Start the new year strong! Here’s what the Great Lakes Morale, Welfare and Recreation Department has planned for January.
28th Annual Polar Bear Plunge
Proudly Sponsored By: USAA & Kids Rank
Dare to Dip! Meet us Sat., Jan. 31 at 10 AM at the boat launch area of Great Lakes Marina (B13). Participants will brave the icy waters of Lake Michigan to kick off the year with courage and camaraderie!
- All participants must wear closed-toed shoes
- Costumes are encouraged
- Coolest Command Challenge:
- The command with the highest participation percentage will be recognized and awarded
- Enjoy a warm bonfire
- Food truck on site
- Click (NAVSTA Great Lakes) to Register: https://myffr.navyaims.com/navyma/webtrac/web/splash.html?
Community Recreation Drop-In Program
Celebrate NASA Remembrance Month with hands-on activities including paper rockets, mission patches, and gratitude stars.
- Available: Tues. – Sat.
- Time: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
- Location: MWR Community Rec Office & Marina (B13)
Build a Snowman Photo Contest
Pick up a free snowman kit from the MWR Community Rec Office & Marina (B13) and build your best snowman!
- Submit photos all month long to: GRLKMWRRECREATION@US.NAVY.MIL
- Judging Ends: Fri., Jan. 30
- Winners Announced: Sat., Jan. 31 at the Polar Bear Plunge
Family Fun & Fit
It’s cold outside—no problem! Bring the kids to our free indoor open gym and let them burn off some energy. Activities, games, and an inflatable included.
- Date: Sat., Jan. 10
- Time: 9:30 AM-11 AM
- Location: Community Center (B8190)
- Early Admission: 9 AM for EFMP families
Spouses Showdown: Dodgeball Edition
MWR kicks off the Free Spouses Showdown Series with an action-packed dodgeball tournament! Dodge, dip, duck, dive, and dominate!
- Date: Sat., Jan. 24
- Time: 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM
- Location: Gym 4
- Open To: Military spouses & sponsors
Chicago Hockey Tickets
Don’t miss your chance to see: Chicago Wolves (FREE) or Chicago Blackhawks (Discounted)
K1 Speed
The weather outside may be frightful, but indoor racing is delightful! Purchase 1-, 2-, or 3-lap high-speed go-kart races at three Chicagoland locations at a discounted rate.
Medieval Times Dining Experience
Enjoy a legendary dining experience with a FREE Royalty Upgrade, including:
American Forces Travel
Book your dream spring break vacation with American Forces Travel. Bundle airfare, hotels, rental cars, cruises, and local attractions to maximize your savings.
Vehicle Storage
New year, new vehicle? Store your recreational vehicles at one of two convenient storage lot programs located in Base Housing.
- Contact: 847-688-5417 for availability
Boat Storage
Did Santa bring you a new boat? Store your trailer-able vessel for the winter at the MWR Community Rec Office & Marina (B13).
- Contact: 847-688-5417 for details
RV Park
Thinking about summer already? We are!
- Active Duty & Reservists: Reserve up to 1 year in advance
- All Other Eligible Patrons: Reserve up to 6 months in advance
- Reservations: dodlodging.net, 877-NAVY-BED or 847-688-6763
Gear Rental – Winter Items
Sleds, cross-country skis, snowshoes, and more! Daily winter rentals available at discounted rates.
- Call to Reserve: 847-688-5417
Sports, Fitness & Aquatics Division
Click (NAVSTA Great Lakes) to Register for Sports Programs:
https://myffr.navyaims.com/navyma/webtrac/web/splash.html?
Current Fitness Class Schedule:
https://www.navylifegl.com/modules/media/?do=inline&id=f9371eba-de98-4ee1-abd6-ed8913bd2060
Physical Fitness Assessments
Moses Khan, MS, M.Ed., CPT, SCE, LMT (Fitness Facility Manager) offers comprehensive fitness assessments following ACSM science-based guidelines.
- FREE: Active Duty Personnel
- $40: Non-Active Duty Personnel
NBA Skills Challenge
Pass, dribble, and shoot your way to victory!
- Date: Thurs., Jan. 15
- Time: 5 PM
- Location: Fieldhouse, B440
- Registration Deadline: Tues., Jan. 13
Captain’s Cup Basketball League
Proudly Sponsored by USAA
The 2026 NAVSTA Great Lakes Captain’s Cup Season tips off with basketball!
- League Begins: Tues., Jan. 20
- Mandatory Coaches Meeting & Roster Deadline: Wed., Jan. 14 at 5 PM (Fieldhouse, B440)
- Open to all commands and barracks
- FREE and open to all hands
Volleyball Skills Challenge
Compete against friends and show off your skills!
- Date: Thurs., Jan. 22
- Time: 5 PM
- Location: Fieldhouse, B440
- Registration Deadline: Tues., Jan. 20
Winter Swim Lessons
Six Week Session (Jan. 13-Feb. 21)
Great Lakes Brew Club
Beat the Chill at Brew Club. Escape the January frost and warm up with premium seasonal brews. Showcase your talents on the piano or relax and enjoy the music. This is your space to unwind!
Epicenter Entertainment Complex
Facility includes: 28-lane Bowling Center, Legends Sports Club, Movie Theater (Navy Motion Picture Service), SPINZ grab-and-go deli (pizza, wings, wraps & burgers.)
Coming in January & February:
- New menu items at SPINZ
- Kids Birthday Party Packages
- Our Super Bowl Party—watch social media for details!
Liberty Program – The Loft
Liberty January trips include: Snow Tubing, Ice Skating, Chicago Field Museum, and a Volunteer Opportunity at Lake Bluff Lands Association. To view the full January lineup go here: https://www.navylifegl.com/activity/367f79c8-0e13-40ae-9c85-2270cc8fd3d2
- Eligibility: Enlisted Active-Duty personnel E-1 to E-6
- Location: Loft Recreation Center, Bldg. 2A (3rd Deck)
- Phone: 847-688-2214
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