By rssfeeds-admin The Chicago River Swim (CRS) is officially coming back in September and will be held on Sunday, Sept. 21, from 7 to 10 a.m.
The City of Chicago officially approved the event, marking the first open water swim in the Chicago River in 98 years.
“The return of the Chicago River Swim marks a major victory for our city—a testament to decades of hard work revitalizing our river,” Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson said in a statement. “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.”
CRS was supposed to be held in the Chicago River last year, but was moved to Lake Michigan after organizers were denied a permit to hold the charitable event in the river.
Organizers said this year’s swim will fulfill its original vision of a one-or-two-mile swim along the main stem of the Chicago River. It will feature 500 qualified swimmers from around the world navigating under the city’s iconic bridges starting at the Dearborn Street Bridge, heading east to State Street and then west to Lake Street before concluding near the Clark Street Bridge.
Spectators are encouraged to join in on the festivities along the Riverwalk between Lake and Clark streets.
Organizers said vendors will also be serving refreshments along the course.
A Long Swim, a nonprofit organization founded by open-water swimmer Doug McConnell, will be producing the event.
“This is more than just a swim—it’s a tribute to Chicago’s roots and a testament to the power of perseverance,” McConnell said. “After 13 years of dedicated collaboration, we are deeply grateful to the City of Chicago for its support and commitment to restoring the river’s beauty and vitality. This event is proof of what can be achieved when a community comes together with a shared vision.”
This year’s swim will benefit ALS research at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine and swim safety education for at-risk children in Chicago.
The featured athlete of this year’s CRS will be 2020 Olympian Natalie Hinds, a 20-time All-American at the University of Florida and a member of the U.S. Olympic Team in Tokyo. CRS secured Hinds thanks to a partnership with USA Swimming Foundation.
“I’m truly honored to be the featured athlete for the Chicago River Swim,” Hinds said. “As an Athlete Ambassador for the USA Swimming Foundation, I care deeply about water safety, broadening access to swimming, and preventing drownings through community outreach and education. Partnering with an event that champions local learn‑to‑swim programs in Chicago is both inspiring and deeply meaningful to me.”
CRS organizers also said safety is their highest priority. A robust water quality and safety program will be in place on race day providing real-time water quality statistics. More than 100 safety personnel on kayaks, paddle boards and boats will also be monitoring the course.
The Chicago River has also undergone significant improvements over the past few decades. Some key advancements include:
- Stronger Environmental Regulations: Federal, state and local laws like the EPA and the Clean Water Act (1972) reduced industrial pollution.
- Pollution Control: Improved sewage treatment processes and the Tunnel and Reservoir Plan reduce combined sewer overflows by the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD).
- Enhanced Wastewater Treatment: MWRD’s facilities significantly cut harmful pollutant discharge.
- H2NOW Chicago: Real-time water quality monitoring by the nonprofit water innovation hub Current measures and communicates data to the public.
- Advocacy Groups: Friends of the Chicago River and others promote conservation, influence policy, and organize cleanups.
- Wildlife Return: Improved water quality has brought back fish, birds and other aquatic species.
- Riverwalk Development: The city’s development of the Chicago Riverwalk has transformed the riverfront into a vibrant public space, offering on-water recreational opportunities, dining and cultural activities.
“Swimming in the Chicago-Calumet River system is more than for recreation,” said Margaret Frisbie, executive director of Friends of the Chicago 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.”
Applications for the 2025 Chicago River Swim are open to the public through Monday, Aug. 11 at 10 p.m. CDT. There is no fee to apply, but prior swim experience is required.
Selected swimmers will be notified of their acceptance and must agree to meet fundraising requirements prior to the event.
Click here for more information.
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