Chicago Polar Bear Club, NFP

Chicago Polar Bear Club, NFP The Chicago Polar Bear Club’s mission is to help Chicago-area families who are struggling financially due to unfortunate and unanticipated circumstances.

02/17/2026

We may not have taken the plunge this year… but we still made waves.

Despite the cancellation, this community showed up in the biggest way possible. Together, we raised over $100,000 for our chosen families.

No icy water. No lake jump. Just pure heart.

Over six figures raised. Even without the dip.

We are beyond grateful. Thank you for turning a cancelled plunge into an unforgettable impact.

01/31/2026

Chief Polar Bear has spoken. Dibs have been called. It’s official.

Mother Nature may have won this round, but we’ve already claimed next year. Consider it reserved, locked in, no take backs.

We’ll be back doing what we do best, freezing for a cause and having way too much fun doing it. See you next year, cold and all.

01/30/2026

If you were one of the 70+ incredible participants who set up a fundraising page and crushed it by raising $100 or more, you’ve earned free CPBC gear. Huge thank you for going above and beyond.

We know some of you couldn’t pick up at the after party or didn’t get your preferred size. No worries. Both the link to claim your reward form and the link to buy merch are in our bio.

Quick reminder
Raise $100+ and you earn a free t shirt
Raise $300+ and you earn a free hoodie

Please complete the form by Thursday, February 5th at 11:59pm CST to claim your reward.

2026 gear is still available for purchase. Orders must be placed by Thursday, February 5th at 11:59pm CST and will be shipped out in the next few weeks.

01/25/2026

From the bottom of our very cold hearts, thank you. 💙

To everyone who registered, fundraised, shared our posts, showed up, and told your friends, this year happened because of you. Nearly $95,000 raised for our chosen families and so much love packed into one unforgettable party last night.

This community is the reason we do what we do. The generosity, the energy, the support, it never stops amazing us.

We are already counting down. We will be back in 2027, bigger, better, and ready to do it all again. Thank you for being part of something so special.

01/24/2026

Behind every plunge is a whole lot of heart ❤️

What started 25 years ago with just a few brave, slightly crazy people has grown into this incredible team working year round to make the plunge happen for hundreds of crazy Chicagoans. These are the hearts behind it all.

We are so proud of what we have built together.

01/24/2026

The first of our raffle prizes have officially been won 🎉

Huge congratulations to our first lucky winners. Thank you to everyone who grabbed raffle tickets and supported the cause. This is just the beginning, there are more amazing prizes still to be won, so keep those tickets coming and stay tuned.

The merch table is set, the team is ready, and the party is on!We’ve got hoodies, hats, tees, and zip-up sweaters ready ...
01/24/2026

The merch table is set, the team is ready, and the party is on!

We’ve got hoodies, hats, tees, and zip-up sweaters ready to go, so come grab your merch and celebrate with us.

Polar bears know how to party 💃🏻🐻‍❄️

01/24/2026

We might not be plunging today, but we are absolutely still partying at HQ Beercade from 1pm.

Drinks deals, free arcade games, retro vibes, and good times all afternoon. Come commiserate with us, celebrate everything we’ve raised together, and hang out with the best community around.

No plunge, no problem. See you at HQ Beercade.

01/24/2026

Today was meant to be plunge day. While we are not heading into the water, we are celebrating something just as powerful.

Together, you have helped us raise over $90,000 for this years incredible families. That is huge. We are beyond grateful for every donation, every share, and every bit of support that made this possible. This community truly shows up.

Please come see us at the party today at HQ Beercade from 1pm. Let’s celebrate everything we have achieved together, collect your well earned merch, grab a drink, and raise a glass to what this community can do when we come together.

We are so proud to be a part of Chicago Polar Bear Club 🐻‍❄️

01/23/2026

When the founder says it’s cold… it’s really cold 🥶
Brian is down on the beach today and this is exactly why we made the call to cancel the plunge. We did not take this decision lightly, but the safety of our polar bears always comes first.

The good news? We still get to come together and celebrate what this community has achieved. Join us tomorrow at the after party to commiserate, warm up, celebrate all the money raised, grab your well earned merch, and enjoy some great raffle prizes.

We are a community, through the cold and the change of plans, and we cannot wait to see you all there 💙

01/22/2026

Important update, Polar Bears 🐻‍❄️

Due to the extreme cold weather forecast for this weekend, we have made the very difficult decision to cancel the 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. ♥️

01/21/2026

❄️Beach Update!❄️

Right now, conditions are looking good, but we know the extreme weather is rolling in. We will be checking the beach daily ahead of Saturday’s plunge and will keep you updated day by day.

No matter what, our after party at is going ahead, so be sure to join us there from 1pm. A true Chicagoan wouldn’t let a little cold keep them from a celebration, right? 🍻

Keep an eye out for further updates!

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