2026 Chicago Thanksgiving Parade

2026 Chicago Thanksgiving Parade

The Unicycling Society of America, Inc has been selected again to participate as a Specialty Unit in the 2026 Chicago Thanksgiving Parade. This is your opportunity to represent the unicycling community on a national stage, as the parade will be broadcast live and on streaming services. Grab your unicycle, tell your friends, and come ride with the USA this November 26th! 

*Deadline to Sign-Up is November 1, 2026 at 11:59pm CST

Important Details:

• The parade takes place in downtown Chicago on Thanksgiving morning, Thursday, November 26, 2026. The parade steps off at 7:45 a.m. at State and Ida B. Wells Drive and ends at 10:00 a.m. at State and Randolph. Call times may be as early as 6:00 AM. Detailed information/maps to be provided closer to the parade. 
  

• There are coffee shops and porta-potties near the start of the parade.

• Parking: SpotHero can provide cheaper parking options, and ensure you have a close spot as opposed to finding day-of parking.

• • All participants must wear appropriately themed costumes, outfits, or uniforms. This requirement includes all Parade unit escorts or chaperones. Only one (1) adult escort per fifty (50) participants will be allowed to march with the unit.
  • Unit escorts or chaperones must wear a sticker style credential on their right shoulder to identify themselves to block marshals and other parade personnel.This sticker style credential will be provided in the staging area.
  • Unit escorts or chaperones MUST walk on the right side or East side of their unit, no exceptions.

Partner Hotels and Discounted Room Block Rates: 

Joining us from out of town? We have fantastic hotel partnerships that ensure all parade guests get the best accommodations at the best rate! Check out The Godfrey in River North (crazy cool Rooftop Igloo’s during the holidays) and The London House to book your holiday stay.

Space is limited at these deeply discounted rates, so don’t wait until the last minute to book a fantastic room or suite!

THE GODFREY BOOKING LINK

• https://www.godfreyhotelchicago.com/book/dates-of-stay?RatePlanId=11204837

THE LONDON HOUSE BOOKING LINK

• https://www.hilton.com/en/book/reservation/rooms/?ctyhocn=CHILHQQ&arrivalDate=2026-11-24&departureDate=2026-11-27&groupCode=CPT&room1NumAdults=1&cid=OM%2CWW%2CHILTONLINK%2CEN%2CDirectLink

Requirements to Ride: 

• Uniform: *NEW SWEATSHIRTS THIS YEAR!* Design is being finalized, but new sweatshirt will be the required uniform.   
  

• USA Membership: ALL riders must be current members of the Unicycling Society of America. To become a member, or renew membership, please visit the membership page. 

• Helmets: 

• • Standard (20” & 24”) - Helmet optional, but encouraged.

  • Giraffes - Helmet Required