BIG. CRIT. ENERGY.
10 RACES IN 10 DAYS WITH TIGHT CORNERS + INSANE SPEED + A PARTY ATMOSPHERE = BIG. CRIT. ENERGY.
In case you missed it – after 11 years of racing under our former name…we changed our name. But that’s really all that changed. We’re keeping the awesome courses you’ve come to love, the tight corners, adrenaline-filled race atmosphere, and epic block parties.
WHY CHICAGO GRIT?
We wanted a new name that reflects the spirit of our riders who are badass and full-send, as well as the communities in which we are fortunate to race. We knew Chicago had to be in the name, and we liked the word Grit – because that’s what you need to race 10 days of full-send criteriums on technical courses.
2026RACE UPDATES
In 2026 we’ll be celebrating 14 years of racing in and around Chicagoland!
This year we’ll have 10 races in 10 days, returning to our new Fulton Market course (riding under the “L”).
2026 flyer will be available soon. You can click below to view our 2025 flyer.
SOME HIGHLIGHTS FROM EACH COMMUNITY WE’LL BE RACING IN 2026.
WEST DUNDEE
DAY 1
GLEN ELLYN
DAY 2
WINFIELD
DAY 3
MUNDELEIN
DAY 4
LOMBARD
DAY 5
BROOKFIELD
DAY 6
NORTHBROOK
DAY 7
ELGIN
DAY 8
LAKE BLUFF
DAY 9
CHICAGO (FULTON)
DAY 10
IS SPECTATING
FUN?
(AND OTHER BURNING QUESTIONS)
Click below and we’ll answer it.
IS SPECTATING
FUN?
IS SPECTATING FUN?
(AND OTHER BURNING QUESTIONS)
Click below and we’ll answer it.
OUR SOCIAL MEDIA
(We’re best on Instagram)
Every race tells a story you never see.
Behind the sprint finishes and podium celebrations are years of grit, setbacks, and determination — the moments that shape why riders keep showing up when it would be easier to stop.
Why We Ride, presented by @sramroad , pulls back the curtain on the stories unfolding inside elite racing.
Every month we’ll be sharing a new story from a rider (or riders) who have raced Grit for years and are well-known in the crit scene.
Our first story focuses on @kendall_ryan92 and @laurelridesbikes . Thanks to SRAM, they return to Chicago Grit this year leading their new team - @calderamedical_aurearacing with a goal to elevate women’s cycling.
Link to full article in bio
Omg how could we forgot to post this absolute GEM. The Cat 5 World Championship is epic. Nothing quite like the hype of 75 Cat 5 men whizzing around the course, full send, trying to stay upright and claim the glory of the title. That title went to @amatsurecycling who stopped so long for a beer to celebrate, we almost thought he forgot about us.
Welcome to Cat 4, Morgan #cat5 #cat5worlds #worldchamionship #biggritenergy
@emilyherfoss made every race exciting to witness. We couldn’t count on much this series, but one thing we could count on was that Emily was going to try and breakaway (or try to bridge to a breakaway). Breakaway artists animate the race and while their attempts may not make it, they are GRITTY.
We doubled up Emily giving her not one but two SRAM Gritty awards this series (that’s how truly badass she is). #biggritenergy #getgritty #chicagogrit #fullsend
The @teamcadencecyclery boys cleaned up tonight in Fulton Market taking the win for the night @richardholec and holding onto the omnium jersey. Nicely done gents- the entire team deserves credit for chasing down relentless attacks and dominating that podium- chapeau🤩
@josephine_peloquin had an AMAZING 10 days at Grit. @la_sweat_racing defended the Jersey unbelievably well, locking in that overall 🥇 Seriously impressive work ladies, truly a team effort chasing down attacks, controlling the race- well done!
@kendall_ryan92 laid it all on the line today at Fulton Market picking up ANOTHER win for the @l39ion.la team. @alexismmagner I hope they made you proud this week because it sure was impressive to witness 🤩. Well done ladies! Chapeau 🙌🏽
Pro Men going off in Downtown Chicago @fultonstmarket #biggritenergy #getgritty #chicagogrit #fullsend
@isaac.juracich (our 2025 #guyinwhite) took the 🥇 in Fulton Market today. Isaac went out with 5 to go and dug into the field, building a commanding lead to the finish. 🤩🤩🤩#getgritty #biggritenergy #chicagogrit #fullsend
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