Science & Nature
Chicago River Swim Announced for September, and This Time Organizers Have the City’s Approval
The Chicago River Swim was moved to Lake Michigan in 2024. This year’s event will live up to the name. (Courtesy Chicago River Swim)
For the first time in nearly 100 years, the Chicago River will host a sanctioned open water swim.
The 2025 Chicago River Swim was announced Thursday, and this time organizers made sure to obtain the necessary city approvals first. A similar swim planned for 2024 was denied a permit due to safety concerns and ultimately took place in Lake Michigan.
“This is more than just a swim — it’s a tribute to Chicago’s roots and a testament to the power of perseverance,” said Doug McConnell, founder of A Long Swim, the nonprofit organization producing the event.
The swim is set for Sept. 21 and will feature 500 qualified swimmers tackling either a one- or two-mile course in the main stem of the Chicago River, from the Dearborn Street Bridge, east to State Street, west to Lake Street and concluding near the Clark Street Bridge.
Applications, which are free, are open through Aug. 11.
During the swim, the course will be closed to all vessels and Riverwalk access will be limited.
The swim will raise funds for ALS research and youth swim education programs. It will also put a spotlight on the environmental progress that’s been made in cleaning up the river, once a dumping ground for raw sewage, animal carcasses from the stockyards, and other waste and pollution.
Today, dozens of species of fish, along with other critters including beavers and river otters, are thriving in and along the river.
“Swimmers in the water demonstrates to the city, the region and the world that Chicago cares about its people, the environment and its water resources, and that Chicago is a leader in recognizing the considerable role our rivers can play in public health and a climate resilient future,” Margaret Frisbie, executive director of Friends of the Chicago River, said in a statement.
That said, event organizers will be conducting near real-time water quality monitoring to ensure the safety of participants on the day of the swim.
Organizers said the inaugural event in 2024 was a success, despite the venue change, and raised $200,000 for ALS research and youth swim safety programs. The 500 selected swimmers included Olympians, triathletes and open water veterans.
Contact Patty Wetli: [email protected]
