First Official Chicago River Swim in Nearly Century Draws 300 Participants

Nearly 300 swimmers participated in the first sanctioned open-water swim event in the Chicago River since 1927, marking a major milestone in the river's environmental recovery. The event included races of one and two miles, with notable participation by Olympian Olivia Smoliga, who won the female 1-mile no-wetsuit category. The swim was organized by the nonprofit A Long Swim, which raises funds for ALS research and swimming lessons for at-risk youth, and it highlighted the river's transformation from a polluted waterway to a recreational asset. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson emphasized the event as part of reclaiming the river and joining global cities that have revitalized urban waterways. Safety measures included water quality testing and prohibiting boat traffic during the swim, which was supported by the Coast Guard. The event not only celebrated environmental progress but also served as a fundraiser and symbol of community engagement in restoring the historic river.