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Chicago Smelts

Lakeview (Gill Park) / Little Italy (Sheridan Park) · Chicago, IL

One of Chicago's longest-running LGBTQ+ organizations: a masters swim team founded in the 1980s that is open to everyone. It practices at two Park District indoor pools and also organizes open-water swimming.

Beginner-friendlyMembers onlyIndoor
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Weekly schedule

  • Monday6:30pm–8:30pm · Sep–May · Two back-to-back practice groups, 6:30 and 7:30 PMGill Park pool, 833 W Sheridan Rd
  • Tuesday7am–8am · Sep–May · Morning practiceSheridan Park pool, 910 S Aberdeen St
  • Tuesday7:30pm–8:30pm · Sep–May · Evening practiceGill Park pool, 833 W Sheridan Rd
  • Wednesday6:30pm–8:30pm · Sep–May · Clinic 6:30-7:15, then 75-min practice 7:15-8:30 (some weeks a single 6-7 PM practice)Gill Park pool, 833 W Sheridan Rd
  • Thursday7am–8am · Sep–May · Morning practiceSheridan Park pool, 910 S Aberdeen St
  • Thursday7:30pm–8:30pm · Sep–May · Evening practiceGill Park pool, 833 W Sheridan Rd
  • Saturday9am–11am · Sep–May · Two back-to-back groups, 9 and 10 AMGill Park pool, 833 W Sheridan Rd
  • Saturday9am–10am · Sep–May · Saturday practiceSheridan Park pool, 910 S Aberdeen St

LGBTQ+-inclusive masters team open to everyone. Join USMS first (a 30-day USMS trial is offered), then buy a Smelts membership or drop-in online. Practices are sometimes cancelled or shifted, so check the Google calendar. Summer open-water workouts run Memorial Day-Labor Day at the Lincoln Park Chess Pavilion (2026: Wed 6 PM and Sun 11 AM); attend a pool workout first.

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Details

Meeting spots (2)
  • Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, SatGill Park pool, 833 W Sheridan Rd Directions
  • Tue, Thu, SatSheridan Park pool, 910 S Aberdeen St Directions
Level
All levels (swimmers should be able to swim 4 x 100 yards on 2:00)
Cost
$45/month membership (first month prorated; renews monthly); $10 drop-in per practice for current USMS members; $72/year social & competition-only membership. USMS membership required; financial aid available.

Last checked Nov 1, 2026 · source

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