chicago's polar bear club swim

Every year on new years day , the polar bear club goes to the beach on lake michigan and jumps in the water at noon sharp. Regardless of temperature , snow and ice. This year there was'nt any snow or ice but the temps were in the 30's. I froze the short time that i was there to take these pictures.

article published 01/02/2006

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8th Annual polar Plunge
The Big Cat Polar Bear Club is doing their 8th Annual Plunge. Join us at 8:00 New Years Day 1/01/08

Come join the self proclaimed "Chicago's Best Polar Bear Club" The party starts at 8:00.

Lakeview Polar Bear Club
I have organized a charitable polar bear club event that will take place on February 17th, 2007(Mother Nature willing). Details for the event are at www.lakeviewpolarbearclub.com/PolarBearClub.html. Or you can email me at brian.marchal@ggp.com.
— Brian Marchal, February 5, 2007

Missed this year, but already have commitments from Jackie A., Patty W. and Kim W. for next year...the 3 crazy sisters pledge to do the north and northwest burbs proud at next years event and will put their bloody mary's up against anyone's
— Jim M, January 28, 2007

Our first time. Fantastic!
— Bob, Shane and Brendan, January 1, 2007

This our first polar bear plunge and it was an event we will never forget. It didn't cure our hangovers like we had hoped. Can't wait to see everyone next year.

Happy 2007
— Sara and Scott, January 1, 2007

Get out there and do it!
Only an hour and a half left. =)
— Mike, January 1, 2007

8:15 Polar Bear Dip New years Morning.
We are on our 7th Annual jump this year..we do not get the crowd size as seen in these pictures..but I assume it is because we jump first thing in the morning. I am afraid that by noon i will be sober and not want to do it. Each year we approuch the lake front with Bloody Mary in hand ready to take on the tradition. Why do we do this...I don't know..but once we started we haven't seem to be able to stop. If you want to join us you are more then welcome as members come and go...and it isn't easy to find repeat jumpers. We welcome all...contact us for a fun and crazy morning....We are not part of this group pictured as they are the noon jumpers but have pictures I can prvide you with...we have been supported by the Sun-Times (reporter jumped with us one year), CLTV, Fox, WGN, Daily Hearld, Tribune. Feel free to join us.....See ya New Years Morning!!! I'll have my Vodka/Mountain Dew in hand...
— Brian McDougall, December 26, 2006

How To Join The Chicago Polar Bear Club
Just show up on New Years Day just before noon at North Avenue Beach in Chicago!

For more details, check out http://tinyurl.com/wrade
— Allan Doeksen, October 23, 2006

HOW DO I JOIN!!!!!!!!!
I want to know how do I join the polar bear club. if anyone knows just email me please
— Angel, October 2, 2006

Now that's what I call a Polar Bear!
My certificate from the 54th Cabrillo Beach Polar Bear Swim pales in comparison. The air was 59 and the water 60 in San Pedro,CA...and we complained of the cold...haha
— Connie, January 4, 2006

We haven't lived in the Chicago area for forty years, so I forgot how many crazy people live there! A fun story, Ed. Happy New Year!
— Bob Fairbanks, January 2, 2006

mind over matter
Assume they are trying to prove they can handle the cold. Was surprised to see young children. Trust all the photographers dressed warm for the occasion. So must say thank you for providing Chicao entertainment in the cold to all the stay at home people keeping warm.
— Charlotte Muckey, January 2, 2006

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