2025 Season: May - Oct
Chicago Typhoon Dragonboat Team
Team Info
About
We are a recreational community dragonboat team in Chicago with 10+ yrs of experience having fun and paddling hard ;)We paddle down the Chicago river and get some great views of downtown Chicago from the river. Chicago's architectural boat tours charge you $70 dollars to do it once. Instead, you get to do it weekly and get in shape in the process. Beat that, Wendella and First Lady tours!
Everyone is welcome regardless of fitness level, experience or no experience. All necessary gear and instruction are provided. Join as many (or few) practices and races as you want! We'd love to have you every week but we don't demand attendance.
Get some exercise and enjoy the Chicago summer outside!
Build community and make some amazing friends!
Travel and compete!
First time paddler?
A full dragon boat is 20 paddlers + 1 steers person + 1 drummerWatch some of our past race videos to get an idea of what it's about!It is ok if you do not know how to swim; life jackets are always worn in the boat for safety. But don't get spooked, we have never capsized or flipped the boat. Do expect to get a little wet so don't wear your fanciest clothing and jewelry.No worries if you have no experience with paddling. Coaching during practice will teach you the right form, timing, and team work to get the boat cruisin'
Team Dues
Ready to sign up?Dues to join are a flat $150 for the entire May-Oct season. This covers all practices, team shirt (tank or tee), and social events during the season. Dues do not cover races as those are optional to join.Venmo your dues to @ AllisonXwu or Zelle to our email typhoon.chicago@ gmailIf you want to try before you commit, your first practice is free.
Practices
Paddling practice will begin Sunday, May 18 2025. Practices will be at the same time every Sunday. We partner with the Greater Chicago Dragon Boat Club who provide the boat, steering, and coaching.You must sign up for practice here before coming. The boat has 20 seats; please help us plan capacity by signing up.What to bring:
Sunscreen, water, water-safe shoes
Optional nice to haves: towel, butt pad, hat, canoe gloves, your own PFD & paddleLocation:
Weed Street Boathouse, 1556 N Kingsbury St, Chicago, IL 60642
(down the stairs next to Blick Art Supplies)Parking:
There is free street parking at 1450 N Cherry Ave on Goose Island. Do not park in the Old Navy/Blick parking lotTransit:
Red Line North/Clyborn station is about a 5 min walk from the boathouse
Dragonboat Races
Typically Typhoon participates in 4 dragonboat races across the season: 2 local Chicagoland, 1 roadtrip, 1 flying destination races. Racing is optional and racers are responsible for entry fee ($40-60) and travel costs. However, the team provides snacks, water, equipment for all races.Races are super fun! Think of it like a long weekend with 20 of your best friends (that also happens to include an exciting race ;) The team plans for travel/carpool, dinners, lodging, and activities all weekend long. You just need to show up.2025 Races:
June 21, 2025 - Chicago Chinatown Festival
July 26, 2025 - Chicago Dragonboat Festival (Busse Woods)
Sept 13, 2025 - Northeast Wisconsin Dragonboat Festival
Oct 18, 2025 - Las Vegas Dragonboat Festival
