The Chinese Dragon Boat Race dates back to over 2,000 years and is a popular sport among Chinese and Asian communities all over the world. Started in 2000, the Chicago Dragon Boat Race for Literacy is a family-fun activity enjoyed by visitors from all over the city and surrounding suburbs.

The Dragon Boat Race for Literacy has been successfully held by Chinatown Chamber for the past 23 years, which carries over the spirit of Chicago, promotes Asian culture, and aims to help the neighborhood literacy programs.

The Registration for teams and sponsors is LIVE .

Special pricing will be offered to the early birds when registering with full payment by deadline April 30

• Community Team $1100
• Corporation Team $1600

Normal Submission Deadlines

•     Team Application Registration is May 3, 2024

•     Sponsorship & Exhibitor Booth Applications are due May 3, 2024

•     Team Roster & Waiver Forms are due May 17, 2024

*** Additional Notes ***

1.Introduction of a new division for club/sport teams that compete in three or more races in a year. Everyone else will be in the recreational category.

2.All teams will have three races: Time trials (Race#1) will determine the bracket race placement. The qualifying round (Race#2) will determine the top four teams from each bracket in the medal rounds (Race#3) by combining the times of the time trial and the qualifying race (Races #1 and #2). The remaining teams in each bracket not competing for a medal will race in a consolidation round (Race#3).

The new division will only be created if 4 or more teams sign up to be in the sport/club division. That will be determined earlier on May 3, 2024 when applications are due, or when we have at least 4 teams registered. All teams will be notified whether a new division exists shortly after May 3, 2024.

Finally, we are renting 6 boats instead of the usual 4, and hope to have 3 lanes to use. Pan Am is also providing a separate dock for the Adaptive Racing team so they can load and unload their boats at their leisure.

If you have already submitted your application, please advise the Chamber staff as to what skill class you want to participate in (sport/club or recreational).

For further questions, please email us info@chicagochinatown.org

RIVER SPONSORS