Hustle Chicago® Event Details

Hustle Chicago Stair Climb is Sunday, February 21, 2027

Every year people climb to the top of 875 N. Michigan Ave. (former Hancock Building) to raise funds for Respiratory Health Association’s programs, which support people living with lung disease and promote clean air.

Have questions? Email us at SpecialEvents@RespHealth.org or call (312) 243-2000 ext. 200.

Why Climb?

Some climb for the individual fitness accomplishment. Others dedicate their efforts to honor or remember a loved one. Many participants say they or someone they know have been impacted by asthma, COPD, lung cancer, COVID-19, or other lung diseases. Whatever your reason, we can’t wait to see you at the finish line!

In addition to your reserved climb spot, all climbers will receive an event t-shirt, bib, finisher’s medal, and entry to the Hustle Chicago After Party next door at the Hilton Chicago Magnificent Mile Suites, featuring local and national vendors who provide food, drinks, and plenty of other goodies.

The Climb

Full Climb Sponsored by Omron: 94 Floors – 1,632 Steps

Registration Fee: $55 – Fundraising Minimum: $150

The Full Climb sponsored by Omron ranges from 7:00 a.m. until approximately 3:00 p.m. Please note that for health and safety, we schedule participants throughout that timeframe so your specific climb time could fall anywhere in that range.

The Full Climb sponsored by Omron ends in 360 CHICAGO. Soaring 1,000 feet over legendary Michigan Avenue is one of the city’s most unique attractions – 360 CHICAGO. Located on the 94th floor, 360 CHICAGO offers breathtaking views of Chicago’s skyline, lakefront, and four neighboring states.

Half Climb: 52 Floors – 816 Steps

Registration Fee: $35 – Fundraising Minimum: $100

The Half Climb ranges from 8:00 a.m. until approximately 10:00 a.m. Please note that for health and safety, we schedule participants throughout that timeframe so your specific climb time could fall anywhere in that range.

The Half Climb begins on the 42nd floor and will end at 360 CHICAGO.

Virtual Climb

Required Donation: $10

Even if you cannot make the in-person climb, you can still help people living with asthma, COPD, lung cancer, COVID-19 and other lung diseases. Sign up for the Hustle Virtual Climb!

Make the fitness challenge a fun part of the virtual experience. Climb on your own in the gym, your basement, or your building’s stairwell. However, there is no requirement to prove you’ve climbed 94 flights on your own. Your key role as a virtual climber is making a difference through fundraising.

Virtual climbers who raise $100 or more will receive a Hustle Chicago t-shirt, bib, and commemorative medal.

Fundraising deadlines apply as follows:

  • Team captains and members will be required to fundraise the minimum by January 30, 2026. If any team member has not met their minimum by this date, the card on file will be charged. This is to ensure all climb packets can be mailed to the team captain on time.
  • Individual climbers will be required to fundraise the minimum by February 18, 2026. If the minimum has not been met by this date, the card on file will be charged.

Lung Health Champions

Lung Health Champions, who commit to raising $1,000 to support RHA’s programs receive several benefits including:

  • Your choice of start times. Want to climb early? Need time to get downtown? Provide your preferred start times during registration and we will do our best to accommodate your request. Please note: if you are climbing with a team, you may not receive your first choice of climb time.
  • Early registration. Beat the rush of general registration and secure your spot. Lung Health Champion registration opens on October 15.
  • Premium Hustle Chicago® stair climb shirt.
  • Invitation to a VIP reception Hustle weekend.
  • Custom stainless steel, LHC-branded water bottle from Gatorade
  • Personal fundraising coach. Your coach will help you create a plan to reach your $1,000 fundraising goal and provide support along the way.

To become a Lung Health Champion, choose the “Lung Health Champion” or LHC option during registration.

 

Corporate Climb

Build employee camaraderie while showcasing your company’s commitment to physical wellness, community involvement and corporate philanthropy in one of Chicago’s most iconic and visible charity events.

While general event participants commit to fundraising $150, Corporate Climb participants keep a $100 fundraising minimum.

Click here to download our Corporate Climb and Sponsorship Package details.

Not interested in climbing but still want to support healthy lungs and clean air? We’ve got you covered with packages that meet your company’s marketing objectives!

Special Climb Divisions

Towerrunning USA Championship – 6:50 AM

Hustle Chicago is the proud host of the Towerrunning USA Championship.

The championship wave will head up the stairs first at 6:50 AM, populated by the USA’s top-ranked stair climbers as well as a select group of international competitors. The championship spots will be distributed based on the USA ranking as of November 10, 2025, and the international spots by world ranking. Generously sponsored by 360 CHICAGO, prize money will be given to the first place male and female. Learn more about Awards here.

To learn more, visit TowerRunningUSA.com.

Elite Climb – 7:00 AM

If you’re among the fastest on two feet, you may be eligible to join the Elite Climb.

The first place male and first place female receive a complimentary registration for themselves and the first spots in the following year’s Elite Climb.

Qualifying criteria to be considered for the Elite Climb:

  • Results must be from a comparable stair climb, at least 50 floors+, such as Hustle Chicago, Step Up for Kids, or SkyRise Chicago.
  • You must have placed in the overall top 25 finishers, male or female.
  • Your submitted time must be within the last three years.

How to apply:

Register as an individual for the Full Climb and pay the entry fee.  
Please note: it is not possible to be on a team and participate in the Elite Climb.

Submit your results via: a screen shot, an attached finisher’s certificate, an attached print out from an online results page (please highlight or circle your name and time), or a link to your individual race results (please ensure your name and results are the ONLY ones appearing on the page).

After registering please submit your qualifying results to SpecialEvents@RespHealth.org with the subject “Elite Climb Application.” Qualifying results must be submitted by January 9, 2026.

All applicants will be notified by the end of January if they have been accepted into the Elite Climb.

An Elite Climber’s time may qualify them for the Towerrunning USA Championship, and they will be notified if so.

Firefighters Climb – 10:00 AM

Firefighters from across the country join their fellow first-responders at Hustle Chicago to honor the firefighters who gave their lives at the World Trade Center on 9/11.

Only firefighter helmets and boots are allowed. No gear bags, tanks, hoses, or masks allowed. No turn out gear. All firefighters will receive event t-shirts. We encourage you to wear it or wear your firehouse shirts.

To join the Firefighters Climb, email SpecialEvents@RespHealth.org.

Hustle Chicago After Party

Climbers and guests are invited to attend the Hustle Chicago After Party, hosted by the Hilton Chicago Magnificent Mile Suites just around the corner from 875 N. Michigan Ave. Join other climbers to celebrate with food, drinks, photo ops, and more in a party atmosphere!

Want to table at the After Party? Email SpecialEvents@RespHealth.org.