Established in 2012, the Tough Cup pits the best crews in the Chicagoland area against one another to claim the title of toughest crew team on the river!

Racing in eights, coxed fours, and quads – this 5k head race takes participants from Kedzie Ave Bridge to Halsted Ave.

The rare boat-level view of the industrial part of the city is an eye-opening experience for the rowers and a great opportunity to race in-state.

The purpose of the Tough Cup is to bring the Chicago Rowing Community together and help support the further development of Chicago’s waterways for positive recreation and use.  Since 2009 Chicago Training Center has used the south branch of the Chicago River System to train its participants and this regatta allows us to highlight the daily training path we follow.

For all CRU participants, click here for important details.