Thanks to improved water quality, the Chicago River Swim is officially returning for the first time in 98 years.
On September 21, the swim will host up to 500 swimmers from 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM. Participants can choose between 1-mile and 2-mile courses along the main stem, starting at Dearborn Street Bridge and ending at Clark Street Bridge. There’s no registration fee, but each swimmer is expected to fundraise between $1,250 and $1,750.
The swim will support two initiatives: ALS research at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine and youth swim safety education programs.
A Long Swim, a Barrington-based organization, is hosting the event’s return. Its founder, Doug McConnell, has spent more than a decade working to bring it back to fruition. An open water swimmer himself, McConnell has completed swims across the English Channel, around Manhattan Island, and through the Catalina and Molokai Channels.
Originally, McConnell and his team desired to host the swim in 2024, but were forced to move the inaugural event to Lake Michigan. According to NBC5 Chicago, the city denied the permit for the event, citing that the “proposed route and concentration of swimmers raised significant safety concerns for participants, first responders, and the general public.”
“This is more than just a swim—it’s a tribute to Chicago’s roots and a testament to the power of perseverance,” said McConnell in Chicago River Swim’s press release. “After 13 years of dedicated collaboration, we are deeply grateful to the City of Chicago for its support and commitment to restoring the river’s beauty and vitality. This event is proof of what can be achieved when a community comes together with a shared vision.”
The event this year has partnered with the USA Swimming Foundation and will feature 2020 U.S. Olympian Natalie Hinds, who won a bronze medal as part of the women’s 4×100 freestyle relay at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. The 31-year-old, who split 53.15 on the third leg of that relay, went on to win a gold and bronze medal at the 2022 World Championships, but has not competed internationally since.
“I’m truly honored to be the featured athlete for the Chicago River Swim,” said Hinds. “As an Athlete Ambassador for the USA Swimming Foundation, I care deeply about water safety, broadening access to swimming, and preventing drownings through community outreach and education. Partnering with an event that champions local learn‑to‑swim programs in Chicago is both inspiring and deeply meaningful to me.”
Applications to participate in the swim are open through Monday, August 11. Up to 500 swimmers will be allowed to take part in the event.
Course Map
Photo Courtesy: Chicago River Swim
I’m curious if there will be a small turnout with the hefty fundraising requirement.
Wouldn’t the organization get more money if they just asked for $50 from each swimmer ($25,000) which is a good chunk of change. And then ask for additional money as an option for fundraising?
So proud of Doug for finally getting this swim off the ground! I know it’s been a passion project and “hopefully next year” for a long time and this success is well deserved.
Doug is the kind of person who can build a swimming community wherever he is from the force of his personality and passion alone. More cities and towns need a Doug McConnell!
No quotes from the defending champion?
Last year, they cancelled the swim and moved it to Ohio Street Beach. Swimmers who were selected to swim, but chose not to, were forgiven from the $1,500 fundraising requirement. However, this year, the $1,500 is a requirement. It is for great causes, but the price is steep. It’s somewhere between 1/2 to 1/3 the cost of a channel crossing, which comes with a professional boat crew. There are plenty of Chicagoans and people from around the world winning to pay to participate. Last year, there was no shortage of applicants. I imagine this year will have plenty of people jumping at the opportunity. The Chicago River has incredible views of the skyline. It will be a cool swim. I… Read more »
I lived in Chicago many years and I love taking a boat tour through the river every once in a while, but to swim in it????? Nah I’m good, I’d rather swim in my toilet bowl
Fun fact, did you know Chicago had to MANUALLY reverse the flow direction of the river because the river was flowing into Lake Michigan, contaminating their main source of drinking water? Now who thought it was a good idea to have people swim in it?
1500? Im sorry but, unless this going to each swimmer having a paddlers with them or things of that nature, this is egregious.
Even with that, im scratching my head to understand it
Wouldn’t you want more people to participate to raise more funds?
At this cost to enter, it’s gonna be like a dozen or couple dozen swimmers .aybe
I’m extremely excited to swim in the river, I have been waiting 99 years. My favorite seagull and alligator snapping turtle live there and I feed them cow and game jerky regularly
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If you need specialized wetsuit that is preventative against giant alligator snapping turtle or very strong seagull bites please email at @ [email protected]
Spoiler alert- Natalie will get more sick than any swimmer just was at worlds
Safer to swim in a porta potty
I hope she doesn’t, but I’d be surprised if they could get the Chicago River much cleaner than the Seine…