As Chicago faced some of the coldest wind chills of the season, George “Iceberg” Miller and a dedicated group of friends chose to embrace the frigid conditions by plunging into Lake Michigan. On a Sunday in January 2024, while the city was under a winter storm warning, Miller, along with his wife, Jesy Grose, and friends Hayley Kimbrueh and Tom Ashman, braved the icy waters at Oak Street Beach.
Miller, originally from California, has transformed from someone who disliked the cold into an enthusiastic polar swimmer. His journey began at the suggestion of a yoga instructor, evolving into a community-building activity. “I want Chicagoans, I want the Midwest, I want people to embrace winter, rather than complain about it,” Miller stated. He aims to change perceptions about Chicago’s winters, advocating for the city to be seen as a winter destination.
On that particularly chilly day, temperatures hovered around 18 degrees Fahrenheit, with a wind chill factor bringing it down to just 5 degrees. The group spent approximately 15 minutes in the water, reveling in the rush that followed the initial shock. Miller explained, “It feels really good after the first 30 seconds. It’s terrifying at first… but then, a lot of endorphins kick in, then a lot of norepinephrine, adrenaline, and dopamine. All the happy chemicals.”
Research supports the positive effects of cold-water immersion. A review of 11 studies published in 2025 indicated that polar plunges can temporarily reduce stress and improve sleep, although no direct link was found between cold plunges and enhanced mood or immunity. Miller, who first jumped into the lake four years ago, reported immediate mental clarity and an addictive rush of joy that he never experienced before.
At 43 years old and working as a leadership, career, and life coach, Miller encourages others to confront their fears. He views the daily plunge as a healthy means to engage with anxiety. “I feel afraid every single time, and that’s OK,” he said. “I’m getting my system to be cool with being more afraid in a space that’s safe.”
Preparation is crucial for anyone considering a polar plunge. Miller advises newcomers to start gradually to acclimatize their bodies to the cold. Without proper preparation, he noted, the experience can be overwhelming and unsafe. Additionally, he emphasizes safety by notifying the Chicago Police Department Marine Unit before each plunge, ensuring their activities are monitored.
To protect against the biting cold, participants wear neoprene boots and gloves, which guard against numbness and potential injuries from sharp objects in the water. Miller insists on the importance of never plunging alone, a rule that has fostered a supportive community of winter swimmers.
“Last winter, more than 100 people took the plunge into Lake Michigan’s frigid waters,” Miller said, reflecting on the growth of this winter tradition. After their icy escapade, the group typically heads to a nearby sauna to warm up, capping off their exhilarating experience.
Through his passion for winter swimming, Miller hopes to inspire a shift in how residents view the harsh Chicago winters, transforming them from a time of hibernation into a season of adventure and community.
