Posted 8 days ago by Lauren Smith
2 MIN READ -- The City of Chicago has officially approved the 2025 Chicago River Swim (CRS), marking the
first open water swim in the Chicago River in 98 years. Set for Sunday, September 21, 2025, this landmark
event will celebrate the city’s environmental progress and generate critical funds for ALS research and youth
swim education programs.
CHICAGO RIVER SWIM - DIVE INTO THE DETAILS
Organized and programed by A Long Swim, a non-profit organization, this year’s swim will fulfill its original vision: a one- or two-mile swim along the main stem of the Chicago River.
On September 21, 2025, from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Five hundred qualified swimmers from around the world will navigate beneath the city’s iconic bridges, beginning at the Dearborn Street Bridge, heading east to State Street, then west to Lake Street and concluding near the Clark Street Bridge.
Spectators are encouraged to join the family-friendly festivities along the Riverwalk between Lake and Clark Streets. Vendors will serve refreshments along the course.
The 2025 event will benefit two important causes: groundbreaking ALS research at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine, and swim safety education for at-risk children in Chicago.
Over the past few decades, the Chicago River has undergone significant advancements, these improvements include pollution control, enhanced wastewater treatment, H2NOW Chicago (real-time water quality monitoring), and more.
apply today!
Applications for the 2025 Chicago River Swim are currently open to the public through Monday, August 11 at 10:00 PM CDT. There is no fee to apply, and prior swim experience is required. Selected individuals will be notified of their acceptance and must agree to meet fundraising requirements prior to the event. Full details can be found here.
