#United States #Chicago #ALS Research #Chicago River #Open Water Swim

Historic Chicago River Swim Coming This September

The City of Chicago has given the green light for the much-anticipated 2025 Chicago River Swim, marking the first organized open water swim in the river in almost a century. Scheduled for September 21, 2025, this unique event aims not only to highlight the strides the city has made in revitalizing the Chicago River but also to raise funds for ALS research at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine and for swim safety education for youth in underserved communities.

Mayor Brandon Johnson expressed his pride in the event, stating, "The return of the Chicago River Swim is a significant victory for our city—a reflection of decades of dedicated effort aimed at revitalizing our river." He praised the event organizers for their commitment to safety and inclusion, particularly in empowering youth from the Black and Brown communities through swim education. Johnson emphasized that this event symbolizes Chicago's ongoing journey towards a brighter and more inclusive future.

Event Details: What to Expect

Participants will have the opportunity to swim one or two miles along the river's main stem, starting at the iconic Dearborn Street Bridge. A total of 500 qualified swimmers will take part in this historic swim, organized by the nonprofit A Long Swim, founded by renowned open-water swimmer Doug McConnell. McConnell described the event as a tribute to Chicago’s rich history and a demonstration of community perseverance.

"After 13 years of diligent collaboration, we are deeply grateful to the City of Chicago for its support in revitalizing the river’s beauty and vitality," McConnell commented. "This event embodies what can be accomplished when a community unites under a shared vision."

Environmental Progress and Community Involvement

Over the past few decades, the Chicago River has transformed dramatically, shifting from a heavily polluted waterway to a vibrant channel full of life. This transformation has been supported by stricter environmental regulations, improved wastewater treatment, and initiatives by the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District to reduce sewer overflows. Today, real-time water quality monitoring is facilitated by H2NOW Chicago, led by innovation hub Current, allowing for continuous improvements in the river’s condition.

The revitalization efforts have led to a resurgence of fish, birds, and other aquatic life in the area. The investment in the Riverwalk has further enhanced the riverfront, turning it into a cultural and recreational hotspot. Local nonprofits, such as Friends of the Chicago River, have played a pivotal role in these changes.

Margaret Frisbie, executive director of Friends of the Chicago River, stated, "Swimming in the Chicago-Calumet River system is more than recreational; it highlights to the city, region, and world that Chicago cares about its people and its environment. This event reaffirms our commitment to public health and a climate-resilient future."

Safety Measures: Prioritizing Swimmer Well-Being

Safety is a top priority for the event organizers. The Chicago River Swim (CRS) is collaborating with the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District, the University of Illinois Chicago, and Current to conduct water quality testing, which will provide near real-time data in the lead-up to and during the event. Over 100 trained safety personnel, including kayakers, paddleboarders, and boat crews, will monitor the swim course. Enhanced safety measures will also include autonomous buoys, GPS tracking, and in-water timing systems.

In addition, the U.S. Coast Guard will ensure that the river is closed to all vessel traffic during the event, with Riverwalk access restricted to designated viewing areas only. The swim will only proceed if the water quality and safety conditions meet strict standards; in the event of unsafe conditions, the organizers are prepared to delay or cancel the swim.

For more details on participation, interested swimmers can visit ChicagoRiverSwim.org. This event is not only a celebration of swimming but also a testament to the progress and resilience of the Chicago community in facing environmental challenges head-on.