Signature Events: Walk for Kidneys
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move towards a healthy future
our community, marching together
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Walk for Kidneys is a family-friendly celebration of passion and progress. This annual event is an incredible opportunity for supporters of the NKFI to come together, show their spirit, and demonstrate their determination to make a difference in the fight against kidney disease. Join other supporters of the NKFI mission for this festive three-mile walk, and help us win the race against kidney disease. With your assistance, we'll raise approximately $265,000 in support of research, public education, and patient services, and together we will make an incredible impact in the lives of patients and families.
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We encourage you to visit these FAQs for the most up-to-date information. Contact walk@nkfi.org or 312-321-1500 with questions or for more information.
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In conjunction with the Chicago Park District, the NKFI will follow the guidelines for the current phase according to the City’s “Protecting Chicago” framework which can be found here. The District strongly urges patrons to take precautions to protect their health and the safety of others while in their parks.
event details & overview
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Registration: It is free to register for Walk for Kidneys. If you'd like to participate, we encourage you to make a donation or organize a fundraising effort as a sign of your commitment to kidney health, research, and education. You can fundraise as part of a team or as an individual, and we've made it easy for you to share your effort on social media, so you can introduce your friends and family to our work. Q&As for the day
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The Route: The Walk has options for a 2 mile walk with a turnaround point with water and 3 mile walk with a turnaround point with water. You’re welcome to walk as much or as little as is safe and comfortable for you. You can use this guide if you’re ready to push yourself!
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The Pace: Even thought the route is roughly equivalent in length to a 5K, you should expect to embark on an easy-going stroll, rather than an athletic foot-race. Plan to take your time, and enjoy your teammates' company.
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Families and Pets: Involve the whole family - of all ages and species! Just be sure to pack a few poop bags (or diapers!) and water for everyone.
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Transit and Parking: Participants are strongly encouraged to take public transit to the Walk for Kidneys. Free street parking is available along Cannon and Stockton streets. Limited metered street parking is also available at the 141 W. Diversey Parkway lot for the Diversey Driving Range. There is a parking lot near the Walk location that can be found at 2431 N Cannon Dr. (day of purchase). As well as other parking garages: 2391 N Stockton Dr. – 2400 N Cannon Dr. (Zoo).
There are also parking garages a half a mile from the event site: 2380 N Commonwealth Ave (345 Fullerton Garage) – 2325 N Clark St. – 350 W Belden Ave – 2515 Clark St. – 2555 N Clark St. (can be purchased before the Walk on spot hero).
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The Weather: Walk for Kidneys takes place rain or shine.
location & schedule
how to get here, and what to expect
Walk for Kidneys
WALK LOCATION
Diversey Harbor
2601 North Cannon Drive
Chicago, IL 60614
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WALK ROUTE
PARKING & TRANSIT
Participants are strongly encouraged to take public transit to the Walk for Kidneys. Free street parking is available along Cannon and Stockton streets. Limited metered street parking is also available at the 141 W. Diversey Parkway lot for the Diversey Driving Range. There is a parking lot near the Walk location that can be found at 2431 N Cannon Dr. (day of purchase). As well as other parking garages: 2391 N Stockton Dr. – 2400 N Cannon Dr. (Zoo).There are also parking garages a half a mile from the event site: 2380 N Commonwealth Ave (345 Fullerton Garage) – 2325 N Clark St. – 350 W Belden Ave – 2515 Clark St. – 2555 N Clark St. (can be purchased before the Walk on spot hero).
Walk for Kidneys
SUN, JUNE 1, 2025
9:00AM Registration and Check-in Begins
Kidney Health Risk Assessment (including blood glucose screening) begins
Health Fair Begins
KIDney Zone Opens
9:30AM Program begins on stage
Zumba/Yoga Class
10:00AM Walk for Kidneys steps off
11:30AM Closing Celebration
Shout Out to Top Fundraising Team
and Participants
1:00PM Event Concludes
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event resources
make the most of your walk
fundraising prizes
the more you raise, the more you earn*
*prizes are for individual fundraising, not team totals unless otherwise noted.
raise $100+
Get the official Walk for Kidneys 2025 t-shirt!
Great goal for each team member.
raise $250+
Raise $250. You will receive a travel set of resistance bands and the Walk for Kidneys t-shirt, helping you stay cool and active beyond the Walk!
raise $500+
Raise $500. You will receive the Walk for Kidneys t-shirt, resistance bands, and a bento box—everything you need to fuel up and stay ready for your next workout!
raise $750+
Raise $750. You will receive the Walk for Kidneys t-shirt, resistance bands, bento box, and a plush sling backpack—perfect for carrying your essentials wherever you go!
raise $1,000+
Raise $1,000. You will receive the Walk for Kidneys t-shirt, resistance bands, bento box, plush sling backpack, and a yoga mat—making every training day feel like a walk in the park!
team prize: raise $1,000+
If your team raises $1,000+ by or before 5/18/2025, you'll receive a banner with your team name printed on it.
pictures from past walks
scenes from the path to health
walk for kidneys sponsors
pushing us towards the finish line
The National Kidney Foundation of Illinois wouldn't be able to impact the lives of patients, families, and communities without the help of our dedicated, Walk for Kidneys sponsors.
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Interested in sponsoring this event? Contact Allie Widmer at awidmer@nkfi.org or 312-321-1500.
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