What is the Chicago Ducky Derby? It's a signature annual fundraiser benefiting Special Olympics Illinois! Thousands of spectators watch over 60,000 yellow rubber ducks splash into the Chicago River in downtown Chicago and race down the river towards the finish line. Race Day kicks off at 10 am on Thursday, August 8, 2019, at 401 North Michigan Avenue with entertainment for the entire family. Splashdown for the Ducky Derby is at 1 pm at Wabash Ave. Bridge. All proceeds benefit more than 23,000 athletes and over 17,000 Young Athletes across Illinois. *tentative date

How do I adopt a duck? You can Adopt a duck for only $5. Get more chances to win by purchasing a Quack Pack (6 ducks for $25), Flock of Ducks (24 ducks for $100) or Diamond Duck Pack (240 ducks for $1,000)!

*Are you adopting a duck on behalf of a friend, co-worker or family member affiliated with a Sales Team? If so, be sure to select the team you want to get credit for your adoption. Click on a team member name to give credit to a specific person.

What if my duck wins? You could be the winner of one of our great prizes including a 2019 Chevy Equinox, $2,500 cash, an All-Inclusive Apple Vacation to Riviera Maya, a Chicago Weekend Getaway or NASCAR tickets!

How do I get involved? Sales teams are forming now. Put together a group of friends, colleagues or family members to join the fun. Teams compete for bragging rights and great prizes. To form a Sales Team click here. For more information on starting a team or to volunteer, contact Shelley Chenoweth at schenoweth@soill.org or 630-519-6059.

Meet Maria - Our 2019 Duck Derby Ambassador!
Maria is a free-spirited 20-year-old from Hinsdale, Illinois where she lives with her parents, brother Joshua, sister Marissa and German Shepherd, Ozzie. She graduated from Hinsdale Central High School in 2017 where she was a four-year member of the Special Olympics basketball team as well as the track and field team. Maria was also a varsity cheerleader. She is currently a student at the Hinsdale South Transition Center and hopes to attend college in the fall of 2021. Maria loves to play sports, sing and is involved in the performing arts. She has medaled in the Special Olympics Summer State Games for the past eight years and in 2018 performed the National Anthem at the Opening Ceremony before thousands of fans. Maria also qualified for the National Games last year in Seattle, Washington where she medaled in the swim competition. An aspiring thespian, Maria is a member of the ensemble of A.B.L.E., a performing arts group that provides opportunities to individuals with developmental differences. In her spare time, Maria loves to travel. She has visited 38 of our 50 states and 16 foreign countries. Maria is honored to be the Ducky Derby Ambassador.