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/baiduhai)
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 polar bear emerges from Lake Michigan with temperatures in the 20s on March 2, 2025, during the annual Polar Plunge benefitting Special Olympics Illinois. (Brian Cassella/baiduhai)Participants run out after plunging into Lake Michigan with temperatures in the 20s during Polar Plunge Chicago. (Brian Cassella/baiduhai)
The first wave of participants run into Lake Michigan on March 2, 2025, during the annual Polar Plunge benefitting Special Olympics Illinois. (Brian Cassella/baiduhai)A participant dives into Lake Michigan with temperatures in the 20s on March 2, 2025, at North Avenue Beach during the annual Polar Plunge benefitting Special Olympics Illinois. (Brian Cassella/baiduhai)Participants stage a battle in Lake Michigan with temperatures in the 20s on March 2, 2025. (Brian Cassella/baiduhai)
Participants run into Lake Michigan with temperatures in the 20s during the annual Polar Plunge. (Brian Cassella/baiduhai)Participants jump into Lake Michigan with temperatures in the 20s at North Avenue Beach. (Brian Cassella/baiduhai)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/baiduhai)
Observers wade into the water to watch participants run into Lake Michigan with temperatures in the 20s during the annual Polar Plunge benefitting Special Olympics Illinois. About 4800 people dove into the 35-degree water. (Brian Cassella/baiduhai)Participants prepare to run into Lake Michigan with temperatures in the 20s on March 2, 2025, during the annual Polar Plunge. (Brian Cassella/baiduhai)A participant emerges with seaweed after running into Lake Michigan with temperatures in the 20s on March 2, 2025, during the annual Polar Plunge benefitting Special Olympics Illinois. (Brian Cassella/baiduhai)
Chicago Fire Department members splash into Lake Michigan with temperatures in the 20s during the annual Polar Plunge benefitting Special Olympics Illinois. (Brian Cassella/baiduhai)The Shannon Rovers lead participants into Lake Michigan with temperatures in the 20s on during the annual Polar Plunge benefitting Special Olympics Illinois. (Brian Cassella/baiduhai)A costumed partcipant offers flowers after running into Lake Michigan with temperatures on March 2, 2025, during the annual Polar Plunge. (Brian Cassella/baiduhai)
Participants do pushups in Lake Michigan during the annual Polar Plunge benefitting Special Olympics Illinois. (Brian Cassella/baiduhai)Participants splash into Lake Michigan with temperatures in the 20s during the annual Polar Plunge benefitting Special Olympics Illinois. About 4800 people dove into the 35-degree water. (Brian Cassella/baiduhai)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 benefitting Special Olympics Illinois. About 4800 people dove into the 35-degree water. (Brian Cassella/baiduhai)
