Science & Nature
After Inaugural Splash, Chicago River Swim Coming Back for Second Year
Olympian Olivia Smoliga finished first in the 2025 one-mile Chicago River Swim. (Chis Costoso / Chicago River Swim)
The inaugural Chicago River Swim made such a splash in 2025, city officials are welcoming the event back for a second year, organizers announced Thursday.
The open-water swim is scheduled for Sept. 20, with one- and two-mile course options.
“Year one proved that this swim could be done safely and responsibly, and that people were ready to embrace the river in a new way,” said Doug McConnell, founder of A Long Swim, the nonprofit organization producing the event.
Year two, “is about building on that momentum," he added. "It is deeply meaningful to see this become a lasting tradition.”
Applications for the river swim will open March 31 and close April 27. The number of swimmers is capped at 500, with the final selection announced May 4. Participants must have previous open water experience. A select number of swimmers from the 2025 event will be granted automatic entry.
The course will stretch from Wolf Point to State Street. Spectators can watch from the Riverwalk and other designated viewing areas.
Course map for the Chicago River Swim. (Courtesy Chicago River Swim)
The swim will raise funds for ALS research and youth swim education programs and will also highlight the environmental progress that’s been made in cleaning up the river.
“The return of open water swimming in the Chicago River positions Chicago as a world leader in embracing its river as a resilient natural wonder, reflecting decades of investment, innovation and collective commitment,” said Margaret Frisbie, executive director of Friends of the Chicago River.
Water quality will be rigorously monitored, and the swim will only proceed if testing confirms that river conditions meet strict safety requirements for swimming.
