Can my dog be off-leash at Challenger Bark (Challenger DFA)?

Yes — Challenger Bark (Challenger DFA) is off-leash year-round, whenever it's open.

Is Challenger Bark (Challenger DFA) fenced?

Yes — Challenger Bark (Challenger DFA) is fully enclosed.

Is Challenger Bark (Challenger DFA) free?

Yes — Challenger Bark (Challenger DFA) is free to access. Street parking near Irving Park Rd; Red line to Sheridan.

Where can my dog be off-leash right now?

Open the live DogMap map — each spot shows whether off-leash is allowed at the current date and time, including seasonal and time-of-day limits.

Fenced dog park · Lakeview / Buena Park · 1100 W Irving Park Rd, Chicago, IL 60613

Challenger Bark (Challenger DFA)

A small fenced off-leash DFA in Challenger Park, just east of the elevated tracks and the playground, with a doggie drinking fountain. A tidy Lakeview neighborhood run.

Off-leash · always

Off-leash right now?

Off-leash anytime

Leash-free whenever the spot is open.

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The facts

Off-leash
Off-leash · always
Fenced
Yes — enclosed
Water
Fountain on site
Size
0.08 acres
Hours
Off-leash all day · 6 AM–11 PM
Surface
Grass / dirt

Parking & access

Street parking near Irving Park Rd; Red line to Sheridan.

Good to know

Requires a Chicago Park District DFA permit + tag ($10/dog per year from a participating vet, with current vaccinations) — using a DFA without one risks a $500 fine.
Fully fenced and gated; one of the smaller runs — good for a quick visit.
No food inside, no puppies under 4 months, no female dogs in heat.

About Challenger Bark (Challenger DFA)

Challenger Bark (Challenger DFA) is a free fenced dog park in Chicago, Illinois where dogs are off-leash year-round. It's fully fenced, with a drinking fountain on site. Size: 0.08 acres.

Rules verified · source: Chicago Park District