2026 MEDIA COVERAGE

• New City | May 6: Exploring the Maritime Wonders of Chicago and Lake Michigan
• Yahoo Finance | April 6:  Chicago's Next Amenity for Residents: A Swimmable River
• The Weather Channel | April 4: Are Swimmable Cities Coming Back?
• News Nation | April 3: Advocates push for swimming in urban rivers
• The Weather Channel | April 2: Swimmable Cities: Cleaning Urban Rivers for Public Swimming
• Vidalturismo | March 24: EL ALCALDE BRANDON JOHNSON ANUNCIA LA SEGUNDA EDICIÓN ANUAL DE LA NATACIÓN EN EL RÍO CHICAGO
• Chicago Sun Times | March 12: Chicago River Swim will return for its second year in September, city says
• CBS2 CHICAGO | March 12: Chicago River Swim returning for second year this fall
• WBBM | March 12:  Chicago River Swim to return September 20
• Block Club Chicago | March 12: Chicago River Swim Returns this September - With 500 more swimmers
• WTTW Chicago | March 12:  After Inaugural Splash, Chicago River Swim Coming Back for Second Year
• FOX 32 Chicago | March 12: Chicago mayor announces return of 'historic annual event' FULL REMARKS

ADDITIONAL FEATURED STORIES

The Chicago River Swim was never just about one day in the water. It represents decades of environmental progress, public-private partnership, and a shared vision for what is possible in an urban waterway. Today, the swim continues to be featured in articles, interviews, and conversations across the country as an example of civic innovation, river restoration, and public access. We are proud to share stories that highlight not only the Swim itself, but also the collective efforts of the many organizations, agencies, advocates, and community leaders who helped make a swimmable Chicago River a reality.

• Fast Company | June 16: Amid a climate rollback, these 19 projects are keeping the earth’s future in focus
• Tri States Public Radio | June 1: Fish and mussels returned to these rivers after decades of cleanup. But new threats loom
• Outside Online | May 27: The Rise of Urban Swimming in the U.S
  
• New City | May 6: Lake Effect: Exploring the Maritime Wonders of Chicago
  
• The Weather Channel | April 4: Are Swimmable Cities Coming Back?
• Intelligent Living | March 22: The Comeback of Swimmable Urban Rivers: How Sewer Upgrades and Green Infrastructure Ensure Safe Water Access
  

2025 MEDIA HIGHLIGHTS

• Chicago Magazine | November 16: Chicagoan of the Year, The River Guide – Doug McConnell
• The New York Times | September 22: Video Coverage of Chicago River Swim
• The New York Times | September 21: Chicagoans Avoided Their "Filthy' River for Years. On Sunday, They Swam in it.
• BBC | September 23: Hundreds swim in Chicago river for first time in nearly 100 years
• The Guardian | September 21: Hundreds plunge in Chicago River for first official swim in nearly 100 years 
• WBUR (NPR) | September 22: Swimmers race in the Chicago River for first time in nearly 100 Years
• USA Today | September 22: Hundreds swim in Chicago River for first time in nearly a century for ALS research
• The Hill | September 21: Hundreds take part in organized swim in the Chicago River for the first time in 100 years
• ABC7 Chicago | September 21: Chicago River Swim returns after nearly a century, raises funds for ALS research
• Chicago Tribune | September 22: Photos: Over 300 compete in the 1st Chicago River Swim in 98 years
• Chicago Tribune | September 21: Swimmers compete in first official Chicago River race in nearly a century
• Chicago Tribune | August 7: City OKs first Chicago open-water swim in a century after a snag last year
• Chicago Sun Times | September 21: Hundreds pluge into Chicago River in city's first open-water swim in nearly a century
• Chicago Sun-Times | August 15: Would you swim in the Chicago River? And should its canal be renamed? Here's what you told us
• Chicago Sun Times | August 7: Chicago River Swim returns to the city after almost a century
• FOX 32 Chicago | September 22: What it's really like to swim in the Chicago River (Paul Sommer interview)
• FOX 32 Chicago | September 21: Chicago River Swim takes place to raise funds for ALS research (Natalie Himes talk-back)
• FOX 32 Chicago | August 12: Paris on Politics: Chicago River a new venue for competitive swimmers
• FOX 32 Chicago | August 11: Chicago River Swim returns this fall after 98-year hiatus
• FOX 32 Chicago | August 7: Chicago River Swim to return for first open-water swim in the Chicago River
• WGN-TV | September 21: 'A dream come true': Event Organizer Doug McConnell talks about Sunday's historic Chicago River Swim (Doug McConnell interview)
• WGN-TV | September 21: Chicago River Swim, 1st open-water swimming event on river in nearly 100 years, goes off Sunday morning (Olivia Smoliga interview)
• WGN-TV Spotlight Chicago | September 15: The Chicago River Swim Preview
• WGN-TV | August 27: Chicago River Swim: The First Organized Swim in the Chicago River in 98 Years
• WGN TV | August 8: Details on the Chicago River Swim
• WGN-TV | August 7: Chicago River Swim officially returning in September
• WGN Radio 720 | August 18: Candid Candace: Rating Chicago’s summer events
• WGN Radio 720 | August 18: How to Swim in the Chicago River for a Great Cause
• WGN Radio | August 12: How to Swim in the Chiago River for a Great Cause
• WGN Radio 720 | August 8: Chicago River opens to Swimmers this September
• NBC5 Chicago | September 21: ‘Magical experience': Hundreds plunge into Chicago River for open water swim
• NBC5 Chicago | September 21: First-in-a-century Chicago River swim takes place Sunday
• NBC5 Chicago | August 7: First open water swim in Chicago in 98 years set for fall 2025
• CBS2 Chicago | September 20: Swimmers to race in Chicago River for the first time in nearly 100 years
• The Weather Channel | September 21: After 98 Years, Swimmers Dive into Chicago River Again (Doug McConnell interview, pt1)
• The Weather Channel | September 21: After 98 Years, Swimmers Dive into Chicago River Again (Doug McConnell interview, pt2)

ADDITIONAL COVERAGE

• Environmental Defense Fund | October 3: Swimmers race in once-contaminated Chicago River
• Advance Ohio | October 2: Challenges remain before the Cuyahoga River could host an open swim like they did in Chicago 
• DrivingEco | September 30: The Chicago River is swimmable again after nearly a century of toxic waters. 
• Cleveland Plain Dealer | September 26: Could the Cuyahoga River ever host an open swim like Chicago just did?
• Gizmodo | September 23: Chicago's once-disgusting river just hosted a swim party
• La Raza | September 22: Environmental triumph: Swimmers from around the world return to the Chicago River nearly a century later
• Daily Herald | September 22: Splashing success: Chicago River Swim a win for Barrington-based group’s search for ALS cure 
• Swimming World | September 22: Olivia Smoliga, Becca Mann Win First Chicago River Swims in Nearly a Century
• CBC Radio-Canada | September 22: The Chicago River used to be a cesspool. But on Sunday, hundreds took the plunge
• npr national | September 22: Chicago residents join the first open-water event on the Chicago River in a century
• SwimSwam | September 22: OLIVIA SMOLIGA & BECCA MANN AMONG WINNERS AT 2025 CHICAGO RIVER SWIM
• Red94 | September 22: Chicago River’s first public swim since 1927: this splash has serious implications for health, wildlife & legacy
• newser | September 21: The River was 'Untouchable', now Hundreds Dive in
• NewsNation Now | September 21: Chicago River the site of first organized swim since 1927
• The DePaulia | September 21: Swimmers take the plunge for first Chicago River race in nearly a century
• Telemundo | September 21: Chicago waited almost a century, but this time there was finally swimming in the river that runs through it.
• Daily Northwestern | September 21: Swimmers raise money for ALS research at Chicago River Swim
• Chicago Star Media | September 21: First Chicago River Swimin 98 years raises $150k for ALS
• Inside Climate News | September 21: ‘A Really Monumental Day’ for Chicago River: Clean Enough for Hundreds to Swim In
• Block Club Chicago | September 21: Swimmers Return To Chicago River For 1st Time In A Century, Marking Its Dramatic Transformation
• WTTW | September 18: First Chicago River Swim in Nearly 100 Years Set for This Weekend
• AXIOS | September 18: Chicagoans brave the river after 100 years 
• Choose Chicago | September 10: Chicago River Swim to make a splasy return
• Inside Climate News | September 1: Signs Of Life In Chicago River Before First Open-Water Swim In Century 
• Daytime Chicago | August 27: Chicago River Swim: The First Organized Swim in the Chicago River in 98 Years
• KHAK-98.1 FM | August 26: For the First Time in 100 Years, Swim In This Famous Illinois River
• Angry Bear Blog | August 20: Something, I Probably Would Not Do – Chicago
• Time Out Magazine | August 26: The best September 2025 events in Chicago
• The Nation (Thailand) | August 17: River reopens for swimming after 100 years of pollution closure
• inkl | August 14: Open water swimmers to race in Chicago River for the first time in almost a century 
• Advnture | August 14 | Open water swimmers to race in Chicago River for the first time in almost a century
• Do312 | August 12: Chicago River Swim at Chicago Riverwalk
• Block Club Chicago | August 12: Is It Safe to Swim in the Chicago River?
• Investors Hangout | August 12: Historic Return of the Chicago River Swim
• Chicago Star Media | August 7: Chicago River Swim gets green light for historic comeback
• Block Club Chicago | August 7: Chicago River Swim Returns for the First Time in Nearly a Century
• AXIOS | August 7: Chicago River Swim approved for 2025
• Crains Chicago Business | August 7: Chicago River Swim is back on, and actually in the Chicago River this time
• WTTW-TV | August 7: Chicago River Swim Announced for September, and This Time Organizers Have the City’s Approval
• Ohio Latino News | August 7: Chicago River Swim Aprobado Para un Regreso Historico este Septiembre
• Investors Hangout | August 7:  Historic Return of the Chicago River Swim for Charity 
• Chicago Chinese Times | August 8: Event of the Century! The Chicago River is now open for swimming for the first time in a century.
• KHMO AM 1070 | August 8: Chicago's First River Swim in 100 Years is Happening
• Time Out Magazine | August 8: You can officially swim in the Chicago River for the first time in 100 years
• 93.9 LITE FM | August 8: Chicago River Swim Returns After 98 Years
• Secret Chicago | August 8: After 98 Years, Swimmers Will Race Through the Chicago River This September
• WBEZ | August 8: Weekly News Roundup
• Newsbreak | August 9: Historic Chicago River Swim Comes Back After Nearly a Century
• Patch AM | August 9: Chicago River Swim to raise funds for ALS research
• Swim Swam | August 9: After 98-Year Hiatus, Chicago River Swim Returns This September
• 108 KOOL FM | August 9: Chicago River Swim Returns After 98 Years
• Loop North News | August 10: Long Swim Set for Chicago River After Long Wait
• Archynewsy | August 11: Chicago River Swim Challenge: 500 People Will and Why
• Do312.com | August 11:  Chicago River Swim at Chicago Riverwalk
• Advnture | August 14: Open Water Swimmers to Race in Chicago River for the First Time in Almost a Century
• Block Club Chicago Podcast | August 12: Is It Safe to Swim in the Chicago River?
• inkl | August 14: Open water swimmers to race in Chicago River for the first time in almost a century
• Bangkok Biz News | August 16: The Chicago River is now open for swimming after being closed for 100 years due to pollution. Big event on September 21
• The Nation (Thailand) | August 17: Chicago River reopens for swimming after 100 years of pollution closure

2024 MEDIA COVERAGE

• WBBM | April 2:  History will be made on the Chicago River this fall... 
• WGN TV | April 2: Chicago River Swim to be held in September after more than 100 years
• Block Club Chicago | April 3: Swim In The Chicago River? Open Swim Planned For First Time In A Century
• ABC7 Chicago | April 3: Chicago River open water swim returns in September after nearly a century
• Chicago Sun Times | April 3: Open-water swim in Chicago River to be held in September, the first in more than 100 years 
• WGN-AM | April 3: Chicago River Swim allows for swimming in the Chicago River for the first time in over 100 years 
• Crains Chicago Business | April 3: Want to swim the Chicago River? Open-water event gets the green light 
• Block Club Chicago | April 3: Swim in the Chicago River? Open Swim planned for first time in a century 
• Time Out Chicago | April 3: You’ll be able to swim in the Chicago River this September 
• NBC5 Chicago | April 3: Open-water swim in Chicago River to be held for first time in more than 100 years 
• Chicago Star Media | April 3: Grab your swim caps! Chicago could hold first open river swim in 100 years 
• Hoodline | April 3: Chicago River Swim event set to celebrate waterway's renaissance, aims for ALS research funding
• CBS2 Chicago | April 3: Chicago River to host swim race for first time in nearly a century 
• WGN Radio | April 3: Chicago River Swim allows for swimming in the Chicago river for the first time in over 100 years 
• Telemundo Chicago | April 3: La natación en aguas abiertas en el río Chicago se llevará a cabo por primera vez en más de 100 años 
• Barstool Sports, April 3: Follow The Leader: White Sox Dave, Donnie, And I Swam (Surfed) The Chicago River, So Now The Entire City Is Going To Do It (And Probably Contract Hepatitis)
• Reddit, April 3: I love the Chicago River - worked alongside it for 20 years - but when I read this, I gagged a little
• Streeterville News | April 3: Grab your swim caps! Chicago could host first open river swim in 100 years 
• WLS-FM | April 3: Swimming in the Chicago River returns after nearly 100 years 
• Chicago Tribune | April 4: Historic open water swim to be held in Chicago River in September 
• Q101 | April 4: The Chicago River ‘Open Swim’ returns for the first time in a century 
• AXIOS | April 4: Tips and Hot Links: River Swim Returns 
• WGN Radio | April 4: Would you like to swim in the Chicago River? 
• AXIOS | April 5: Photos: Past Chicago River Swims 
• 101.9 The Mix | April 5: Doug McConnell of the Chicago River Swim 
• WVAZ-FM | April 6: Community Connect: Swim the Chicago River for ALS 
• WBEZ | April 8: WBEZ's Weekly News Recap 
• Chicago Sun-Times | April 8: Chicago's waterways will be cleaner under a little-noticed new permit system
• Travel and Tour World | April 9: Chicago River Swim featuring 500 expert swimmers in the Chicago River 
• ABC7 Chicago | April 10: How to register for the inaugural Chicago River Swim competition 
• Hispanic Business TV | April 21: Chicago River Swim returning after nearly a century 
• WTTW-TV | April 22: Would you swim in the Chicago River? Navigating safety concerns ahead of open water swim event 
• Chicago Tribune | April 24: Water quality has improved dramitcally in the Chicago River, but how safe is swimming? 
• Head Topics | May 26: In the early 20th century, the Chicago River Swim was an annual event that drew thousands of spectators 
• The Times of Northwest Indiana | June 25: A century after  Tarzan swam the Chicago River, a region doctor dives in to help rescue others 
• NBC5 Chicago | July 14: City denies permit request for Chicago River Swim benefitting ALS research 
• Block Club Chicago | July 14: Chicago River Swim event denied permit by city over "safety concerns" 
• Hoodline | July 15: Chicago City denies permit for historic river swim, citing safety concerns 
• Chicago Sun-Times | July 27: Organizers of Chicago River open swim event appeal city's permit denial 
• WTTW - Chicago Tonight | Aug 19: Chicago River Swim will move to Lake Michigan as organizers aim to build momentum for 2025 river event
• Chicago Tribune | Aug 19: The Chicago River Swim is still on — but it’s been moved to Lake Michigan
• ABC7 Chicago | Aug 19: Chicago River Swim is officially happening, but athletes won't actually swim in the river 
• Yahoo! News | Aug 19: Chicago River Swim shifts to Lake Michigan after permit denial 
• Chicago Sun-Times | Aug 19: Inaugural Chicago River Swim for ALS research moved to Lake Michigan after city denies permit 
• Time Out Magazine | Aug 20: The infamous Chicago River Swim event is now happening in Lake Michigan 
• Crains Business Chicago | Aug 20: The Chicago River Swim is a go - just not in the Chicago River 
• ABC7 Chicago | Sep 22: Chicago River Swim: Open Water swimmers take on relocated race in Lake Michigan 
•  Internewscast Journal | Sep 22: Swimmers brave open water challenge at new location on Chicago River in Lake Michigan
• Chicago Tribune | Sep 22: Photos: Chicago River Swim returns after 116 years 
• Streeterville News | Sep 22: Chicago River Swim makes waves with $200K fundraiser for ALS 
• 24ORE Italia | Sep 23 | USA, centinaia di nuotatori alla 'Chicago River Swim' 
• Beverly Review | Oct 1:  Rooney dives into event for ALS effort