing aspiring adults, OWS Chicago also serves experienced triathletes looking to refresh their skills and/or push themselves with fellow enthusiasts. Veterans often enroll in the Swim-On-Your-Own or the competitive Aquathlon options to stay focused on their performance goals.
EVENT OPTIONS
The Open Water Swim CHICAGO series features three ways to participate:
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Open Water Swim Clinics: Small group swim instruction for beginner, intermediate or advanced-level swimmers looking for open water tips and techniques.
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Swim-On-Your-Own: This option is for those participants who prefer to utilize the event services (gear check, wetsuit rental, etc) but swim independently.
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Competitive Aquathlon: Swimmers complete a 750m or 1500m swim followed by a 3.1 mile (5k) run along the lakefront.
OUR COACHES
The historic success of this entire swim operation revolves around support from our dedicated coaching community. Dozens of incredible local event professionals and coaches support each of our sessions. OWS Chicago is constantly incorporating new, qualified triathlon and swim-savvy coaches into the clinic curriculum. These sessions are a great way to give back to the sport, as well as meet potential new personal training clients. Please email us should you be interested in lending a hand.
SERIES PARTICIPATION
This may be a series, but the four sessions operate independently. Participants may enroll in one, two, three or all sessions -- relative to their goals and preference for learning in the small group environment. Participants should use these sessions to grow familiar with swimming in Lake Michigan, eventually gaining confidence to return with others and train on their own.
EVENT LOCATION
All OWS Chicago sessions are hosted at Ohio Street Beach located at 600 N. Lake Shore Drive in downtown Chicago. Parking can be tricky in the area, so we strongly recommend reserving a nearby garage using SpotHero.
ENTRY DETAILS
Registration rates open at a nominal $22 plus typical service fees for all swim clinic or swim-on-own sessions. Prices will increase to $30 within two weeks of each session. The Aquathlon fee is $30, rising to $40 within the same two week window (see schedule below):
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Session #1 (May 27): Price increase (from $22 to $30, or $30 to $40 for Aquathlon) on Tuesday, May 13
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Session #2 (June 24): Price increase (from $22 to $30, or $30 to $40 for Aquathlon) on Tuesday, June 10
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Session #3 (July 22): Price increase (from $22 to $30, or $30 to $40 for Aquathlon) on Tuesday, July 8
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Session #4 (Aug 19): Price Increase (from $22 to $30, or $30 to $40 for Aquathlon) on Tuesday, August 5
Event capacity is limited to 150 participants per timeblock, many of which will sell-out in advance. Each Aquathlon will be limited to 75 participants. Participants must be 18 years or older by the event day. Participants must be able to tread water on their own, comfortably place their face under the surface, and maintain some level of forward propulsion to enroll.
WETSUIT RENTALS
Wetsuits are very common for open water swimming and triathlon. Not only do swim-specific wetsuits provide a bit of warmth against cold water temperatures (Lake Michigan water temperatures range between 55-75°F through the season), but they're constructed of neoprene -- providing an incredible amount of buoyancy to keep swimmers afloat and more hydrodynamic. It's estimated that 70% of athletes utilize a wetsuit for triathlon swimming.
If you don't own a wetsuit, you're in good hands. Our friends from Urban Tri Gear provide a small inventory of demo wetsuits for use during the sessions (excluding the final event on August 19). A $25 rental fee applies, which can be used as credit towards purchase of a new wetsuit. Urban Tri Gear also offers 5-day wetsuit rentals ($55 sleeveless, $65 full-sleeve) as part of these sessions. The walk-up rental opportunity is great for last-minute needs, but we strongly recommend you contact them in advance to secure your rental suit that's guaranteed to fit you. They will coordinate all logistics.
If you're able, we encourage you to try-out multiple wetsuits (long sleeve, sleeveless, swim skins, etc.) before you purchase one for yourself. It's a good idea to know what makes you most comfortable in the water, and to continually use the same wetsuit for the majority of your training and racing.
REFUND POLICY
These events have a strict no-refund and no-transfer policy, especially due to the limited capacity. If you are unable to attend for any reason, you are not eligible for reimbursement. Should the session be cancelled, management will do its best to offer a make-good relevant to the situation but refunds will not be issued. Thank you for understanding.
MORE DETAILS
Are you ready to learn more about Open Water Swim CHICAGO?
Explore our three event options by clicking the links above.
Click Here to learn more about the actual Event Day experience.
View prior event photos and updates on our Facebook or Instagram pages.
Click the "Register" button if you're ready to commit (opens to the public March 24).
Send us an email with questions or other needs.
We look forward to seeing you at Ohio Street Beach!
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Distance: 1.2 km from ChicagoFri, Jul 10, 2026See full details
Rising from the shores of Lake Michigan, Chicago is a city defined by its towering skyline, deep-seated sports legacy, and an unmistakable Midwestern grit. From the historic steel of the "L" trains to the vibrant energy of its world-class waterfront, the "Windy City" offers a high-octane atmosphere where legendary architecture meets a community that prides itself on hard work and resilience.
The event takes over the expansive exhibition halls of Navy Pier, providing a high-energy indoor environment with breathtaking views of the lake. Over three days, competitors will face the signature 10-zone, 5km course, featuring everything from the high-stakes Elite and Age Group heats to the heavy-duty Ruck challenge. Whether you’re grabbing a partner for 2-person teams, gathering a squad for the 4-person format, or braving the grueling DEKA FIT Ultra, Chicago offers a world-class stage to test your mettle.
GIVEAWAY SHIRTS
Those who registered early and were among the first 1000 to earn the exclusive DEKA giveaway shirt will receive an email with instructions on how to claim your reward. Please keep an eye on your inbox and email [email protected] if you have any questions.
DESIGN YOUR WEEKEND IN CHICAGO
Master your race weekend with MARK, the official Chicago DEKA FIT guide covering critical event details and the best local spots to eat, stay, and play. Don't leave your trip to chance. Download MARK now to conquer the city and the arena.
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Distance: 2.3 km from ChicagoSat, Jul 11, 2026 at 11:59 PMSee full details
Please familiarize yourself with all rules and requirements for the event. Details can be found here https://www.midwestultracycling.com/mishigami
Pairs Category:
Each rider must have their own tracking device (Spot, InReach, etc). The same rules apply as solo riders, but they apply to the pair as a whole. No outside assistance is allowed for the pair. Sharing equipment, drafting, support, and resources between the two riders is fully permitted.
Please reach out to [email protected] with any additional questions.
Interested in supporting grassroots ultra racing? Email [email protected] for details on sponsorship packages.
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Distance: 4.8 km from ChicagoSat, Jul 11, 2026 at 9:00 AMSee full details
Mujeres on the Run is here again to empower and celebrate women in the community through its 5k Run and Walk. The Mujeres on the Run 5k fosters running as a way to stay healthy, build positive relationships, and share time with family and friends. This event is open to everyone regardless of gender. Everyone is welcome to join us in one of the most exciting races in Chicago.
The funding from this event will support programs at Centro Romero including leadership, civic participation, domestic violence prevention, English and GED classes, immigration services, and after-school programs.
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Distance: 4.3 km from ChicagoSun, Jul 12, 2026 at 7:00 AMSee full details
Polka Run 5K – First Inaugural Edition
Welcome to the first-ever Polka Run 5K! This unforgettable race is proudly part of the Lithuanian Folk Dance Festival, taking place July 10–12 at McCormick Place Convention Center in Chicago.
The polka is a lively, joyful traditional dance known for its fast tempo and playful spins — the moment the music starts, your feet can’t help but twirl in circles! So what better place to celebrate the polka spirit than with the stunning Chicago skyline as your backdrop?
If you love to dance, come polka your way through the course. If you’d rather run — then run! Whether you take polka steps or running strides, enjoy the breathtaking views along Lake Shore Drive and the shores of Lake Michigan, cheered on by an amazing crowd. Wear the vibrant colors of the Lithuanian flag — yellow, green, and red — and turn the 5K into a moving celebration of culture and community, like autumn leaves dancing along the path!
Walkers are warmly welcome too! This is a limited-capacity event, so register soon and secure your spot to experience the run, the music, the energy, and the unforgettable Lithuanian vibe.
Join us for a celebration of movement, culture, and community — see you at the starting line!
Every runner and walker gets a distinctive, custom finisher medal — a memorable piece you’ll be excited to wear and show off!