CONGRATULATIONS, HISTORY MAKERS. IT REALLY HAPPENED!
The 2025 Chicago River Swim is in the books—and what a remarkable day it was! Our heartfelt thanks to everyone who helped create this historic moment for our beloved city.
Countdown to the 2026 CRS
Preliminary date:
September 20, 2026
Additional details, inclluding a priority application window, will be posted soon.
HOW'S THE WATER QUALITY?
Have a look at the most recent qPCR water quality results by location within the Swim Course (along each bridge).
CHICAGO RIVER SWIM APPROVED FOR HISTORIC RETURN SEPTEMBER 21
The First Organized Swim in the Chicago River in Nearly a Century will Raise Funds for ALS Research and Youth Swimming Lessons
APPLICATIONS ARE CLOSED
Applications for CRS opened on Thursday, August 7 and closed Monday, August 11. All participants must have previous open water experience and agree to several requirements. Capacity is limited to 500 participants. Selected names were announced on Wed, Aug 13. Those on the "Waistlit" should watch their inbox for invitations that may open up. Click for full details.
THE SWIM COURSE
From Marina Towers to the Wolf Point confluence, check out the swim course that will make history this September.
2024 Event Recap
2024 Event Impact
See the metrics behind the inaugural Chicago River Swim
2024 Media Coverage
Witness what a billion media impressions looks like.
2024 Participant Results
Search the list of award winners and participants alike
2024 Event Photos
View the Chicago River Swim (at the lake) for yourself
— 100 YEARS AGO
RIVER SWIMS WERE THE BEES KNEES
The Chicago River's flow was reversed nearly 125 years ago to draw fresh water from Lake Michigan and clean a polluted river.
To celebrate the waterway's drastic turnaround, the Illinois Athletic Association began hosting a series of open water swims back in 1908.
The river swims attracted the highest-profile swimmers in the world, and more than 100,000 spectators lined the shore. The Chicago River Swims were a jewel in the crown of our young, vibrant city.
Founding Partners
