In the heart of Chicago at Montrose Harbor, Dan O’Conor has become a local legend known as the “Great Lake Jumper.”
For five years, the 57-year-old has jumped into Lake Michigan every morning, a habit that started as a hangover remedy but has since evolved into a daily ritual that brings him inner peace.
“You breathe and jump,” O’Conor explains proudly as he prepares to take another plunge into the chilling waters.
O’Conor’s dedication to this daily jump has not gone unnoticed.
His unusual streak has attracted significant media attention and even drawn in legendary musicians who have come to serenade him at his jumping spot.
“This is my best habit,” he says, noting that he has even jumped into the lake during winter months, often chipping ice away just to get to the water.
During a recent jump, O’Conor gestured to the area around him, pointing out the ‘Don’t Jump’ signs that are part of the local landscape.
“I was here the morning they repainted all the ‘Don’t Jump’ signs,” he recalled with a smile.
O’Conor shared that his routine has not just been about maintaining a streak, but finding joy and renewal.
“The lake is a wonderful elixir. You jump in, there’s a renewal, an endorphin rush, blowing all the crap out of your system. It lights you up,” he said, reflecting on how the daily jump has affected him mentally and emotionally.
O’Conor, who is often seen draped in a towel post-jump, opened up about his struggles during the pandemic lockdowns when live music events were canceled, leading him to a state of depression.
“It was tough, but I’m in a better place now,” he said.
With a background in music and a love for live performances, he credits this new habit with greatly improving his outlook on life.
O’Conor even dedicated each jump to various inspirations, from renowned musicians like Jimmy Buffett to Mavis Staples.
He has developed friendships with locals who frequent the beach and even shares moments with fellow jumpers and swimmers nearby.
To celebrate his milestone of five years of jumping, O’Conor plans an anniversary party next Saturday, promising live music, popcorn, and good company.
His journey has not been without its challenges; he has faced the wrath of winter with only a minor frostbite on his finger as a souvenir.
Despite the conditions, he remains committed to maintaining his streak, stating he has leaped into all five Great Lakes along with other water bodies, further showcasing his dedication.
Now, rather than indulging in bourbon, O’Conor has switched to beer while he makes waves in the local community.
He continues to participate actively in his sons’ lives, balancing being a family man and a community figure at his travel baseball games, where he is known more for grilling chicken drumsticks than for his jumping escapades.
Through his experiences, O’Conor has navigated personal losses, including the passing of his mother last year, but he focuses on finding ways to process grief constructively.
“When you jump in the lake, especially in the winter, you just feel so alive,” O’Conor said, relating the jump to a powerful form of healing.
He finds solace in the beauty of life and the memories of those who have passed, often reflecting on the significance of his jumps.
“It’s not just about the jump, it’s about the feeling of exuberance it brings,” he said.
As he packs up his belongings post-jump, O’Conor looks towards the horizon, ready to tackle the day ahead with a renewed spirit.
His life may have transformed over the last five years, but the core reason behind his daily jump remains unchanged: the joy of splashing into the water like a child, holding onto that sensation until the next day.”
“You get out and try to hold on to that feeling until the next day,” he concluded, emphasizing the importance of cherishing life’s simple pleasures.
image source from：https://blockclubchicago.org/2025/06/13/the-legend-of-chicagos-great-lake-jumper-a-hangover-cure-frostbite-and-5-years-of-daily-leaps/
