Historic Return of Chicago River Swim in September
The long-awaited 2025 Chicago River Swim is set to make a splash on Sunday, September 21, marking the first open-water swim in the Chicago River in 98 years. This historic event, scheduled from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., will see 500 qualified participants tackle a one- to two-mile course along the main stem of the river in downtown Chicago [1][2][3][4].
The significance of the 2025 Chicago River Swim extends beyond a simple swim. It serves as a celebration of the remarkable environmental improvements to the Chicago River over the past decades, highlighting Chicago's dedication to its environment and water resources. The event aims to raise funds for critical causes, including ALS research at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine and swim safety education programs for at-risk youth in Chicago [1][2][3].
The event is the brainchild of the nonprofit organization A Long Swim, founded by world-class open-water swimmer Doug McConnell. U.S. Olympian Natalie Hinds, a 20-time All-American and Olympic bronze medalist, has been announced as the featured athlete, serving as an ambassador emphasizing water safety and broader access to swimming [1][3].
Safety remains the top priority for the Chicago River Swim, with collaboration from the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD), the University of Illinois Chicago, and Current for water quality testing [1][6]. Strict qualification requirements ensure the safety of all participants, with swimmers required to be 18+ and provide proof of prior open-water swim completion in the last 36 months along similar distances [5].
Safety gear is mandatory, including event-issued swim caps, timing chips, and swim buoys. Over 100 trained safety personnel, including kayakers, paddle boarders, and boat crews, will monitor the course [1]. Autonomous buoys, GPS tracking, and in-water timing systems will also be employed for safety measures [1].
In addition to the swim, family-friendly festivities will line the Riverwalk, providing a fun and engaging atmosphere for spectators [2][3]. The swim will start at the Dearborn Street Bridge, showcasing the revitalized riverfront that has been transformed into a cultural and recreational destination, teeming with fish, birds, and other aquatic life [7].
The Chicago River has undergone a remarkable transformation from a heavily polluted channel to a vibrant industrial waterway, thanks to stronger environmental regulations, improved wastewater treatment, and reduced sewer overflows [8]. The event is supported by partnerships with organisations such as the USA Swimming Foundation [9].
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has commended the organisers for their commitment to safety and empowering underserved youth, while Margaret Frisbie, executive director of Friends of the Chicago River, states that swimming in the Chicago-Calumet River system demonstrates Chicago's care for its people, environment, and water resources [10].
For those interested in participating or learning more, visit ChicagoRiverSwim.org for details on how to apply [2][5]. The 2025 Chicago River Swim is set to be an unforgettable event, reviving a historic tradition while showcasing Chicago’s environmental progress and supporting important community causes [1][2][3].
References: [1] Chicago Tribune. (2023, March 23). Chicago River Swim to return in 2025. Retrieved from https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-chicago-river-swim-2025-plans-announced-20230323-hq4h455c6nag76k6cjqh36c75g-story.html [2] Chicago River Swim. (2023). About the Chicago River Swim. Retrieved from https://chicagoriverswim.org/about/ [3] NBC Chicago. (2023, March 23). Chicago River Swim to Return in 2025. Retrieved from https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/chicago-river-swim-to-return-in-2025/3233833/ [4] Chicago Reader. (2023, March 23). Chicago River Swim to return in 2025. Retrieved from https://www.chicagoreader.com/chicago/chicago-river-swim-to-return-in-2025/Content?oid=31488643 [5] Chicago River Swim. (2023). Registration & Fundraising. Retrieved from https://chicagoriverswim.org/registration/ [6] Chicago River Swim. (2023). Water Quality & Safety. Retrieved from https://chicagoriverswim.org/water-quality-safety/ [7] Chicago Riverworks. (2023). Chicago River History. Retrieved from https://chicagoriverworks.com/chicago-river-history/ [8] Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago. (2023). Chicago River. Retrieved from https://www.mwrd.org/chicago-river [9] USA Swimming Foundation. (2023). Partners. Retrieved from https://www.usaswimmingfoundation.org/partners/ [10] Friends of the Chicago River. (2023). About Us. Retrieved from https://www.chicagoriver.org/about/
- The 2025 Chicago River Swim, an event scheduled for September 21, is not just a sports event; it is a celebration of the significant improvements in Chicago's environmental science over the years, particularly in the area of environmental science related to water resources.
- Despite being a sports event, the Chicago River Swim also emphasizes the importance of scientific research, as it aims to raise funds for ALS research in the field of medical science at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine.
