The annual Polar Plunge Chicago, benefiting Special Olympics Illinois and Special Children’s Charities, took place Sunday, March 2, 2025, at North Avenue Beach. Over 4,000 people jumped into the frigid waters of Lake Michigan, with an air temperature in the 20s. The event’s goal this year was to raise $2 million.
A participant in a polar bear costume emerges from Lake Michigan, with temperatures in the 20s, on March 2, 2025, during the annual Polar Plunge benefiting Special Olympics Illinois. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)Participants run out after plunging into Lake Michigan with temperatures in the 20s during Polar Plunge Chicago. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)The first wave of participants run into Lake Michigan on March 2, 2025, during the annual Polar Plunge benefiting Special Olympics Illinois. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)A participant dives into Lake Michigan with temperatures in the 20s on March 2, 2025, at North Avenue Beach during the annual Polar Plunge benefiting Special Olympics Illinois. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)Participants stage a battle in Lake Michigan with temperatures in the 20s on March 2, 2025. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)Participants run into Lake Michigan with temperatures in the 20s during the annual Polar Plunge. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)Participants jump into Lake Michigan with temperatures in the 20s at North Avenue Beach. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)Participants splash into Lake Michigan at North Avenue Beach with temperatures in the 20s on Sunday, March 2, 2025, during the annual Polar Plunge benefiting Special Olympics Illinois. About 4,800 people dove into the 35-degree water. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)Observers wade into the water at North Avenue Beach to watch participants run into Lake Michigan with temperatures in the 20s during the annual Polar Plunge benefiting Special Olympics Illinois. About 4,800 people dove into the 35-degree water. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)Participants prepare to run into Lake Michigan with temperatures in the 20s on March 2, 2025, during the annual Polar Plunge. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)A participant emerges with seaweed after running into Lake Michigan with temperatures in the 20s on March 2, 2025, during the annual Polar Plunge benefiting Special Olympics Illinois. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)Chicago Fire Department members splash into Lake Michigan with temperatures in the 20s during the annual Polar Plunge benefiting Special Olympics Illinois. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)The Shannon Rovers lead participants into Lake Michigan with temperatures in the 20s during the annual Polar Plunge benefiting Special Olympics Illinois. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)A costumed participant offers flowers after running into Lake Michigan on March 2, 2025, during the annual Polar Plunge. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)Participants do pushups in Lake Michigan during the annual Polar Plunge benefiting Special Olympics Illinois. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)Participants splash into Lake Michigan at North Avenue Beach with temperatures in the 20s during the annual Polar Plunge benefiting Special Olympics Illinois. About 4,800 people dove into the 35-degree water. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)A participant keeps warm in Lake Michigan with temperatures in the 20s on March 2, 2025, at North Avenue Beach during the annual Polar Plunge benefiting Special Olympics Illinois. About 4,800 people dove into the 35-degree water. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)
