In the heart of a brutal Chicago winter, residents have taken the infamous “dibs” tradition to a stiff new level. Freezing pairs of jeans to stand upright in shoveled parking spots—now dubbed “Chicago dibs frozen pants”—is the latest evolution aimed at thwarting parking thieves. This quirky tactic builds on a long-standing custom where locals claim cleared snow spots with lawn chairs or other markers. As of February 12, 2026, the frozen denim sentinels are popping up across the city, embodying Chicago’s unyielding battle for street parking.
The Dibs Tradition Takes Root
Chicago’s “dibs” practice dates back decades, rooted in the city’s harsh winters and scarce parking. Residents shovel snow from…..