Chicago River Swim Volunteer Registration

Packet Pick-Up Medium Priority

You must be 18 or older to volunteer for this task.

September 18, 2026

11:30 am CDT - 5:30 pm CDT (Minimum met, 1 spot remaining)

September 19, 2026

9:30 am CDT - 4:00 pm CDT (Minimum met, 2 spots remaining)

Details

Tasks include greeting participants, assisting with equipment pick-up, and shirt/goody bag distribution. T-shirts, credentials, snacks and refreshments will be provided.

Location

Westin River North: 320 N. Dearborn St, Chicago

Autonomous Buoy Setup/Teardown Medium Priority

↑ Back to Top

You must be 18 or older to volunteer for this task.

September 19, 2026

12:00 pm CDT - 3:00 pm CDT (At least 7 more needed)

September 20, 2026

10:00 am CDT - 1:00 pm CDT (At least 9 more needed)

Details

This event utilizes special, autonomous buoys that need to be specially constructed and dismantled at the Riverwalk. This crew will support the buoy team by unloading their trailer, moving boxes and equipment, then eventually building and testing the buoys. The process will be reversed after the event. T-shirts, credentials, snacks and refreshments will be provided.

Location

Chicago Riverwalk: 55 West Wacker Drive, Chicago

Athlete Services Volunteer Medium Priority

↑ Back to Top

You must be 18 or older to volunteer for this task.

September 20, 2026

4:30 am CDT - 10:30 am CDT (At least 12 more needed)

Details

Assist the event team with corralling participants, distributing equipment, food and other items, and provide general event support. T-shirts, credentials, snacks and refreshments will be provided.

Location

Chicago Riverwalk: 55 West Wacker Drive, Chicago

Gear Check / Robes Medium Priority

↑ Back to Top

You must be 18 or older to volunteer for this task.

September 20, 2026

5:00 am CDT - 11:00 am CDT (At least 15 more needed)

Details

Athletes will drop off their gear and swim robes in the Athlete Venue, where you will help label and organize their bags for easy pick-up. T-shirts, credentials, snacks and refreshments will be provided.

Location

Chicago Riverwalk: 55 West Wacker Drive, Chicago

Lifeguard Support High Priority

↑ Back to Top

You must be 18 or older to volunteer for this task.

September 20, 2026

5:30 am CDT - 10:00 am CDT

Details

>> REGISTRATION FOR THIS ROLE WILL NOT OPEN UNTIL LATE JULY. PLEASE CHECK BACK SOON <<

The event will be supported by dozens of local lifeguards stationed across the Riverwalk, on Safety Boats, and atop Stand Up Paddle boards (SUPs). Note this is a PAID role with a stipend (TBA). Applicants must be certified and have an active Red Cross, American Lifeguard Association license or similar qualifying agency. Deep Water training is preferred.

Please apply for this post by filling-out the required questionnaire. We will follow-up with you individually to confirm experience and ability. Applicants will be notified of their acceptance and informed of next steps.

All contracted lifeguards must view a mandatory, 30-minute safety briefing webinar on Thursday, September 18 at 7:00 PM CDT (it will be recorded for those unable to attend). T-shirts, rescue tubes, radios, credentials, snacks and refreshments will be provided.

Location

Chicago Riverwalk: 55 West Wacker Drive, Chicago

VIP & Media Volunteer Medium Priority

↑ Back to Top

You must be 18 or older to volunteer for this task.

September 20, 2026

5:00 am CDT - 11:00 am CDT (Full)

This volunteer task is full.

Details

Assist the VIP and Media Coordinators to help manage media team check-in, support guest and camera crew placement, and support elements within the VIP program. T-shirts, credentials, snacks and refreshments will be provided.

Location

Chicago Riverwalk: 55 West Wacker Drive, Chicago

Medical Volunteer High Priority

↑ Back to Top

You must be 18 or older to volunteer for this task.

September 20, 2026

5:00 am CDT - 10:00 am CDT (At least 10 more needed)

Details

Assist with medical needs in the Athlete Venue, Medical Tent and/or along the swim course. Exact placement will be determined event morning. Clinical knowledge is required; medical professional licensing is preferred (EMT, Paramedic, RN, PT, MD). Medical students are always welcomed, too. T-shirts, credentials, snacks and refreshments will be provided.

Location

Chicago Riverwalk: 55 West Wacker Drive, Chicago

People Movers High Priority

↑ Back to Top

You must be 18 or older to volunteer for this task.

September 20, 2026

6:00 am CDT - 10:00 am CDT (At least 19 more needed)

Details

The People Mover team will ensure crowds don’t congregate in sensitive areas, including above and below each of the six bridges used for the event. Personnel must be comfortable engaging/encouraging pedestrians to move along.

A 30-minute orientation on Wednesday, September 16 at 7:00 PM CDT is required. T-shirts, credentials, snacks and refreshments will be provided.

Location

Chicago Riverwalk: 55 West Wacker Drive, Chicago

Event Greeters Medium Priority

↑ Back to Top

You must be 18 or older to volunteer for this task.

September 20, 2026

5:00 am CDT - 10:00 am CDT (At least 14 more needed)

Details

The Event Greeters are positioned across the top of the Riverwalk entry areas (between Lake Street and State Street) and serve as the event's first line of communication for guests and passers by. They will communicate timelines, directions, and serve as a mobile Information Booth. The Greeters will be briefed on event morning and dispersed to specific locations in pairs. T-shirts, credentials, snacks and refreshments will be provided.

Location

Chicago Riverwalk: 55 West Wacker Drive, Chicago