9th Annual Steve Demitro Kids Fishing Derby
Saturday, September 26, 2026 · McKinley Park Lagoon · Check-in 8:30 AM · Derby starts 9:00 AM sharp
Register Now — It's Free!
Event Details
- Date
Saturday, September 26, 2026
- Check-in & Start Time
Check-in: 8:30 AM near the McKinley Park Lagoon by the Tennis Courts on 37th Street, just off Damen
Derby starts: 9:00 AM sharp
- Location
McKinley Park Lagoon, Chicago, IL
- Who Can Participate
Ages 7–16 · Free
Every participant must be accompanied by a parent or guardian and registered online. Spaces are limited.
Amazing Prizes
Over 1,000 young anglers have competed since the derby's debut, with an impressive haul of prizes including brand-new bicycles and tickets to Chicago Blackhawks and White Sox games.
- Brand-new bicycles
- Chicago Blackhawks tickets
- Chicago White Sox tickets
- Trophies & medals
Check Out This Cool Video About the Fishing Derby!
Event Registration
Fields marked with * are required. Spaces are limited — register today!
Thank You to Our Sponsors
This event is made possible by the generous support of our community partners.
Whoa! The Chicago Blackhawks are going ALL IN for the kids fishing derby at McKinley Park — rolling up with awesome swag for the first 100 participants to the Steve Demitro Fishing Derby on September 26, 2026. This is only the third time ever an NHL team has jumped into a kids fishing derby… how cool is that?! Huge shout-out and massive thanks to the Chicago Blackhawks for making this one unforgettable!