Open Water Swim CHICAGO 2026

Description

SUPPORTING THE COMMUNITY FOR 15 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 22,000 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, or all three 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 $23 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 (July 7): Price increase (from $23 to $30, or $30 to $40 for Aquathlon) on Tuesday, June 23 Session #2 (July 28): Price increase (from $23 to $30, or $30 to $40 for Aquathlon) on Tuesday, July 14 Session #3 (Aug 18): Price Increase (from $23 to $30, or $30 to $40 for Aquathlon) on Tuesday, August 4

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