On Sunday, March 1, 5,000 brace Chicagoans waded into the chilly waters of Lake Michigan for the 20th Annual Chicago Polar Plunge, presented by Jackson. Today’s Al Roker and Craig Melvin joined in the fun along with Chicago celebrities including Andy Avalos, David Eigenberg, and cast members from Chicago Fire and Chicago P.D. Sponsored by Chicago magazine, the event raised more than $2.1 million to support the 7,500 athletes of Special Olympics Chicago. For more information, visit Chicago Polar Plunge’s website, and check out shots from the icy event below.
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Members of the team from Peoples Gas celebrating.
Photo: Chicago Photopress -
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Eileen In is one of the largest family and friends teams at the event.
Photo: Chicago Photopress -
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Chicago actor Mickey O’Sullivan playing in the water.
Photo: Chicago Photopress -
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Cast members from Chicago Fire and Chicago P.D. suited up for the Chicago Polar Plunge.
Photo: Chicago Photopress -
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Shiver, the mascot for the Chicago Polar Plunge, was the last plunger of the day.
Photo: Chicago Photopress -
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A group of plungers and friends posing in front of the Chicago skyline.
Photo: Chicago Photopress -
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Volunteers playing at North Avenue Beach during our post-Plunge party.
Photo: Chicago Photopress -
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Ironworkers getting ready to take the plunge to support Special Olympics Chicago athletes.
Photo: Chicago Photopress -
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Plungers getting ready for the Costume Contest.
Photo: Chicago Photopress -
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Members of the ComEd Coolers getting ready to plunge.
Photo: Chicago Photopress -
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A group of Special Olympics Chicago athletes and supporters cheering on arriving Plungers.
Photo: Chicago Photopress -
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Miss Illinois International 2020 at the 2020 Chicago Polar Plunge.
Photo: Chicago Photopress -
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A Peoples Gas team member in costume.
Photo: Chicago Photopress -
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Special Olympics Chicago board member Jen Kramer and her team in their amazing costumes.
Photo: Chicago Photopress -
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Plungers from Jackson, the event’s presenting partner.
Photo: Chicago Photopress -
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Al Roker and Craig Melvin speak with NBC Chicago’s Jen DeSalvo after the Plunge.
Photo: Chicago Photopress -
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The Shannon Rovers continue their tradition of kicking off the Chicago Polar Plunge.
Photo: Chicago Photopress -
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Members of the top fundraising team Kidd’s Krue dressed as Annie for this year’s Chicago Polar Plunge.
Photo: Chicago Photopress -
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4th grader Parker Baudo, the heart of Parker’s Party.
Photo: Chicago Photopress -
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A team of Plungers in costume at the 20th Annual Chicago Polar Plunge presented by Jackson.
Photo: Chicago Photopress -
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A team of Plungers in costume at the 20th Annual Chicago Polar Plunge presented by Jackson.
Photo: Chicago Photopress -
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The Bearded Villains are a recognizable site every year at the Chicago Polar Plunge.
Photo: Chicago Photopress -
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Actor David Eigenberg is a longtime supporter of Special Olympics Chicago.
Photo: Chicago Photopress -
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NBC Chicago Andy Avalos took the Chicago Polar Plunge for the first time.
Photo: Chicago Photopress -
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Matt O’Shea, board president of Special Olympics Chicago/Special Children’s Charities speaks to the crowd at the opening ceremony.
Photo: Chicago Photopress -
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Al Roker, Craig Melvin, and Jon Harris pose with Shiver the Polar Bear before taking the Plunge.
Photo: Chicago Photopress -
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A team of Plungers pose at the costume contest.
Photo: Chicago Photopress