Open Water Swim CHICAGO

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: 

  1.  Open Water Swim Clinics: Small group swim instruction for beginner, intermediate or advanced-level swimmers looking for open water tips and techniques.  
  2.  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. 
  3.  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):

• Session #1 (May 27): Price increase (from $22 to $30, or $30 to $40 for Aquathlon) on Tuesday, May 13
• Session #2 (June 24): Price increase (from $22 to $30, or $30 to $40 for Aquathlon) on Tuesday, June 10
• Session #3 (July 22): Price increase (from $22 to $30, or $30 to $40 for Aquathlon) on Tuesday, July 8
• 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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ABOUT THE AQUATHLON
While we're best known for developing aspiring adult swimmers, OWS Chicago also serves experienced triathletes looking to refresh their skills and/or push themselves with fellow enthusiasts. Veteran swimmers, and those with fast-approaching races, often enroll in the competitive Aquathlon events.

The Aquathlon is a swim + run multisport event hosted within each of the four OWS sessions. It begins at 6:00 PM sharp with a briefing on the beach. Aquathletes will swim a 750m or 1500m course (their choice) immediately followed by a 5K run along the lakefront. Finish times will be recorded by event staff. Awards will be presented to the fastest female and male finishers in both the 1500m and 750m swim courses. 

COURSE MAP
Please review the Course Map prior to the event.

EVENT DAY
We recommend Aquathlon participants arrive 30-45 minutes prior to the start of the session. Participants will check-in, obtain a run bib, rent a wetsuit (if they prefer), use the Gear Check facility then gather on the beach for a briefing. 

Due to the larger demand (limited to 75 participants), a private Aquathlon Transition area will be setup on the beach (between Gear Check and the public lockers) and adjacent to the lakefront trail -- making for an easy Run Out. A foot bath station will be placed in that area to wash sand from bare feet. Aquathletes should check their larger bag with event staff, and only place their Run items in the Transition area (including shoes, socks, sunglasses, race bibs, towel, etc). 

As mentioned, participants have the option to swim 750m or 1500m. Event staff will offer two separate Aquathlon mass starts, with the 750m swimmers going first followed by the 1500m swimmers a few minutes later. This will separate the athletes and help with the timing process. 

Following the swim portion, Aquathletes will use their Transition area to change into run gear, then head north along the lakefront path approximately 1.5 miles to a dedicated turnaround near North Avenue Beach. A Finish Line will be setup near the Transition area, with staff recording relevant splits.

SWIM REQUIREMENTS
It is assumed that anyone choosing the Aquathlon option is comfortable in the water, and a relatively proficient swimmer. This program is not intended to teach the fundamentals of swimming (although we're happy to recommend coaches for 1:1 instruction).

REGISTRATION PROCESS
During the registration process, Aquathletes will initially declare their preferred swim distance (750m or 1.5k) to help us gauge distances and capacities. Participants may change their distance prior to starting.

All participants must be 18 years or older by the event date. Registration opens at $30 plus typical fees, then increase to $40 two weeks prior to each session. Aquathlon capacity is capped at 75 participants. These events will sell-out. Due to capacity restrictions, there are no refunds, deferrals or transfers allowed. 

WATER SAFETY
While we require all participants to have a general ability for self-sufficiency, Chicago Park District Life Guards will be on-hand throughout each session. Additionally, staff and coaches will monitor the swim course and support participants from the sea wall and via stand-up paddle board.

RESULTS
Previous Aquathlon results are posted here.

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ABOUT THE SWIM CLINICS
By far, Open Water Swim CHICAGO'S most popular offering is the Swim Clinic. A collection of local coaches will offer basic swim education, then lead the small group through several swim drills with one-on-one feedback. The following topics will be addressed in each small group clinic:

  > How open water swimming differs from the pool
  > Rules of the triathlon swim
  > Swim etiquette at Ohio Street Beach
  > Properly wearing & removing a wetsuit
  > Common issues (hyperventilating, pacing, swells, etc.)
  > Basic principles of sighting
  > Swimming in packs
  > Various short distance swim drills 

SWIM REQUIREMENTS
The clinics are designed to acclimate new triathletes and novice swimmers to open water swimming, not necessarily to teach the fundamentals of swimming (although we're happy to refer anyone who needs 1:1 instruction). At the least, OWS participants must be able to tread water on their own, comfortably place their face under the surface, and maintain some level of forward propulsion.

SWIM CLINIC FORMAT
The Swim Clinics are held on Tuesday evenings (May 27, June 24, July 22 and August 19). Swim clinic participants are required to declare their experience level (beginner, intermediate or advanced) and choose a specific start time (4:00, 5:15 or 6:30 PM) when registering. Swim Coaches will teach from a standardized curriculum with the following standards in mind:

• Beginner: No to little open water experience. First-timers should select this option.
• Intermediate: Enough experience to comfortably swim on your own (non-stop) for 20+ minutes.
• Advanced: Extremely confident swimming on their own (even in challenging water conditions) for 40+ minutes.

Upon check-in, these participants are assigned to a specific set of swim coaches for the duration of the 45-minute session. There are multiple sessions held simultaneously for beginner, intermediate and advanced-level participants.

We recommend new swimmers enroll in the Beginner clinic session. Once they complete the session and feel confident, they can upgrade to Intermediate or Advanced levels for subsequent sessions. On average, swimmers will participate as a Beginner twice before upgrading to Intermediate level. We strongly encourage participants to build toward the Aquathlon option in August -- a great race simulation for the Chicago Triathlon or other late season triathlon. Curriculum levels can be adjusted after the initial registration process.

REGISTRATION PROCESS
Participants may register for any of the seven dates independently or all at once, and requested curriculum levels (beginner, intermediate, etc) can be adjusted after the initial registration process. All participants must be 18 years or older by the event date. Registration opens at $22 plus typical fees, then increase to $30 two weeks prior to each session. Capacity is limited to 150 participants per time block, which means many of the events will sell out. session. Due to capacity restrictions, there are no refunds, deferrals or transfers allowed. 

EVENT DAY
We recommend all participants arrive 45 minutes prior to the start of their session. It will take time to check-in with event staff, rent a wetsuit (if they prefer), use the Gear Check facility, and gather on the beach for a briefing before the session begins. The clinics will last 45 minutes. Participants are encouraged to continue swimming on their own once their formal session concludes. All participants must fully exit the water by 7:30 PM when the event officially concludes. An email confirmation will be sent four days prior to each session with more instruction. Visit the Event Details page for more insight into the event day experience. 

WATER SAFETY
While we require all participants to have a general ability for self-sufficiency, Chicago Park District Life Guards will be on-hand throughout each session. Additionally, staff and coaches will monitor the swim course and support participants from the sea wall and via stand-up paddle board.

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ABOUT SWIM-ON-YOUR-OWN
This option is for those who prefer to utilize the convenient event services (secured Gear Check, wetsuit rentals, life guards, post-event socials, etc), but swim independently. Swim Coaches and Event Staff will be happy to provide advice and answer questions as needed.

COURSE MAP
Three large buoys will mark the swim course, providing a Sprint distance option (375 meters one-way, or 750m round trip) and an Olympic distance option (750 meters one-way, or 1.5k round trip). Distance markers (in meters) will be posted at each exit ladder throughout the entire course, allowing swimmers to know their exact distance from the start buoy. Please review the Course Map here.

SWIM REQUIREMENTS
It is assumed that anyone choosing the Swim-On-Your-Own option is comfortable in the water, and a relatively proficient swimmer. This program is not intended to teach the fundamentals of swimming (although we're happy to recommend coaches for 1:1 instruction). At the least, OWS participants must be able to tread water on their own, comfortably place their face under the surface, and maintain some level of forward propulsion.

REGISTRATION PROCESS
Much like the Swim Clinic participants, those who prefer the Swim-On-Your-Own option must choose a dedicated start time (4:00 PM, 5:15 PM or 6:30 PM) when enrolling in a session.  Registration opens at $22 plus typical fees, then increase to $30 two weeks prior to each session. All participants must be 18 years or older by the event date. Event capacity is limited to 150 participants per timeblock, which means many of the events will sell-out. Due to capacity restrictions, there are no refunds, deferrals or transfers allowed. 

EVENT DAY
We recommend all participants arrive 30-45 minutes prior to the start of their session. Participants will check-in for their appropriate session, rent a wetsuit, use the Gear Check facility then gather on the beach for a briefing. After the orientation, these swimmers may enter the water and swim as much as they please along the dedicated swim course. Event staff will simulate a mass start process for those who prefer a race simulation. Others may simply swim on their own.

All swimmers must exit the water when the swim event officially concludes. An email confirmation will be sent prior to each session with more instruction. Visit the Event Details page for more insight into the typical event day experience. 

WATER SAFETY
While we require all participants to have a general ability for self-sufficiency, Chicago Park District Life Guards will be on-hand throughout each session. Additionally, staff and coaches will monitor the swim course and support participants from the sea wall and via stand-up paddle board.

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What Really Makes OWS CHICAGO Special? Our Coaches!

HIRE A COACH
While some of our coaches simply enjoy sharing their expertise and giving back to the community, many operate a coaching business or endurance programming for local training groups and charities. Due to the nature of our swim series, participants are constantly asking for coaching referrals and other 1-on-1 training opportunities. If you are looking for individual support, please email us. We'll be happy to learn more and connect you with the appropriate coach -- each  with their own style, expertise (beginners to veterans), format preference (1:1 vs. small groups), scheduling process, and payment structure. 

BECOME A COACH
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.

 

TYPICAL EVENT DAY DETAILS
TUESDAY EVENING SESSIONS

Following are preliminary, pre-event details for anyone registered for a 2025 Open Water Swim CHICAGO Tuesday evening events. A final confirmation, including the session type, experience level and exact start time, will be emailed to all registered participants on the Friday prior to the event day. Changes are allowed until Monday of the event (sorry, no refunds or deferrals to later sessions). No changes are allowed within 24 hours of the event start.

EVENT CHECK-IN / CHECK-OUT
All participants are required to check-in with a photo ID upon arrival and present a custom QR code to expedite the process (emailed prior to each event). We recommend participants arrive to the beach 45 minutes prior to their dedicated start time, allowing adequate time to check-in, grab a wetsuit, check gear, etc. Participants will be assigned into specific groups relative to their registration option. Upon completing the swim portion, all participants are asked to check-out with event staff located on the beach, ensuring all swimmers are clear of the water.

EVENT TIMELINE
Each Tuesday evening session will follow this schedule:

• 3:00 PM   Check-In opens / Wetsuit rentals available
• 4:00 PM   Session 1 starts
• 4:45 PM   Session 1 ends
• 5:15 PM   Session 2: starts
• 6:00 PM   Aquathlon start
• 6:00 PM   Session 2: ends
• 6:30 PM   Session 3: starts
• 7:15 PM   Session 3: ends
• 7:30 PM   Water cleared / Life guards depart
• 7:45 PM   Gear Check closes / Event concludes

EVENT DETAILS

• Event check-in will take place at Ohio Street Beach, adjacent to Caffe’ Oliva. 
• Registered participants will receive a numbered wristband and a color-coded swim cap. Swim cap colors are assigned to specific groups and coaches. They must be worn for the duration of the swim portion.
• Urban Tri Gear will provide a small assortment of demo wetsuits on a first-come, first-served bases. A $25 rental fee will be charged. Please bring cash and a valid ID for collateral. Note: UTG will not provide rentals at the August 20 session. Please contact Urban Tri Gear directly to purchase a wetsuit or rent one during race weekend. 
• Complimentary Gear Check will be provided by Team Bright Side volunteers, and is recommended for small items only (keys, wallets, etc.). Cash tips and Venmo payments [@teambrightside] will be accepted and appreciated by this hard-working group. The event cannot be responsible for bikes and other large gear. Plan to lock them up on your own.
  
• All groups will be briefed prior to entering the water. All swimmers are required to exit the water by 7:30 PM.
• Come dressed for the swim! Ohio Street Beach has no changing facilities and limited restrooms. Caffé Oliva does offer restrooms, although they do not suffice for changing clothing.
• The safety and security of participants is paramount. Chicago Park District Life Guards will patrol the swim course, and event staff will continually monitor weather and water conditions.  
• Due to typical congestion around Ohio Street Beach and the Lakefront, please use caution and be aware of other cyclists and pedestrians.
  
• Following your session, plan to congregate with everyone at Caffé Oliva, adjacent to the beach, for great camaraderie and beer specials!
  

EVENT OPTIONS
Swimmers will participate in one of three event options, each with a precise start time which will be confirmed via email prior to the event:
 
1. Swim Clinic Option: These popular sessions are designed for new triathletes and open water swimmers. A collection of local coaches will offer basic swim education, then lead the small group through several swim drills with one-on-one feedback. Participants are encouraged to continue swimming on their own once the formal session concludes.

2. Swim-On-Your-Own Option: This option is for those who prefer to utilize the event services but swim independently. After a brief orientation on the beach, these swimmers may enter the water and swim as much as they please. Event staff will simulate the rolling start process for those who prefer a race simulation. Two turn buoys will be placed along the swim course: 375 meters (750m round trip) and 750 meters (1.5k round trip). Distance markers (in meters) will be posted at each exit ladder, allowing swimmers to know their exact distance from the start buoy. Review the course map here.
 
3. Aquathlon: The Aquathlon (swim + run) will begin at 6:00 PM with a briefing on the beach. Aquathletes will swim a 750m or 1500m course (their choice) immediately followed by a 5K run along the lakefront. Finish times will be manually recorded by event staff. Awards will be presented to the fastest female and male finishers in both the 1500m and 750m swim courses. Please review the course map here. Aquathlon results are posted here.  

WATER CONDITIONS & WEATHER PLAN
Ohio Street Beach water temperatures will measure 55-75°F through the season. Accurate readings will be shared prior to each session. While temperatures are comfortable, we strongly advise participants to use a swim-specific wetsuit and bring warmer clothes for the post-swim.
 
While we hope for great conditions, we will monitor weather patterns along with local officials. Given the unpredictable nature of Chicagoland weather, we will not make any weather related decisions until event day. If necessary, weather advisories will be sent throughout the day and posted in the Discussions area on Open Water Swim CHICAGO’s Facebook page. In the case of unfavorable conditions, it will be up to the Event Manager, Chicago Park District and/or Chicago Fire Department to make weather-related event decisions.

WHAT TO BRING
  ·  Swim suit (swim caps will be issued)
  ·  Goggles *
  ·  Towel
  ·  Water bottle (bring your own hydration, as the water fountain has been removed)
  ·  Wetsuit (optional)
  ·  Warm, post-swim clothing (it will get chilly on the beach)
  ·  Extra money for post-event socializing at Caffé Oliva.

WETSUIT RENTALS
Urban Tri Gear will provide a small inventory of demo wetsuits for use during these sessions (excluding August 19 session). 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. Please contact Urban Tri Gear to secure your rental in advance. They will coordinate all logistics. Due to anticipated demand from cold water temperatures, we strongly advise all swimmers obtain their own wetsuit prior to attending the session.

PARKING
Parking can be tricky in the area, so we strongly recommend reserving a nearby garage spot using SpotHero. Click the link below to find garages as low as $10-12 within two blocks of Ohio Street Beach.

SPECIAL ATHLETE BRIEFING
The August 19 event will feature an early Chicago Triathlon Athlete Briefing exclusively for registrants of this OWS session, held on the beach (adjacent to Caffe' Oliva) at approximately 8:00 PM. In 2025, Athlete Briefings are once again mandatory for #ChiTri registrants. Special tokens will be distributed for attendees. All Chicago Tri participants are required to attend the Expo to pick-up their race packets (we will not have them at the beach) and attend an Athlete Briefing (if you haven't already).

REFUND POLICY
This event has 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.

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