Hundreds take part in organized swim in Chicago River for the first time in 100 years

Swimmers race in the Chicago River for first time in nearly 100 Years

For the first time in 98 years, an organized swim has taken place in the Chicago River.

Over 300 compete in the 1st Chicago River Swim in 98 years

Photos from the Chicago River Swim on Sept. 21, 2025, which raised $100,000 for research into ALS and celebrated the river’s recovery from its polluted past. Swimmers compete in 1st official Chicago River race in nearly a century: ‘Really an incredible experience’ Katie Hughes leaps into the water before swimming in the Chicago River Swim on Sept. 21, 2025, in downtown Chicago. (Audrey Richardson/for the Chicago Tribune) 1-mile swimmers prepare…

First open swim event held in Chicago River in 98 years

First open swim event held in Chicago River in 98 years

Hundreds swim in Chicago River for first time in nearly a century for ALS research

For the first time in nearly a century, hundreds of swimmers plunged into the Chicago River over the weekend. Here's why.

Chicago residents join the first open-water event on the Chicago River in a century

Hundreds of swimmers in Chicago joined the first open-water event on the Chicago River in a century, celebrating the city's progress in restoring a waterway once considered a toxic wasteland.

Chicago River Hosts Open Swim For First Time In Nearly A Century

Participants in the Chicago River Swim made their way along a one- or two-mile route downtown.