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For nearly a century, the idea of diving into the Chicago River sounded like a punchline. Now it’s becoming a tradition.
The Chicago River Swim will return for its second annual event on Sunday, September 20, 2026, bringing hundreds of swimmers back into the heart of downtown for an open-water race that would have seemed impossible not long ago.
The early-morning event runs from 6:30am to 10am along the river’s main stem, with swimmers launching near the Dearborn Street Bridge and finishing at the Clark Street Bridge. Spectators can line the Chicago Riverwalk to cheer them on as participants tackle 1- and 2-mile courses through the city’s canyon of skyscrapers.
Last year’s inaugural swim made headlines as the first organized open-water swim in the Chicago River in 98 years. What once symbolized urban pollution has gradually become a sign of environmental progress: the river is now at its cleanest levels on record and supports nearly 80 species of fish along with a growing array of wildlife.
The event is presented by the City of Chicago and Mayor Brandon Johnson and organized by the nonprofit A Long Swim, founded by marathon swimmer and ALS advocate Doug McConnell. Proceeds will support ALS research at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine and youth swim education programs across the city.
“The Chicago River Swim reflects my administration’s commitment to restoring and activating the river as a safe and accessible public asset,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson in a statement. “This event celebrates decades of environmental progress and demonstrates what is possible when the City partners with community leaders to expand opportunity, promote public health and bring Chicagoans together around our shared waterways.”
Only qualified swimmers can participate and the event comes with rigorous safety measures. Water quality will be tested using real-time monitoring and EPA recreational standards and more than 100 trained personnel will patrol the course from kayaks, paddleboards and boats. If you’re feeling brave (or very, very fit), applications to join the swim open March 31 and close April 27. Five hundred swimmers will ultimately be selected to take part.
Even if you’re staying dry, it might be worth stopping by the Riverwalk that morning to watch history repeat itself—this time with goggles and swim caps.