Chicago River Swim Volunteer Registration

Goodie Bag Stuffing Medium Priority

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

September 17, 2026

1:00 pm CDT - 5:00 pm CDT (Full)

This volunteer task is full.

Details

Tasks include unloading, sorting and stuffing Goodie Bags for all athletes and participants across the weekend. T-shirts, credentials, snacks and refreshments will be provided.

Location

Westin River North: 320 N. Dearborn St, Chicago

Big Jump: Greeters Medium Priority

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September 18, 2026

8:30 am CDT - 12:00 pm CDT (At least 2 more needed)

Details

The Big Jump is a new addition to River Swim weekend. Greeters are positioned across the top of the Riverwalk entry areas (between Clark and Dearborn 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. T-shirts, credentials, snacks and refreshments will be provided.

Location

Chicago Riverwalk: 55 West Wacker Drive, Chicago

Big Jump: Athlete Services High Priority

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September 18, 2026

8:30 am CDT - 12:30 pm CDT (At least 5 more needed)

Details

The Big Jump is a new addition to River Swim weekend. This role will 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

The Big Jump - Lifeguards High Priority

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

September 18, 2026

9:30 am CDT - 12:00 pm CDT (Full)

This volunteer task is full.

Details

Guard on land and SUP's for the BIg Jump on Friday, Sept. 18. Jump starts at 10 a.m.

Location

Riverwalk - Big Jump Location

Packet Pick-Up Medium Priority

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

September 18, 2026

11:30 am CDT - 5:30 pm CDT (Full)

September 19, 2026

9:30 am CDT - 4:00 pm CDT (Full)

This volunteer task is full.

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

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

September 19, 2026

12:00 pm CDT - 3:00 pm CDT (Full)

September 20, 2026

10:00 am CDT - 1:00 pm CDT (Minimum met, 2 spots remaining)

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, snacks and refreshments will be provided.

Location

Chicago Riverwalk: 55 West Wacker Drive, Chicago

Athlete Services Volunteer Medium Priority

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

September 20, 2026

5:00 am CDT - 10:30 am CDT (Full)

This volunteer task is full.

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

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

September 20, 2026

5:00 am CDT - 11:00 am CDT (Minimum met, 4 spots remaining)

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

Kayak Support (in-water) High Priority

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

September 20, 2026

5:00 am CDT - 10:00 am CDT (Minimum met, 16 spots remaining)

Details

Kayaks will be used along the course to provide quick corrective guidance for swimmers veering off-course, as well as provide brief floating platforms for those who need a break (ie. to adjust goggles, catch their breath, etc). Volunteers must be proficient in the water and well-versed in maneuvering around swimmers.

The program is managed by our partners at Urban Kayaks. Please apply to this position by Tuesday, September 1.

NOTE: All applicants will be screened for qualifications, notified of their acceptance, and informed of next steps. A virtual 30-minute orientation session will be held on Wednesday, September 16 at 8:30 PM CDT.

Kayaks, radios, T-shirts, credentials and refreshments will be provided on-site.

Location

Urban Kayaks: 435 E. Chicago Riverwalk, Chicago

VIP & Media Volunteer Medium Priority

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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

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

September 20, 2026

5:00 am CDT - 10:00 am CDT (Full)

This volunteer task is full.

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 welcome, too. T-shirts, credentials, snacks and refreshments will be provided.

Location

Chicago Riverwalk: 55 West Wacker Drive, Chicago

People Movers High Priority

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

September 20, 2026

6:00 am CDT - 10:00 am CDT (At least 9 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

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

September 20, 2026

5:00 am CDT - 10:00 am CDT (At least 2 more needed)

Details

The Event Greeters are positioned across the top of the Riverwalk entry areas (between Franklin 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

Spotters High Priority

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

September 20, 2026

6:00 am CDT - 10:00 am CDT (Full)

This volunteer task is full.

Details

The Spotters will be placed high atop the water at both sides of each bridge. Their role is to observe the venue and swim course for swimmers, staff and/or spectators who may be in distress or need support. All Spotters will be assigned to a dedicated zone and identified with credentials and an event radio.

A 30-minute virtual orientation on Wednesday, September 16 at 7:00 PM CDT is required.

Location

Chicago Riverwalk: 55 West Wacker Drive, Chicago