Do You Have What It Takes to Be the Fastest on Skates? Join Us for Silver Skates Neighborhood Speed Skating

Time trial series returns for 109th year at five park sites

The 109th Annual Silver Skates speed skating competition returns to five neighborhood parks to find the fastest ice skater over the age of 6 years old in Chicago.  Last year’s fastest skater covered 700 meters in just under two-minutes. Each race distance is proportional to age groups. Younger participants race at 100 meters, and older participants race distances up to 700 meters.  

Five sites will host regional qualifiers at neighborhood ice rinks. Following regional qualifiers, a championship will take place indoors at McFetridge Sports Center, located at 3843 N. California Ave., on January 17, 2026 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.  Registration for the Silver Skates Speed Skating competition is available now for participants here.

“Nothing heats up our beloved ice rinks like the spirit of competition,” said Chicago Park District General Superintendent and CEO Carlos Ramirez-Rosa. “This is a tradition that has endured for over a century, and we can’t wait to welcome people of all ages to shatter existing records.”

The following sites will host Silver Skates time trials. Skaters will compete in a regional round outdoors at reach ice rink listed below:

  • Jan. 6, 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Midway Plaisance Park, 1130 Midway Plaisance North
  • Jan. 7, 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at McKinley Park, 2210 W. Pershing Rd.
  • Jan. 8, 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Mt. Greenwood Park, 3721 W. 111th St.
  • Jan. 14, 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Warren Park, 6601 N. Western Ave.
  • Jan. 15, 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Wentworth Park, 5625 S. Mobile Ave.
  • Jan. 17, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Championship, McFetridge Sports Center, 3843 N. California Ave.

General guidelines:

  • Check-in usually begins at 5 p.m. for each event, with races beginning at 5:30 p.m.
  • Youth races take place first, followed by the adult races.
  • Registration is required and will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis for the first 20 participants from each age group and gender.
  • Participants under the age of 18 must have a parent or guardian register them in order to participate.
  • Gloves, long sleeves, and a bicycle or hockey helmet are required to participate.
  • Figure skates, hockey skates, or speed skates must be worn at all times.