Chicago River Swim approved for 2025
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A boat sails on the Chicago River. Photo: Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Organizers of the Chicago River Swim say they are ready to jump back in this September after permits were denied last year.
Why it matters: After decades of industry neglect and even more decades of cleanup, organizers say the swim will celebrate the city's environmental progress, while raising money for swim education programs for Black and Brown youth.
- The race will also raise funds for ALS research.
The latest: Organizers from the group A Long Swim say the city has approved the 2025 Chicago River Swim for Sept. 21, marking the first open water swim in the Chicago River in 98 years.
- "Swimmers in the water demonstrates to the city, the region and the world that Chicago cares about its people, the environment and its water resources," Friends of the Chicago River's Margaret Frisbie said in a statement.
Flashback: Last year, nearly 1,200 people applied to take part in the swim after it was announced.
- Yes, but: The city denied the permit and persuaded organizers to instead do an open swim in Lake Michigan.
- A Long Swim also ran into problems when it tried to do this event in 2019.
What they're saying: "The return of the Chicago River Swim marks a major victory for our city — a testament to decades of hard work revitalizing our river," Mayor Brandon Johnson said in a statement.
- "This event is a celebration of Chicago's progress and a brighter, more inclusive future."
How it works: 500 qualified swimmers will be selected to participate in the swim, which will start at the Dearborn Street Bridge heading east to State Street and then turning around to go west to Lake Street, before turning again to conclude at the Clark Street Bridge.
- Interested participants can apply here.
The intrigue: Open swims and races in the Chicago River aren't new. They were once popular events around the turn of the century.