Experience Dragon Boat Racing - Chicago 2026

Chicago Experience Dragon Boat Racing with GWN Dragon Boat

So you want to try dragon boat racing this summer, but are unsure where to begin. Rounding up twenty friends and co-workers can be like herding cats—er, dragons. That’s exactly why we created a recreational program within the Schaumburg/Elk Grove area, to help get you on the water this summer.

There are two Experience Dragon Boat Racing Program options available: Train & Race Package and Race Ready Package.

Train & Race Package

Program Details

The Experience Dragon Boat Train & Race package is a five-week program leading up to the Chicago International Dragon Boat Festival, held on Saturday July 25th 2026. One 1hr practice is held per week, making it the perfect opportunity to try out the sport without having to commit too much of your time. We supply you with all the equipment needed (i.e. boats, paddles, and lifejackets) – all you have to do is show up in clothes that can get wet!

Along with the five-week program, you'll also get the chance to compete in the 13th Annual Chicago International Dragon Boat Festival with the rest of the people in the program. Dragon boating is a great way to meet new people and this program can make you some lifelong friends.

What you get:

• 5 weeks of practices with a coach (Wednesdays, 6:30pm-7:30pm, June 24th to July 22nd, held at Windy City Dragon Boat Club at Lake Arlington, 2201 N Windsor Dr, Arlington Heights, IL, 60004)
• All equipment provided (boats, paddles, lifejackets)
• Entry to the Chicago International Dragon Boat Festival (held on Saturday July 25th, at South Pool, Busse Woods, Ned Brown Preserve, Elk Grove County, IL, 60007) along with the other program members
• Team shirt for the festival
• Team tent in the Athletes' Village at the festival

Race Ready Package

Program Details

Great for locals who want to knock off some rust before the Chicago International Dragon Boat Festival, or for paddlers who love to travel and want to join a team.

What you get:

• 1 practice with a coach the week leading up to the Chicago International Dragon Boat Festival (held on Wednesday July 22nd, 6:30pm-7:30pm at Windy City Dragon Boat Club at Lake Arlington, 2201 N Windsor Dr, Arlington Heights, IL 60004)
• All equipment provided (boats, paddles, lifejackets)
• Entry to the Chicago International Dragon Boat Festival (held on Saturday July 25th, at South Pool, Busse Woods, Ned Brown Preserve, Elk Grove County, IL, 60007) along with the other program members
• Team shirt for the festival
• Team tent in the Athletes' Village at the festival