82,000 Rubber Ducks Chicago River
More than 82,000 rubber ducks took the plunge into the Chicago River on Thursday for the 20th annual Chicago Ducky Derby, transforming the downtown waterway into a sea of yellow as spectators lined North Michigan Avenue. The charity race, organized by Special Olympics Illinois, drew thousands of onlookers eager to cheer on the floating competitors and see which duck would cross the finish line first. In total, the event raised nearly $600,000 to benefit athletes with intellectual disabilities, providing funding for year-round sports training and competitions across the state.
Participants “adopted” ducks for $10 each, with each purchase supporting Special Olympics Illinois and entering buyers into a raffle for prizes, including a brand-new SUV. Organizers emphasized their commitment to environmental responsibility, ensuring that every duck was collected from the river at the end of the race and stored for future derbies. The event, which began in 2005, has grown into one of Chicago’s most anticipated summer traditions, combining whimsical fun with a deeply meaningful cause.
For many attendees, the derby is about more than the race—it’s a celebration of inclusion, community spirit, and support for athletes who inspire with their determination and resilience. The 20th anniversary edition of the Chicago Ducky Derby proved that a lighthearted tradition can make a serious impact, bringing people together while delivering a substantial boost to an organization that changes lives across Illinois.
