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Chicago River Swim

Sunday, September 21, 2025 Chicago, IL 60601 US

Schedule

— A BIG WEEKEND IN THE BIG CITY

The Chicago River Swim weekend will consist of a variety of activities for participants, spectators and the public alike. The preliminary 2025 schedule is listed below, subject to change prior to the event.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 19
Westin River North: 320 North Dearborn St.

1:00 PM      Packet Pick-Up Opens
1:15 PM      Athlete Briefing
2:15 PM      Athlete Briefing
3:15 PM      Athlete Briefing
4:15 PM      Athlete Briefing
5:00 PM      Packet Pick-Up Closes 


SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 20
Westin River North: 320 North Dearborn St.

11:00 AM    Packet Pick-Up Opens
11:15 AM    Athlete Briefing
12:15 PM    Athlete Briefing
1:15 PM      Athlete Briefing
2:15 PM      Athlete Briefing
3:00 PM      Packet Pick-Up Closes

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 21
Chicago Riverwalk: 70 West Wacker Drive, Chicago

5:00 AM      Volunteer Check-In Opens (State St. & Wacker Dr.)
5:15 AM      Athlete Check-In Opens (Dearborn St. & Wacker Dr.)
5:30 AM      Chicago River Closure Begins (Wolf Point to Wabash St. Bridge)
6:30 AM      Opening Ceremony Begins (Tiny Tapp)
7:00 AM      Event Start: 2-Mile Swim
7:30 AM      Finish Festival Opens
7:44 AM      First Finisher (2-Mile)
7:55 AM      Event Start: 1-Mile Swim
8:17 AM      First Finisher (1-Mile)
9:10 AM      All Swimmers Finished
9:30 AM      Awards Ceremony
10:00 AM    Chicago River Reopens to all Vessels
10:30 AM    Finish Festival Concludes
12:00 PM    After Party* @ Joy District Rooftop (112 W. Hubbard)


* JOIN US AT THE AFTER PARTY!

Join fellow swimmers, volunteers, partners, friends and family as we celebrate history. Complmentary Goose Island 312s (21+) and heavy appetizers will be served. Full cash bar and menu available. Children welcome. Wear those robes!


TENTATIVE 2026 DATE

Sunday, September 20, 2026
(details to come)

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