Become a Wild Catfish
Are you thinking about picking up swimming again? Do you wonder which masters swim team is best for you? Evanston Masters (the "Wild Catfish") is a team of swimmers with a passion for swimming and a strong competitive streak. Our team comprises about 60 men and women swimmers aged 18-85. Ability levels range from beginners, lap swimmers, and triathletes to former high school, college and Olympic standouts.
And no matter your age or skill level, we encourage all of our members to compete in meets throughout the season, particularly the Illinois state meet that caps our winter season. Meets are a great way to show off all of our hard work. We encourage everyone to compete at meets throughout the season as it's the best way to see how far you've come with all of your practice. We always have coaches on deck to help prime you before and breakdown your swim after so that you always feel comfortable. We love to cheer each other on - for every race good or bad.
We believe there is no better place to make friends than in the pool. We are all athletes at heart who not only love the sport and competition but also cherish the friendships made on the team and appreciate a great party (we have been known to schedule quite a few nights out on the town too).
Evanston Masters is a sanctioned team under the Illinois Masters Swimming Association and is part of the national organization, United States Masters Swimming. Established in 1982, Evanston Masters has captured the Illinois Masters State Championship 25 times and counting!
Ready to join? Just go to our Member Signup / Information page and get going!
New To Swimming?
Evanston Masters prides itself on having a very diverse team, as well as welcoming swimmers of all ability levels. It is important to know that while we encourage all swimmers to join us that we are not a learn to swim program. We do require that you have the basic mechanics of freestyle mastered and can swim at least 50 yards. From there we will be able to help you to improve on that freestyle as well as to begin to learn the 3 other strokes (butterfly, backstroke and breaststroke). You will also learn how to do starts and proper turns. All of this will enable you to participate fully in the assigned practices as well as to prepare you for meets throughout the season.
USMS Membership Required
You must be a United States Masters Swimming (USMS) member in order to swim with Evanston Masters. We require this membership from all team members for liability purposes. Every member must have this membership, which can be done online below, at the time of registration with the team. Your membership must be renewed yearly, which can also be done online. You will also need this membership in order to compete in any Masters swim meet.
Select the CLUB as ILLINOIS MASTERS
Select the WORKOUT GROUP as EVANSTON NORTHSHORE MASTERS
New Member Trials
Interested in seeing what Evanston Masters is all about? We welcome prospective members to be our guest for a few practices. Send us an email at evanstonmasters@gmail.com to let us know when to look out for you!
All trial members must fill out and return this USMS waiver at or before their first practice with us.