UPDATE: DUE TO FRIGID TEMPERATURES FORECAST FOR SATURDAY AND EXPECTED UNSAFE BEACH CONDITIONS, WE'VE UNFORTUNATELY HAD TO CANCEL THIS YEAR'S PLUNGE (BUT THE AFTER PARTY IS STILL ON) -- MORE DETAILS BELOW:

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

The 2026 Plunge

We're so excited to be back for our 25th Annual Polar Plunge Fundraiser! As usual, we'll be supporting several amazing Chicagoland families who need our support.

To get started with the CPBC, and help this year's families:

1) Click the Donate & Tickets button (top right, above) to register for the plunge and/or donate to a participant's fundraising page

NOTE: Tickets only required for those taking the plunge / jumping into the lake. Tickets are not required for any spectators coming to support and watch the plunge.

2) Click the Start Fundraising button (above, underneath our fundraising goal) to setup your fundraising page and start collecting donations to help this year's families. Note: Setting up a fundraising page does not mean you are registered for the plunge -- please register by purchasing a "Ticket" in addition to setting up your fundraising page 😁

See you at the beach in January!!

❤️ The CPBC

Individual Fundraising Rewards

Fundraising thank you rewards are back!

Raise $100+ >> Get a free CPBC t-shirt!

Raise $300+ >> Get a free CPBC t-shirt or hoodie (pick 1)!

Raise $1,000+ >> Get a free CPBC t-shirt, hoodie, and/or beanie (pick 2)!

(T-shirt and Hoodie designs coming soon!)

2026 Families

View the families we're supporting this year and their stories on our website here!

Thank you to our 2026 Sponsors!

About the CPBC

The Chicago Polar Bear Club / 'CPBC' (formerly the Lakeview Polar Bear Club / 'LPBC') started in 2001, and every January since then, we've brought together a group of awesome people to do something a little crazy, generous, and pretty darn chilly. More specifically, we dare to care by taking the plunge into the frigid waters of Lake Michigan to raise money for Chicago families.

Learn more about the CPBC by visiting our website: www.chicagopolarbearclub.com

And remember: All participants and spectators acknowledge the risks, liability, & waiver detailed here

Questions? We're happy to help! Just send an email to hello@chicagopolarbearclub.com

25th Annual Polar Plunge Fundraiser

Hosted by the Chicago Polar Bear Club (CPBC)

Team Leaderboard

Team Members