Thousands Brave Icy Waters of Lake Michigan for 26th Annual Polar Plunge Benefiting Special Olympics Illinois

2026 Polar Plunge Chicago: Many brave frigid Lake Michigan, raise over $1.5M for Special Olympics

Thousands braved the cold waters of Lake Michigan for this year's Polar Plunge Chicago, raising more than $1.5 million for Special Olympics Illinois.

Edmonton Police brave icy waters for Special Olympics fundraiser

Members of Edmonton's police force took the plunge Sunday, joining more than 100 participants at the annual Polar Plunge in support of Special Olympics Alberta.

Swimmers brave 30-degree Lake Michigan waters in Polar Plunge to benefit Special Olympics Illinois

Thousands of swimmers took a leap into Lake Michigan at North Avenue Beach Sunday morning to raise funds for the Special Olympics Illinois at the 26th annual Polar Plunge. Plunge organizers said around 4,300 people came to dive into waters that were around 34 degrees on a morning with temperatures in the high 20s, according to the National Weather Service. Many wore nothing more than swimsuits. Some dressed up in costumes such as The Lorax or a …

Swimmers jump in frigid Lake Michigan for annual Polar Plunge

With air temperatures hovering below freezing Sunday morning, thousands of Chicagoans decided it was a great day for a swim.About 4,300 swimmers gathered at North Avenue Beach for the 26th annual Polar Plunge, put on by Special Children's Charities. Each year, participants raise money for Special Olympics Illinios, and this year's group has garnered more than $1.5 million in donations, falling short of the $2 million goal and down from last year…

Thousands brave icy waters of Lake Michigan for 26th annual Polar Plunge benefiting Special Olympics Illinois

Chilly temperatures on the first day of March won't stop thousands of people from jumping into Lake Michigan off Chicago's North Avenue Beach on Sunday morning.

Polar Plunge Chicago raises more than $1.5 million, officials say

Thousands of brave souls plunged into the frigid waters of Lake Michigan on Sunday morning, and it was all for a good cause. The annual Polar Plunge Chicago, benefitting Special Olympics Illinois, attracted more than 4,300 individuals to the shores of Lake Michigan on Sunday morning, with participants diving into water that was a chilly 35 degrees, according to organizers. The annual event is put on by Special Children’s Charities, and many of t…