I am going to be traveling to Chicago for a work conference at the end of the month, and I was hoping to find a Masters team to practice with while I'm there. Looking on the website here, it looks like there are quite a few teams in the area. Does anyone know which might be close to:
Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile
540 North Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611
Thanks for any help you can provide!
Former Member
I don't swim in the city, but IL masters has quite a few teams to choose from. If no one answers here, you may want to re-post this in the Illinois forum. You'll get answers really fast!
-Stacy
Former Member
Chicago Masters (at UIC) is a short cab ride from where you are staying. The pool is very nice, and the team is friendly. However, you should bring a cell phone so you can call for a cab to get back to your hotel. I don't recommend trying to walk back to Michigan Avenue from there (which is what I did in November).
Former Member
Chicago Masters (at UIC) is a short cab ride from where you are staying. The pool is very nice, and the team is friendly. However, you should bring a cell phone so you can call for a cab to get back to your hotel. I don't recommend trying to walk back to Michigan Avenue from there (which is what I did in November).
Gull, I have made the walk from UIC to Michigan as well, at about the same time. Needless to say my swim bag was frozen, as was the rest of me.
So, yea, call a cab if it is going to be cold. If the weather is nice, the walk isn't too bad.
Unfortunately, my team practices 30 miles west of Chicago, so won't be much help!
Stacey's idea was very good... go to USMS Discussion Forums ->LMSC and Zone Forums -> Illinois and post your question there. That forum gets a lot of activity and someone should know about swimming near the city.
You could also try to contact Nadine Day (the president of ILMSA - the Illinois Master's Swimming Association) directly. Contact info listed at:
www.ilmsa.com/.../board
Nadine seems to know EVERYONE who swims around Chicago. :D
Carrie
Chlorini,
I also swim out in the suburbs of Chicago (south), but I too have been downtown for days at conferences and have swam with the Chicago Masters group (mornings):
Chicago - IM Chicago Masters
Illinois LMSC
UIC Physical Education Building
901 West Roosevelt Chicago, Illinois
Lap Swim / Workout Times: 5:30-7:30am & 5:00-7:00pm M-F 8-10am Sat
Contacts: Bill Mulliken 708-594-0031 x362 or Paul Moniak (312) 996-2255
Web Site: http://www.chicagomasters.com/
Map URL: Click here for map to pool
Record Last Updated: 4/3/05
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They are pretty accommodating and have a variety of times open, large facility at the university (was recently considered for the proposed site for the Olympics bid but now Chicago is looking to build a new one for it), and a pretty good group of people from those that I've met and swam with. They appear to be somewhat used to visitors. Parking is not great but they can direct you on that; it's not that bad that early in the morning. They have capability for long and short course- I don't know which is open now-- it probably Depends on the time of year.
