Chicago River Swim Returns After Nearly Century With 500 Swimmers, ALS Fundraising

The Chicago River Swim is set to return on September 21, 2025, marking the first official open water swim in the Chicago River in nearly a century, with 500 experienced swimmers participating in one- or two-mile routes. The event highlights the significant environmental improvements in the river, which was once heavily polluted but now supports diverse wildlife and features real-time water quality monitoring to ensure swimmer safety. Organized by Doug McConnell's nonprofit A Long Swim, the swim will raise funds for ALS research at Northwestern University and youth swim education programs, while also celebrating Chicago's ongoing river revitalization efforts. After a permit denial in 2024 due to safety concerns, organizers worked with the city to address these issues through safety personnel, viewer access controls, and rigorous water testing, leading to official city approval for this year's event. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson praised the swim as a symbol of the city's progress and commitment to inclusivity, particularly in empowering Black and Brown youth through swim education. The event will also engage spectators with festivities along the Riverwalk, emphasizing Chicago's dedication to public health and environmental stewardship.