Get To Know Our 2025 NXTgen Nominee In Chicago: Ryan Quilty and the incredible team at Dare2tri
As we prepare to bring Supertri’s thrilling race format to the shores of Lake Michigan, we’re proud to announce our next NXTgen campaign selection for the Chicago event: Ryan Quilty and the incredible team at Dare2tri.
Supertri’s NXTgen campaign is all about elevating voices and stories that are shaping the future of triathlon. In each city we race, we hope to highlight a local athlete and/or organization that inspires us with their passion, perseverance, and impact. In Chicago, we’re honored to shine the spotlight on Ryan Quilty and Dare2tri—a nonprofit that empowers individuals with physical disabilities and visual impairments through sport.
About Dare2tri
Founded in 2011, Dare2tri has helped thousands of athletes with physical disabilities and visual impairments get involved in adaptive sports. From first-timers to elite competitors, the organization provides coaching, equipment, and a powerful community of support to ensure athletes of all abilities have access to swim, bike and run.
Their mission goes far beyond race day—it’s about confidence, community, independence, and unlocking potential. They cultivate a supportive environment where athletes are not defined by their physical abilities, but by their determination.
Meet Ryan Quilty
Ryan isn’t just an athlete—he’s a leader in growing the sport for everyone. Originally from Gurnee, Illinois (just north of Chicago), Ryan first connected with Dare2tri as a devoted volunteer, assisting athletes with race logistics and swim entry/exit through Team Fisher. His passion for the mission was clear, and in 2020, he officially joined Dare2Tri full-time as a Program Manager. Today, he supports athletes of all ability levels—from beginners taking their first steps to elite competitors chasing podiums—while working to remove barriers to participation at every level.
“Working at Dare2tri is incredibly fulfilling," Ryan says. "I get to help people push past barriers, achieve their fitness goals, or experience the joy of riding an adaptive cycle for the very first time. Being part of this community fuels my passion every day—it’s a constant reminder of the power of movement and the importance of making active, healthy living accessible to everyone, regardless of ability.”
A proud graduate of Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ryan didn’t complete his first triathlon until after joining Dare2tri full-time. Since then, he’s caught the triathlon bug, competing in multiple events—including the legendary Escape from Alcatraz. For that race, Ryan turned it into a fundraising initiative for Dare2Tri, raising money by jumping into a frozen Lake Michigan in February, skydiving (despite a fear of heights), and even performing a five-minute open mic stand-up set. His infectious energy has inspired dozens of family members and friends to step up and race in their first triathlons too.
How You Can Support
Chicago Triathlon Athletes, Supertri fans and beyond can join us in supporting Ryan and Dare2tri in several ways:
Donate: Visit dare2tri.org/donate to directly support the programs and athletes who need it most.
Become a Pacesetter: Provide steady, reliable funding on a monthly basis. Monthly gifts can provide things like race entries, bike helmets, and sport clinic sponsors.
Become a Corporate Partner: Partner with Dare2tri to connect your brand to a leading adaptive sports organization with a commitment to health and wellness.
Volunteer or Get Involved: Volunteer at local clinics or camps, commit to race and raise money for the Dare2tri team or become a guide or handler for an athlete participating in an event.
What’s Next
Join us this summer as we team up with Ryan and the Dare2tri crew at select camps, clinics, and events leading up to race day. During the Chicago Triathlon, we’ll be bringing you behind-the-scenes stories and spotlighting powerful ways to support adaptive athletes in action.
At Supertri, we’re not just organizing races—we’re building a Triathlon community where everyone belongs. Partnering with Dare2Tri, a leader in breaking down barriers in sport, is a powerful step toward that mission.
So stay connected, be inspired, and get ready to cheer. The future of triathlon is inclusive, bold, and already in motion—thanks to changemakers like Dare2tri.
You can follow Ryan's NXTgen journey HERE
