> Pop-Up Weekend Swim Clinics
SATURDAY POP-UP SWIMS NEW!
After years of requests and a recent explosion in demand, we’re thrilled to announce new Saturday Open Water Swim sessions. These sessions will be held on Saturday mornings from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Ohio Street Beach. The sessions include:
Saturday, June 24- Saturday, July 15
- Saturday, August 5
OPTION 1: POP-UP SWIM CLINIC
The Saturday sessions will offer a more boutique experience (smaller and simpler) compared to the Signature Tuesday night sessions you may already be familiar with.
Secured Gear Check, Swim Course buoys, ladder distance markers and Coaching support will be provided. Instead of several simultaneous small group clinics, coaches will host one swim orientation every 30-minutes on the beach -- sharing insights into swimming at Ohio Street Beach, the general open water swim experience and Chicago Triathlon-specific details. After that orientation, swimmers can move into the lake and receive guidance from coaches roaming both in the water and along the seawall. These Pop-Up clinics are tailored to first-time and beginner-level swimmers. Experienced swimmers will be able to swim on their own.
Please note: Wetsuit rental will NOT be provided at the Saturday Pop-Up Clinics. We recommend you contact Urban Tri Gear directly for private arrangements.
OPTION 2: SWIM ON YOUR OWN
In addition to the clinics, intermediate and advanced level swimmers may opt for the Swim On Your Own option.
This option is for those who prefer to utilize the convenient event services (secured Gear Check, wetsuit rentals, life guards, post-event socials, etc), but swim independently. Swim Coaches and Event Staff will be happy to provide advice and answer questions as needed.
Please note: Wetsuit rental will NOT be provided for the Saturday sessions. We recommend you contact Urban Tri Gear directly for private arrangements.
REGISTRATION
Registration is now open for all Saturday sessions. These pop-up sessions are limited to 200 swimmers. Participants must be 18 years or older by the event date. Registration opens at $20 plus typical fees, then increase to $30 two weeks prior to each session. Due to capacity restrictions, there are no refunds, deferrals or transfers allowed.
SWIM REQUIREMENTS
The clinics and sessions are designed to acclimate new triathletes and novice swimmers to open water swimming, not necessarily to teach the fundamentals of swimming (although we're happy to refer anyone who needs 1:1 instruction). At the least, OWS participants must be able to tread water on their own, comfortably place their face under the surface, and maintain some level of forward propulsion.
EVENT DAY
The Pop-Up Clinics will host an orientation every 30 minutes beginning at 8:00 AM (then 8:30, 9:00, 9:30...), so participants may arrive at anytime during the session and simply join the next briefing. An email confirmation will be sent prior to each session with more instruction. Visit the Event Details page for more insight into the typical event day experience.
WATER SAFETY
While we require all participants to have a general ability for self-sufficiency, Chicago Park District Lifeguards will be on-hand throughout each session. Additionally, staff and coaches will monitor the swim course and support participants from the sea wall and via stand-up paddle board.
PARKING
Parking can be tricky in the area, so we strongly recommend reserving a nearby garage spot using SpotHero. Click the link below to find garages as low as $10-15 within two blocks of Ohio Street Beach.
