Ducky Derby splashes down in Chicago River for Special Olympics IllinoisThousands of rubber ducks raced down the Chicago River Thursday. CHICAGO (WLS) -- Thousands of rubber ducks raced down the Chicago River Thursday. The annual Ducky Derby returned to support Special Olympics Illinois. The Chicago Ducky Derby has raised nearly $5 million for Special Olympic athletes, since 2005. Special Olympics Illinois named Becky Cavanagh of Clarendon Hills as this year's Ducky Derby ambassador.