CHICAGO RIVER SWIM SET FOR HISTORIC RETURN SEPT. 21 AFTER ALMOST A CENTURY

City-approved open-water swim celebrates river revival, supports ALS research and youth swim education

CHICAGO, Sept. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- After nearly a century, open-water swimming is returning to the Chicago River. At 6:30am on Sunday, September 21, the City of Chicago–approved Chicago River Swim will bring hundreds of athletes to the downtown waterway, celebrating environmental progress and raising funds for ALS research and youth swim education.

"The return of the Chicago River Swim marks a major victory for our city—a testament to decades of hard work revitalizing our river," says Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, who will provide opening remarks to kick off the Swim. "I commend the organizers for their commitment to safety and dedication to empowering Black and Brown youth through swim education. This event is a celebration of Chicago's progress and a brighter, more inclusive future."

Produced by A Long Swim, founded by marathon swimmer Doug McConnell, the event benefits ALS research at Northwestern's Feinberg School of Medicine and swim-safety programs for children in underserved communities. McConnell has raised more than $2.5 million for ALS research after losing his sister and father to the disease.

On race day, qualified swimmers will take on one- and two-mile courses along the river's main channel, starting at Dearborn and finishing at the Clark Street Bridge. Spectators are invited to line the Riverwalk and join the Finish Festival at the River Theatre.

World-class athletes will highlight the field, including Olympian Olivia Smoliga, a Glenview native, gold medalist in Rio and founder of In Depth Swim Academy. Also in attendance will be USA Swimming ambassador Olympian Natalie Hinds, a Tokyo bronze medalist.

The Chicago River is now at its cleanest levels on record, supporting more than 80 fish species and a thriving ecosystem thanks to efforts by the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District, Friends of the Chicago River, Shedd Aquarium, Current's H2NOW program and others.

Safety will be paramount. More than 100 trained personnel, autonomous buoys, GPS tracking and U.S. Coast Guard authority will ensure swimmer protection. Athletes will be outfitted with visibility gear and RFID trackers.

Media Credential Opportunities
(arranged in advance through [email protected])

• Sept. 19 – "Wet Run": Safety rehearsal, Interviews available
• Sept. 20 – Meet & Greet with Olympians: Salvation Army Kroc Center, a Swim beneficiary
• Sept. 21 – Race Day: Interviews with electeds, environmental leaders, athletes and organizers

For details, visit chicagoriverswim.org.

SOURCE A Long Swim