What is a polar plunge?

A polar plunge is simple: participants jump into the frigid waters of Lake Michigan, while raising money to support local families in need.

When is the next plunge?

Saturday, January 30th 2021 @ Oak Street Beach, Chicago

Who is the Chicago Polar Bear Club?

The Chicago Polar Bear Club (CPBC) is grassroots 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, based in Chicago, dedicated to helping real Chicagoland families. The CPBC holds an annual “polar plunge” event each January to raise money to support a select set of families, who need help to cover medical expenses, find a safe home, care for extended family, etc.

How old do you need to be to take the plunge?

All ages are welcome to join us for our plunge, but participants under 18 years old must have a parent or legal guardian give consent and agree to the waiver.

This is my first time taking the plunge, what should I expect?

Expect to have a great time with hundreds of other plunge’rs! The plunge is a quick dip into Lake Michigan (no diving permitted), followed by a quick dry off. Then join us immediately following the plunge at our after party to celebrate with drinks, food, pictures of the plunge, win raffle prizes, and more!

Can I plunge with a group?

Absolutely! Plunge’ing with a group of friends, family, classmates, or coworkers is a great way to check an item off your bucket list while raising money for a great cause. You can register individually or together on our website. (If you are planning to plunge with a group of 10 or more, contact us for special group rates!)

When do we jump into the water and “take the plunge”?

We plunge at 12noon sharp, but please arrive at the beach by 11:30am to check-in, visit our sponsor booths, buy some plunge merchandise, listen to music, and mingle with the hundreds of other plunge’rs!

Do I need anything special to plunge?

Please come to the beach with the following in order to take the plunge: Your signed waiver (unless you signed online), Closed toed shoes (required for taking the plunge itself), a towel, warm clothes (layers are best), and your best plunge costume (highly encouraged - have fun with it!)

Is there any charge to get into the event as a spectator or supporter?

Nope! Spectators and supporters are welcome to join us to watch the plunge and cheer on participants, free of charge.

TAKE THE PLUNGE

and #DareToCare to help local Chicago families

** Update: The plunge has been CANCELLED due to the extreme weather & beach conditions forecast for Saturday’s Plunge **

Unfortunately, due to the extreme cold weather forecast for this weekend, we have made the very difficult decision to cancel this year’s plunge.

This was not a decision we made lightly. We know how much time, energy, and heart you have all put into preparing and fundraising. However, the safety of our Polar Bears has to be our highest priority, and with the conditions expected, it would not be responsible to go ahead.

While we are disappointed that we cannot plunge together, our after party at HQ Beercade is still going ahead, and we would love everyone to join us to commiserate, connect, and celebrate everything we have achieved together. Let’s raise a glass, swap stories, and recognize the incredible amount of money raised for an amazing cause.

There will be great raffle prizes up for grabs at the after party, and it will also be the place to collect any merchandise you have earned through fundraising.

We are a community, and that is what makes this event so special. Even without the plunge, we cannot wait to see everyone at Beercade HQ to be together, support one another, and celebrate the heart of the Polar Bear Club.

Thank you for your understanding and continued support.

❤️ The Chicago Polar Bear Club

Join us for our 2026 Plunge Registration is now open!

Take the plunge!

2026 Fundraising progress:

Immediately following the plunge…

Thank you for an incredible 2025 Plunge!!

Overall, our 2025 plunge was an incredible success:

1,000 plunge’rs
$115,000+ raised
>1,900 individual donors
146 fundraising pages
100% of all donations going directly to support Chicago families

Be sure to check out our the many photos / videos from this year’s plunge:

In-the water photos from Saxon Kotowski (in-water) & Josh Kotowksi (in-water)
Pictures from Ivan Tejeda (See his other photos on Flickr)
Pictures from Elio Hammersmith (@hammersmithphotography)
Pictures from Victoria Malis (Northwestern)

About the CPBC

The Chicago Polar Bear Club (CPBC) started in 2002 and 20+ years (and plunges) later, over 5,000 participants have helped raise over a $650,000 dollars to support 55 Chicagoland families!

Whether you’re looking to check off a bucket list challenge, get outside during a long Chicago winter, or do some good for your local community, our annual polar plunge is the perfect way to #DareToCare!

A huge thank you to our sponsors who #DareToCare and support the CPBC: