Join Us Sunday, November 2, 2025

Event Location

Willis Tower, 233 S. Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL 60606 (Directions)

Please enter the Willis Tower from the Jackson Blvd. entrance.

Registration & Fundraising

Registration: $50

Fundraising minimum: $200 for in-person participants and $100 for virtual participants

All climbers and handcyclists must register and meet the fundraising minimum to receive their packet and be able to participate in the climb. Please note, corporate sponsor climber registration and fundraising minimums will vary by team. Please check with your team captain.

Schedule of Events

• 6:30 am: Race site opens.
• 7 am: First wave of climbers start. 
• 11 am: Last wave starts, stairwell entrance closes at 11:15 am.

Assigned wave times will be sent to all participants the week before SkyRise Chicago and, then, printed on bibs. Participants are asked to arrive at our Willis Tower staging area 30 minutes prior to their designated wave times, and corporate sponsor participants should arrive at the corporate lounge 30 minutes in advance as well. Please be on time for your climb! 

Climbing Safety & Instructions

Please pin your numbered bib — which includes your timing chip (do not remove!) — on your shirts. To ensure the safety of all participants, please adhere to these guidelines:

• Climb single-file on the right side of the staircase and allow faster climbers to pass on the left. You can stop on a landing to catch your breath, but be aware that other climbers are coming up behind you.
• If you need to stop the climb for any reason, please inform one of our volunteers, who will be stationed on every other floor, to assist you. There are exits on floors 33 and 66 for those who opt out of finishing.
• Climbers may only ascend the tower once.
• Climbers must be 10 years or older to climb the Willis Tower; carrying infants and small children is prohibited. Children younger than 10 are encouraged to participate virtually.
• Backpacks, fanny packs and other bags will not be permitted in the stairwell.
• Shoes are required; no one will be permitted to climb with bare feet.
• Participants are asked to leave obstructive clothing, costumes, equipment or accessories at home.
• Firefighters registering to climb in gear may not start prior to 10 am; acceptable climb gear does not include tanks or respirators.

Gear Check

Gear check will be available on event day, but space is limited. We are unable to accommodate the storage of luggage and large bags. Please do not check valuables, as we cannot be held responsible for your items.

Restrooms

Restrooms are available on lower level 1, lower level 2, inside the Skydeck Experience just prior to entering the stairwell, and on the 103rd floor at the race finish. Restrooms are not available in the stairwells. Please remember to use the facilities before your climb.

Race Results

Race results for all climbers will be available via the QR code on your bib.

Water Stations

Water will be available throughout the stairwell.

Medical Assistance

Emergency medical crews will be on site for those who need assistance during the event. Red phones located inside the stairwells can connect you directly to Willis Tower security. 

Spectators

Access to the Skydeck is for climbers only. Spectators may wait on the ground level.

Donations

On the day of the event, donations can be dropped off in the Customer Service area. Checks should be made payable to Shirley Ryan AbilityLab. They also may be submitted virtually or mailed to Shirley Ryan AbilityLab c/o Advancement, 355 East Erie Street, Chicago, IL 60611. 

Looking for SkyRise Chicago 2024 photos?

Click here to view and purchase your team, stairwell, and Ledge photos.

Search Criteria:
Your Photo ID will be the letters “SKY” followed by your bib # as a 7-digit number.  As an example, bib number 1234 would be entered as “SKY001234”
Team and Ledge photos will be available under the designated runner’s bib number, so check with your team if they are not visible under your bib!

If you receive an “Invalid Photo ID” message, you can use these links to view stairwell photos where we could not identify the runner’s bib number:

• Start Line
• Finish Line

If you cannot find your photo or need further assistance, please email: service@photogenicinc.com