#USA #Chicago #ALS Research #Chicago River Swim #Doug McConnell

Chicago River Swim Returns After A Century

After almost a century-long hiatus, the Chicago River is set to welcome open-water swimming back on September 21, 2025. This much-anticipated event, organized with the approval of the City of Chicago, is expected to attract hundreds of participants eager to dive into the revitalized waters that now support an impressive array of aquatic life.

The Chicago River Swim, scheduled to kick off at 6:30 AM, is more than just a race; it’s a celebration of the city’s environmental achievements and a fundraiser aimed at supporting ALS research and youth swim education. Featuring one- and two-mile swim courses through the downtown waterway, the event seeks to highlight the progress made in recent decades to clean and restore the river.

Mayor Brandon Johnson expressed his excitement regarding the event, affirming that it showcases the city’s hard work in revitalizing this crucial waterway. "The return of the Chicago River Swim marks a major victory for our city—a testament to decades of hard work revitalizing our river," the Mayor stated. He praised the event organizers for prioritizing safety and their commitment to empowering marginalized communities through swim education initiatives.

Produced by A Long Swim, a foundation spearheaded by marathon swimmer Doug McConnell, this event has yielded significant benefits in the past. McConnell, motivated by personal loss due to the disease, has raised over $2.5 million for ALS research—a cause that touches many lives. The proceeds from this year’s swim will continue this important work at Northwestern’s Feinberg School of Medicine while also funding swim safety programs for children living in underserved areas.

The race will see qualified swimmers navigate the river's main channel, commencing at Dearborn Street and culminating at Clark Street Bridge. Spectators will have the opportunity to cheer on participants from the Riverwalk, where a Finish Festival will be hosted, promising an exciting atmosphere filled with activities and community engagement.

The swim has attracted elite talent, with participants including Olympian Olivia Smoliga, a Glenview native and a gold medalist from the Rio Olympics. Along with her, Natalie Hinds, a bronze medalist from the Tokyo Olympics and USA Swimming ambassador, will also be in attendance to further foster interest in competitive swimming among the youth.

With transformative efforts from multiple organizations such as the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District and Friends of the Chicago River, the water quality of the Chicago River has reached its cleanest levels on record, resulting in a healthier ecosystem that now houses over 80 species of fish. Events like the Chicago River Swim not only celebrate this success but also encourage ongoing environmental stewardship among residents.

Safety is a paramount concern for the organizers, with over 100 trained personnel set to monitor the event. Technologies such as autonomous buoys, GPS trackers, and visibility gear for swimmers are all part of the safety preparations. The U.S. Coast Guard's involvement further assures that swimmer safety is maintained throughout the race.

In addition to the race day excitement, media opportunities will be available for credentialed individuals, including safety rehearsals and meet-and-greet sessions with notable athletes leading up to the event. Interviews and insights from environmental leaders, athletes, and organizers will provide additional context around the preparations and the river’s revitalization.

For additional details and updates, participants and spectators alike can visit the official event website at chicagoriverswim.org. This monumental occasion represents not just a revival of swim culture in Chicago but serves as an inspiration for others to engage with and care for their local waterways—truly a milestone worth celebrating.