Chicago Masters Swim Club offers "mature athletes" of all abilities an opportunity to improve the swimming fitness and technique, while meeting a friendly and good natured group of like-minded fitness enthusiasts.

Chicago Masters has members from their early 20s to the mid 70s, with abilities ranging from novice athletes looking to improve their confidence and competence in the water, to ex-Olympians who continue to perform at a high level.  In 2008, Chicago Masters' George Wendt set the Masters World record in the Men's 60-64 1500m Free in a time of 19:07, shattering the previous record by 18 seconds!  With swimmers like 1960 Olympics gold medalist Bill Mulliken and 1976 Olympics silver medalist Steve Gregg in the water regularly, Chicago Masters provides plenty of opportunity to challenge the faster swimmer.

While Chicago Masters has its share of superstars, it is the rank and file member that makes Chicago Masters special.   The team takes pride in seeing every one of its members improve, whether it's dropping a second on a 50 in practice, or 5 minutes at Chicago Masters' annual homage to open water swimming, the Big Shoulders 5K and 2.5K Swim Classic.

Chicago Masters offers Chicago swimmers the most complete masters swimming experience, in a location that is just 1 mile southwest of the loop, with 11 practices provided weekly.  The UIC Natatorium is located in the Physical Education Building on the UIC campus at 901 W. Roosevelt Rd. (between Halsted and Morgan on the south side of Roosevelt).  It is a 50 meter pool with 8 lanes separated by Kiefer(R) wave-eater lane lines.  Chicago Masters swims long course from April through January, with 3 months of short course thrown for variety!  Practices are held
Monday - Friday from 5:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m., and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., plus Saturdays from 8 to 10 a.m.

Chicago Masters is fortunate to be coached by world class coach Paul Moniak, who also is the Head Coach for the UIC Men's and Women's Swimming and Diving Teams.  Paul is joined by former UIC swimmer Doug Zimmer, who covers the Tuesday, Thursday morning workouts.

All interested USMS swimmers are encouraged to drop by and give Chicago Masters a try!  Visiting swimmers are also welcome for a $10 drop in fee.