The Chicago Ducky Derby is a signature fundraising event for Special Olympics Illinois. Each year, more than 75,000 rubber ducks splash down and race to the finish line.
The winners of the race receive prizes, including an all-new 2024 Chevy Trax, part of the Chevy family of SUVs; a Royal Caribbean Cruise; a $500 shopping spree for six (6) with SAVE THE DUCK; four (4) lifetime passes to Six Flags Great America, as well as a cash prize; and more.
The proceeds go to benefitting 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. 10, 2023.
The most up-to-date event information can be found at chicagoduckyderby.com.
Why Adopt a Duck? Your support helps Special Olympics Illinois offer year-round training and competition in 18 sports to a community of more than 55,000 traditional athletes, Young Athletes, Unified partners, coaches, volunteers, and more. Special Olympics programs enhance physical fitness, motor skills, self-confidence, social skills and encourage family and community support for athletes with intellectual disabilities. 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 opportunities in competitive sports, health education, leadership and personal development
• Special Olympics Illinois is returning to the Chicago River for the 2023 Chicago Ducky Derby presented by Jewel-Osco.
• Thousands of spectators watch more than 75,000 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 around 1:00 PM.
• The event will take place on Thursday, Aug. 10, 2023.
• The Family Festival featuring entertainment, games, prizes and more will take place at 401 N. Michigan from 10:00 AM to 2:30 PM. Splashdown is at 1:00 PM.
• The Boy Band Night will be performing during the Family Festival.
• All proceeds benefit our community of more than 55,000 traditional athletes, Young Athletes, Unified partners, coaches, volunteers, and more across Illinois.
• Head over to The Northman on August 10 before Splashdown for a great view of the race.
• The grand prize winner will take home an all-new 2024 Chevy Trax, part of the Chevy family of SUVs, courtesy of the Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana Chevy Dealers. Other prizes include a Royal Caribbean Cruise, a $500 SAVE THE DUCK shopping spree for six, and a $2,000 cash prize.
• Ducks are available for adoption for $5 at chicagoduckyderby.com
• Join the conversation socially using #ChiDuckyDerby
• Special Olympics Illinois athlete Josh LeClaire of South Elgin, Illinois serves as this year’s Chicago Ducky Derby Athlete Ambassador.
• The Chicago Ducky Derby has sold out four years in a row. This year the event is aiming to sell 100,000 ducks – which will be the most ducks ever sold for this event!