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Club
Swim events nearby
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Distance: 44.2 km from Lake ForestTue, 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: 21 km from Lake ForestSun, Jul 12, 2026
Join us for the ET Lake Zurich Triathlon on Sunday, July 12, 2026 from Paulus Park in Lake Zurich!
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The Olympic Triathlon is a 1500 meter swim, 40K bike and 10K run.
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The Sprint Triathlon is a 750 meter swim, 22K bike and 5K run.
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The Duathlon is a 5k run, a 40K bike and a 5k run.
Event details and schedule
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Distance: 36.4 km from Lake ForestSun, Jul 19, 2026 at 7:30 AMSee full details
Join us for the 9th Annual Crystal Lake Aquathon
Sunday, July 19th, 2026
We are happy to bring back the Crystal Lake Aquathon for the 9th year! This annual event will be returning to the ideal confines of Three Oaks Recreational Center in Crystal Lake, IL. As the original Illinois Aquathon, this race will offer 4 timed options. All proceeds from the race benefit Girls on the Run of Northwest Illinois!
Timed Races
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Sprint Distance (500m swim, 5k run)
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Olympic Distance (1 mile swim, 10k run)
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2 Mile Swim
-1 Mile Swim. Please note the 1-mile swim does not include awards but is timed.
The swim portion takes place in a modified quarry (swim around 3 islands!), and the run is on a combination of trail, sand, and pavement. Wet suits will be allowed if it is below 78 degrees (decision to be made by City of Crystal Lake staff based on water temperature).
Kids' Race
The Kids' Race is perfect for anyone ages 7-12 that would like to try the Aquathon but needs a shorter distance. It includes a 100m swim and a 1 mile run. Swag is included, along with a swim cap. All Kids' Race participants will receive a finisher's medal however there are no awards. Lifeguards and a swim angel will be in the water with the swimmers for safety and encouragement. There is a relay option, so if your child wants to partner with a friend, it's a great way for them to compete together!
Adaptive Race
The Adaptive Race will be a one mile swim only. Swimmers will be allowed physical support from their own family/friends only for protection of the racers and volunteers and may use adaptive equipment in the water as needed.
Course Maps
Start Line
Swim Course Map
Kids Swim Course Map
Run Course Map (new course coming soon! Hint - it's a loop around the water thanks to the City of Crystal Lake!)
Kids Run Course Map
Race Day Schedule
Awards and Celebrations
At the completion of the race, we will celebrate with a post-race party overlooking Three Oaks. Food and beverages will be provided. Food for participants only!! We will have an award ceremony this year!!! Awards will be given for 1st, 2nd, 3rd place for the sprint, Olympic, and 2-mile swim. There will be no awards for the kids, adaptive, relay races or 1 mile swim.
Stay after to enjoy all that Three Oaks has to offer: swimming, sailboat and paddle board rentals, scuba diving, children's playground/splash park, volleyball, fishing, and fun in the sun!
2026 Finisher Medals
The 2026 Aquathon medals will be handmade by the local Girls on the Run chapter of Northwest Illinois. Every medal will be unique and made with love and made with the perfect amount of star power.
2026 Race Swag
Photo coming soon!
Packet Pick-Up
Packet pick up will be occurring at the following three times:
Friday 7/17 3:00pm - 6:00pm at Smith Physical Therapy and Running Academy
(110 W. Woodstock Street - enter on the west/left side of the building where you will see a ramp and blue awning)
*Please note, you will still be required to check-in on race day to receive your timing chip.
Saturday 7/18 9:00am-12:00pm at Smith Physical Therapy and Running Academy
(110 W. Woodstock Street - enter on the west/left side of the building where you will see a ramp and blue awning)
*Please note, you will still be required to check-in on race day to receive your timing chip.
Sunday, 7/19 6:00am-7:00am at Three Oaks Recreation Center (Race Site)
Other Notes:
Wetsuits: Wetsuits are allowed if the water temperature is 78 or lower.
Weather: In the event of inclement weather, the City of Crystal Lake’s Fire Department will be making the call to delay or cancel the race. At this time there is not a make-up date due to a shortage of lifeguards and there are no refunds.
All athletes must be checked in by 7:00am.
Interested in sponsoring the Aquathon to support Girls on the Run? Please email Melissa at [email protected] or click HERE for more info:
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Distance: 23.2 km from Lake ForestSun, Jul 26, 2026 at 6:30 AM
This course is sure to challenge the beginner to the elite athlete! Register as an indivdual or relay team. Sprint or Olympic distance available.
Event details and schedule
See event details on the event website at http://waucondaparks.org/wauconda-sprint-triathlon/.
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Distance: 26.8 km from Lake ForestSun, Jul 26, 2026 at 7:00 AMSee full details
The Great Lake Plunge is Evanston's only open water swimming event. The swim consists of three events: 4K, 2K, 1K. This is a not-for-profit event which provides grants to support local water safety training and awareness This is a unique, family friendly event that will leave an impression for years to come. Visit our website for detailed information.
The racecourse is a 1K GPS buoyed rectangle. Swimmers will start at the southwest corner and be directed clockwise, first heading northwest, then turning northeast before returning southeast and finally southwest, back to the starting area. Buoys will be placed at the corners and halfway points.
The 1K swimmers swim 1 loop, 2K swimmers 2 loops, and 4K swimmers 4 loops.