#USA #Chicago #ALS Research #Chicago River Swim #The Big Jump

Chicago River Swim's Big Comeback

The annual Chicago River Swim, presented by the city and Mayor Brandon Johnson, returns from September 18-20, promising excitement and community spirit. This year, the event features the much-anticipated Big Jump, which will see an increased participant capacity of up to 750 swimmers. Athletes, including Olympians and public figures, will join local Chicagoans in celebrating the river's transformation.

What is The Big Jump?

The Big Jump gives participants the chance to jump into the Chicago River while raising funds for crucial initiatives such as ALS research and swim education for children and youth.

Event Details

• - Where: Chicago River at Dearborn Street and the Riverwalk.
• - When:

- The Big Jump: Friday, September 18, from 10 AM to 12 PM.
- Chicago River Swim: Sunday, September 20, from 6:30 AM to 10 AM.

To register, interested participants can visit ChicagoRiverSwim.org.

Mayor's Statement

Mayor Brandon Johnson highlighted the Chicago River's significance to the community: “The Chicago River belongs to all of us, and The Big Jump is a fantastic way to celebrate our city's journey. Our residents have worked for generations to restore this river and connect our communities to it. This September, people from all over the world will experience the river in a brand-new way while supporting ALS research and helping youth access life-saving swim lessons.”

A Legacy of Transformation

The Big Jump revives an event first held in 2017, spearheaded by local activists and officials to raise awareness about the river's restoration and accessibility for swimming. In 2025, the Chicago River Swim saw a remarkable turnout of 263 swimmers, marking the first organized open-water swim in the river in nearly a century. This year, the city expanded participation from 500 to 750 qualified swimmers, with limited spots available for the one- and two-mile races.

Much of this progress has stemmed from two decades of investment and collaborative efforts aimed at improving the river's water quality, making it one of Chicago's cherished recreational assets. Various organizations, including the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District, have worked in unison, ensuring that water quality is closely monitored throughout the event.

A Star-Studded Gathering

Swimmers and celebrities from around the globe, including Olympians from the Netherlands, Czech Republic, and Mexico, will come together for the Swim Weekend. Notable figures include Maritza Correia McClendon, the first Black woman on the U.S. Olympic Swim Team, who represents the USA Swimming Foundation's commitment to greater access to swim education.

Olympic gold medalist Blake Pieroni and world champion ice swimmer Max Munson will also participate, showcasing their talents and advocating for water safety.

Participation and Charitable Impact

The Big Jump allows public participation with limited slots available. For a fee of $500, each jumper contributes to ALS research and swim education initiatives. Those who raise over $1,000 get to bring a guest, who will not jump but can cheer on from the sidelines. Participants will receive a personal swim buoy, a robe, a commemorative T-shirt, lunch, and a goodie bag.

The swim competition is open to qualified swimmers only, and interested individuals can find more details about eligibility on the website.

Live Broadcast

ABC7 Chicago will broadcast the swim event live on September 20, providing coverage and interviews with athletes and public figures throughout the morning.

Supporting a Good Cause

This weekend not only promises community engagement but also aims to raise considerable funds for ALS research through A Long Swim, an organization founded to support such initiatives following personal losses to ALS. The event is a poignant opportunity for the ALS community, including participants like Jeff Birkels, who will be given a unique journey in the river.

Conclusion

The Chicago River Swim is more than just a fun aquatic event; it symbolizes hope, resilience, and community spirit. With the active participation of local residents and international icons alike, it emphasizes the importance of safe swimming education and environmental stewardship. For more information, visit ChicagoRiverSwim.org.