The Evanston Police Department (EPD) wants 20 people willing to drag a jet weighing more than 95,000 pounds across the tarmac at O'Hare International Airport.

Team Evanston is recruiting participants for the 2026 O'Hare Plane Pull, a fundraiser for Special Olympics Illinois scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 26. The tug-of-war style competition pits teams of up to 20 against a United Airlines 737, with each squad racing to haul the aircraft 12 feet as fast as possible, Patch first reported.

The team must raise at least $1,000 before the event to qualify. Donations go through the Special Olympics Illinois fundraising page. The organization is a 501(c)(3), so contributions are tax-deductible.

The EPD announced the effort in a statement, saying Team Evanston will head to O'Hare to raise funds and awareness for Special Olympics Illinois athletes. The department did not name individual team members in its announcement.

The department's connection to Special Olympics predates the Plane Pull. In September 2025, Evanston Police posted on X that Chief Stewart welcomed Special Olympics athlete Nick Lorenz and his parents for a station visit that included donuts and a full tour of the facility.

Officially titled the 2026 TR O'Hare Plane Pull, the event opens gates at 7 a.m. CT. There is no age requirement to participate, though all pullers must sign a liability waiver. Anyone under 18 needs a guardian's signature. The event is alcohol- and drug-free.

Teams that fall short of 20 members can still compete as long as they hit the $1,000 fundraising floor. Residents who want to join Team Evanston or donate can visit the Special Olympics Illinois event page.