New Weekend Sessions Announced! [click for details]
Open Water Swim CHICAGO launched in 2012 to help new triathletes and novice swimmers experience open water swimming in a safe, non-intimidating environment. Nearly 15,000 participants have directly enhanced their swim abilities from our clinics, open swims and aquathlon events. Registration is now open. Learn more about our programs and join us in Lake Michigan!
Weekend Session #1: June 24
Options include: Pop-Up Swim Clinic or Swim On Your Own
Weekday Session #2: June 27
Options include: Swim Clinics, Aquathlon or Swim On Your Own
Weekday Session #3: July 25
Options include: Swim Clinics, Aquathlon or Swim On Your Own
Weekday Session #4: Aug 22
Options include: Swim Clinics, Aquathlon or Swim On Your Own
2023 Schedule
2023 dates are listed below. Participants will select from one of three event options and a specific start time during registration.
Tuesday, May 30 | 4:00, 5:15 or 6:30 PM
Saturday, June 24 | 7:00 – 10:00 AM
Tuesday, June 27 | 4:00, 5:15 or 6:30 PM
Saturday, July 15 | 7:00 – 10:00 AM *
Tuesday, July 25 | 4:00, 5:15 or 6:30 PM
Saturday, August 5 | 7:00 – 10:00 AM *
Tuesday, August 22 | 4:00, 5:15 or 6:30 PM
Aquathlons begin at 6:00 PM on each day. Due to limited capacity, many sessions will sell-out.
*Registration is not yet available for the July 15 and Aug 5 sessions.
Event Options
OWS CHICAGO features three ways to participate. Click below for details:
> Open Water Swim Clinic: Small group instruction for beginner, intermediate or advanced swimmers.
> Swim-On-Your-Own: For those who prefer to utilize the event services but swim independently
> Competitive Aquathlon: Swimmers complete a 750m or 1.5k swim followed by a 3.1 mile (5k) run.
Swim Clinic participants must be 18 years old by December 31, 2023.
Coach Recruitment
The historic success of this entire Swim Clinic operation revolves around support from our dedicated coaching community. Dozens of incredible local coaches support each of our sessions, and we are 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 and offers an opportunity to meet potential personal training clients.
Depending on your experience, familiarity and comfort level, we are happy to accommodate new coaches. All volunteer coaches receive a tri race kit, complimentary food/beer, a variety of other swag and complimentary Chicago Triathlon race entry.
If you are available and willing to support our clinics, please email our team through the link below.