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Welcome to the 2026 Illinois Law Enforcement Torch Run Polar Plunge

Be Cool. Take the Plunge. Support the Athletes of Special Olympics Illinois.

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$627,079Total Raised

Welcome to the 2026 Illinois Law Enforcement Torch Run Polar Plunge

Be Cool. Take the Plunge. Support the Athletes of Special Olympics Illinois.

RegisterDonate
Play Video

Watch Video

$627,079Total Raised

How to Get Involved

Want to be cool and support life-changing programming for people with intellectual disabilities in Illinois? You’ve come to the right place.

1

Step 1: Register

Sign up to participate at the location you choose and become a Plunge Influencer.
2

Step 2: Fundraise

Start collecting donations to meet (and beat) the minimum $100 total to support Special Olympics Illinois athletes.
3

Step 3: Take the Polar Plunge!

Register Now
Did you know the Polar Plunge can come to your school?
Learn about the College Cup
Learn about the Cool School Challenge

ABOUT SPECIAL OLYMPICS ILLINOIS

Special Olympics Illinois builds a more inclusive world alongside people with intellectual disabilities. We believe that when athletes have the support to use their abilities, everyone thrives. Through year-round sports, health, and leadership programs, we create opportunities for growth, personal development, and connection.

Serving more than 60,000 athletes, Unified partners, coaches, and volunteers, we offer training and competition in 18 sports, working with individuals to reach their potential while strengthening communities.

Learn More
Play Video

Hear our Stories

Athlete
January 26, 2026

Region K Plunge Ambassador David Strikes a Pose

Chad Underwood’s introduction to Special Olympics Illinois came at age 12, competing for the Chatham Chargers in Region H. It led to attending various events over the next few years.
Special Olympics Illinois
Athlete
October 24, 2025

‘Chad’s Run to the Plunge’ Continues to Make Strides

Chad Underwood’s introduction to Special Olympics Illinois came at age 12, competing for the Chatham Chargers in Region H. It led to attending various events over the next few years.
Special Olympics Illinois
Athlete
October 24, 2025

Thomas Doran Takes Lead in Encouraging Special Olympics Illinois Involvement

Thomas Doran graduated from Bradley University with a bachelor’s degree in 2014. His field of study, history, lends itself to examining the value of leadership.
Special Olympics Illinois
View More StoriesSubmit Your Story

Can’t Make It To a Plunge?

Host Your Own.

If you can’t make it to one of the 27 official plunges across the state, why not host your own?

  • Take the Plunge at your school with all your friends for the Cool School Challenge.
  • Learn more about the College Cup.
  • Get creative and host your own with friends and family.
  • Rally your coworkers and take the plunge together at work.
  • For the fiercely brave, commit to the Super Plunge and plunge 24 times in 24 hours.
Create Your Own Plunge
 
 
 
 
 
1
1

Leaderboards

1.Jeb Brown|Backroom Loungers

Team Captain
Raised $100
Raised $250
Raised $500
Raised $1,000
Raised $2,500
Raised $5,000
1st Time Plunger
$7,175Raised(72%)
0

2.Larry Mueller AKA Santa|Plunging Knights

Team Captain
Raised $100
Raised $250
Raised $500
Raised $1,000
Raised $2,500
Raised $5,000
1st Time Plunger
$6,900Raised(276%)
0

3.Brian Gimpel|O'Fallon Police Department

Raised $100
Raised $250
Raised $500
Raised $1,000
Raised $2,500
1st Time Plunger
Team Captain
Raised $5,000
$4,700Raised(47%)
0

4.Josh Miller|Elgin Police Department

Team Captain
Raised $100
Raised $250
Raised $500
Raised $1,000
Raised $2,500
1st Time Plunger
Raised $5,000
$4,225Raised(42%)
0

5.Jim Ford|O'Fallon Police Department

Team Captain
Raised $100
Raised $250
Raised $500
Raised $1,000
Raised $2,500
1st Time Plunger
Raised $5,000
$3,696Raised(185%)
0
1.

Plunging Knights

$7,190(144%)
2.

North Boone Unified Team

$6,729(96%)
3.

Dunlap Unified

$4,010(401%)
4.

Special Olympics

$3,660(73%)
5.

Andrew High School Special Olympics

$2,895(145%)
1.

UNCOMN UGLIs

$4,550(57%)
3.

Tentac Gives Back

$2,050(41%)
4.

Arctic Armadillos

$752(15%)
5.

SOCU

$615(31%)
1.

Backroom Loungers

$11,062(74%)
3.

Arctic Tigers

$7,725(52%)
4.

Eileen In

$5,795(58%)
5.

Freezing Inferno

$4,535(45%)
View all leaderboards

Why Take the Polar Plunge?

From family members to colleagues, warm-hearted people across the state of Illinois choose to take the Polar Plunge each year. And this year they are telling us WHY! 

Share Your Why

Presenting Sponsor

Statewide Sponsors

Become a Sponsor

Fill the Map!

Let’s celebrate the nationwide support for Special Olympics Illinois by filling up this map with at least one generous donation from every state.

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Donors

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Donors

Donate

Share and dare your friends and family to take the plunge.

Get Started

CHECK OUT OUR PLUNGE SHOP!

Gear up for the Polar Plunge Illinois with our exclusive shop! Find cozy sweatshirts, comfy sweats, stylish scarves, and more! Perfect for staying warm and showing your support.

Shop Now

Become a Volunteer

Help transform the lives of those with intellectual disabilities. Donate your time and talent to a local event, competition, and more.

Create a profile and be on the lookout for plunge events

Become an Athlete

Our traditional sports program serves athletes who are 8 and up. Young Athletes can participate from ages 2-7.

Get in the Game

About Torch Run

The officers of the Illinois Law Enforcement Torch Run help give athletes a voice in their local communities.

Find Out More

Stay Connected

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Special Olympics Illinois Social

Share your Polar Plunge journey with our online community. Be sure to tag Special Olympics Illinois and use #PlungeIllinois to connect with other warm-hearted individuals across the state.

Illinois Law Enforcement Torch Run

Connect with the Illinois Law Enforcement Torch Run through social media. And, be sure to tag these channels so we can stay up to date with your activities.

View Polar Plunge Safety Policy

Please be safe with your Create Your Own Plunge choices. Special Olympics Illinois is not responsible for any injuries that occur while participating in the Create Your Own Plunge option.

Those choosing to Create Your Own Plunge are encouraged to be safe with their Create Your Own Plunge choices. Special Olympics Illinois utilizes a professional dive team in the water and emergency responders to ensure the safety of our participants at traditional Polar Plunges. Do not attempt to jump into a lake, river, or any other open body of water for the Create Your Own Plunge. Participants should not do anything that could physically harm themselves or others. Special Olympics Illinois is not responsible for any injuries that occur while participating in the Create Your Own Plunge.