Dennis Jurs Memorial Race

Professional and elite amateur competitive cycling returns to Elgin’s historic Northeast Neighborhood on Friday, July 26 through the 2024 Elgin Classic. Founded in 2017 as the Dennis Jurs Memorial Race, the race is part of Chicago Grit (formerly the Intelligentsia Cup), an established 10-day series hosting cyclists from around the world. The race will again be held on a criterium-style (shorter) course, which received overwhelming positive feedback from spectators and racers alike. And race organizers are expanding the festival portion of the event (food and beverage trucks / booths)

The race continues to honor Dennis Jurs, an Elgin cyclist killed on a training ride 2015, but has been renamed the Elgin Classic, after a bike race that Dennis helped organize and lead. The name change reflects the growth and broadening appeal of our race as we foster not only support for an active, healthy lifestyle, but focus on cycling education and safety.

Hosted by the Northeast Neighborhood of Elgin (NENA), the Elgin Classic takes advantage of one of Elgin’s historic districts and the generous space provided on Advocate Sherman Hospital’s former campus for a beautiful day for racers and spectators alike.

And the racing is just the beginning. Race day activities will include bike safety clinics, a Family Fun Ride, and an expanded neighborhood festival in beautiful historic Northeast Elgin on and around the former Advocate Sherman Hospital Center Street campus.

The Elgin Classic is hosted by the Northeast Neighborhood Association of Elgin (NENA).

Check out this great video of the 2018 race, courtesy of Dan Schlack.

CLICK HERE to volunteer for the Elgin Classic.

About the Elgin Classic

Professional and elite amateur competitive cycling returns to Elgin’s historic Northeast Neighborhood on Friday, July 26 through the 2024 Elgin Classic. Founded in 2017 as the Dennis Jurs Memorial Race, the race is part of Chicago Grit (formerly the Intelligentsia Cup) an established 10-day series, hosting cyclists from around the world. The race will again be held on a criterium-style (shorter) course, which received overwhelming positive feedback from spectators and racers alike. And race organizers are expanding the festival portion of the event (food and beverage trucks / booths)

The Elgin Classic is hosted by the Northeast Neighborhood Association of Elgin (NENA).

Check out this great video of the 2018 race, courtesy of Dan Schlack.

CLICK HERE to volunteer for the Elgin Classic.

About Chicago Grit

Each race venue features a festival atmosphere with exciting racing throughout the day, complemented by healthy and fun family activities, a lifestyle expo, as well as food and beverage from local vendors. For the complete schedule, please visit: www.Chicago-Grit.com

Find us at:

Cooper Ave & Spring Street, Elgin
Friday, July 28, 2022
10 am – 8:30 pm

FAQs

Q: What is the Elgin Classic?

A: The Elgin Classic (formerly the Dennis Jurs Memorial Race) is a full day of family fun and elite professional and amateur bike racing that is part of the well-established Intelligentsia Cup CHICAGO series. To learn more about competing, or to register as a racer, visit www.Chicago-Grit.com

Q: Who was Dennis Jurs?

A: Dennis Jurs, a bicycle racer and rider, was killed on a training ride in May of 2015. With an infectious love of biking and bicycles, Dennis helped organize and lead bike races in Elgin, including the Elgin Cycling Classic. He was also a long-time member of Team Mack, a premier racing team. After the inaugural year in 2017, the Northeast Neighborhood Association of Elgin (NENA), with support of the Jurs family, continues to host the Dennis Jurs Memorial Race in Elgin to remember and honor Dennis and his passion for bicycle racing.

“My family and I are truly honored that my dad’s memory can live on through a sport and races that he loved so very much,” said Rebecca Jurs Poole, on behalf of the Jurs Family. “Elgin is a wonderful community with such great people and we are humbled to be able to work alongside the Northeast Neighborhood Association, our many sponsors, and all the community volunteers that come out to support this event.”

For more information on the rights of cyclists, go to Public Act 099-0785 (Dennis’ Law) .

Q: What happens at the Elgin Classic beside the bike racing?

A: In addition to a full day of high elite professional and amateur cycling, The Elgin Classic is a true Family Fest. Bring your kids to Bike Rodeos and safety classes and enter the Family Fun Ride. You’re welcome to bring your own picnic to the site and of course, we’ll have a range of food, drinks and beer (if your old enough!) throughout the day. HINT: bring your own bag chairs!

Q: How can I participate?

A: Some people on the course (or those who know folks on the course) will simply watch the races from their front yard! Of course, we also depend on volunteers as a course marshal or at the Family Fest. Bring your kids to Bike Rodeos and safety classes and enter the Family Fun Ride. You’re welcome to bring your own picnic to the site and of course, we’ll have a range of food, drinks and beer (if your old enough!) throughout the day.

Q: How can I volunteer for the Elgin Classic?

A: Click to see out volunteer opportunities and register for what make the best sense for you. You’ll get a free tee shirt and our undying gratitude! Volunteer course marshals are key to a successful and safe event.

Q: Do I live on the race route?

A: Check out the route map at http://dennisjursmemorialrace.com

Q: What are the parking and traffic restrictions?

A: Cars will NOT be able to park on the course between 9 am and 9 pm on race day and may be towed if left on the street. Cars will NOT be able to pull onto the course from driveways during the races unless in emergencies, and then only with the approval and supervision of Elgin police or Elgin Classic course marshals. Cars will NOT be able to cross the streets being used for the course unless in emergencies, and then only with the approval and supervision of Elgin police or Elgin Classic course marshals.

Q: How can I reduce any negative impact on my life if I am one of the small number of people on the course, or within the course?

A: The biggest negative is for those people who either don’t know, or forget, about the race and the parking/traffic restrictions. Put Friday, July 28 on your calendar and use common sense!

Consider parking just outside the course on race day. Plenty of street parking is available in our neighborhood, and reserved parking has been set aside. Bring your car back home after 9 pm, or the next morning.
Reschedule any deliveries for a different day – delivery trucks will NOT be able to cross the course
Please respect and follow the instructions of Elgin police officers and volunteer course marshals working with them as their focus is the safety of cyclists and residents.
If there is an emergency on race day, please notify the nearest police office, or course marshal, or contact the event managers at (847) 220-4407 or BikeRace@nenaofelgin.org.

Q: Who pays for the race and related activities?

A: Competitors cover their costs through registration fees, but otherwise Northeast Neighborhood Association of Elgin (NENA) raises funds through sponsorships for everything else. While we work closely with the City of Elgin and the city does provide services including police for the race, NENA pays the city for all of that.

Q: Whom can I contact before the race?

A: Contact the event managers at (847) 220-4407 or BikeRace@nenaofelgin.org, or contact Elgin 311 Monday – Friday from 7:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. If you’re outside the city limits, dial 847-931-6001. You can also send a request via email 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Please note that requests will be answered during regular business hours.

Q: What’s the best contact on the day of the race?

A: If you are on the Festival site, visit the Information Booth. If you are on or within the course, contact the event managers at (847) 220-4407 or BikeRace@nenaofelgin.org.