The Chicago Ducky Derby is a signature fundraising event for Special Olympics Illinois. Each year, more than 70,000 rubber ducks splash down and race to the finish line.
The winners of the race receive prizes, including an all-new Chevy Equinox; a Royal Caribbean Cruise; a cash prize; and more. The proceeds go to benefit the athletes of Special Olympics Illinois.
Adopt your duck today for your chance to win and then join in all the fun on Thursday, Aug. 4, 2022. The most up-to-date event information can be found at chicagoduckyderby.com.
Why Adopt a Duck? Your support allows more than 21,000 athletes and 9,000 Young Athletes to participate in year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports.
Special Olympics programs enhance physical fitness, motor skills, self-confidence, social skills and encourage family and community support. Special Olympics Illinois aims to be a global leader in shaping a culture where people with and without intellectual disabilities are fully integrated into the community by providing year round opportunities in competitive sports, health education, leadership and personal development.
Special Olympics Illinois is returning to the Chicago River for the 2022 Chicago Ducky Derby presented by Jewel-Osco. Thousands of spectators watch more than 70,000 yellow rubber ducks splash into the Chicago River in downtown Chicago and race down the river towards the finish line.
The ducks will be dropping off of the Columbus Street Bridge and racing towards Michigan Avenue starting at 1:00 pm. The event will take place on Thursday, Aug. 4, 2022.
The Family Festival featuring entertainment, games, prizes and more will take place at 401 N. Michigan from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Splashdown is at 1:00 p.m. • The Boy Band Night will be performing from 10:30 am – 12:30 pm at the Family Festival.
All proceeds benefit more than 21,000 athletes and 9,000 Young Athletes across Illinois. Head over to The Northman on August 4 starting at 12:00 pm for the best view in town of Splashdown.
The grand prize winner will take home an all-new Chevy Equinox courtesy of the Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana Chevy Dealers. Other prizes include a Royal Caribbean Cruise, a $2,500 cash prize, and four (4) three-day passes to Windy City Smokeout.
Ducks are available for adoption for $5 at chicagoduckyderby.com. Join the conversation socially using #ChiDuckyDerby Special Olympics Illinois athlete Kyle Tuckey of Palatine, Illinois serves as this year’s Duck Ambassador.
The Chicago Ducky Derby has sold out three years in a row. This year the event is aiming to sell 75,000 ducks – which will be the most ducks ever sold for this event!
To purchase a duck or for more information, visit: https://www.duckrace.com/chicago