Chicago River Swim

  • Date Fri 18th September 2026 - Mon 2nd November 2026
  • Time 10:00AM CDT
  • Location Chicago, Illinois
  • Price Free - $531.25
  • Races 7 races
  • Distances 1 Mile

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Chicago River Swim

Fri 18th September 2026 - Mon 2nd November 2026

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Event summary

Get ready for an unforgettable aquatic adventure at the Chicago River Swim, taking place on Friday, September 18th, 2026, in the vibrant city of Chicago, Cook County. This exciting event not only promises a thrilling swim through the iconic Chicago River but also serves a noble cause, as it supports ALS collaborative research through Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine, along with local youth learn-to-swim programs. Participants of all skill levels are encouraged to dive into the fun, making a splash while contributing to vital research and community initiatives. Join us for this inspiring event and be part of a movement that unites the Chicago community in support of a healthier future!

Organiser's Description

The Chicago River Swim is the signature event of A Long Swim [https://alongswim.org], a 501(c)3 charitable organization that raises funds for ALS collaborative research through Northwestern Universitys Feinberg School of Medicine and local youth learn-to-swim programs. The event is made possible through the support of dozens of local and federal agencies, area businesses, and the entire Chicago community.

Races

  • 2-Mile Swim Application

    Sun 20th September 2026 (7:00AM CDT)

    Free

    CLOSED
    The Chicago River Swim will offer athletes a once-in-a-lifetime experience to swim among Chicagos famous skyscrapers and under its iconic bridges.

  • 1-Mile Swim Application

    Sun 20th September 2026 (7:00AM CDT)

    Free

    CLOSED
    The Chicago River Swim will offer athletes a once-in-a-lifetime experience to swim among Chicagos famous skyscrapers and under its iconic bridges.

  • 2-Mile Swim

    Incl. $8.45 Fee & Luxury Swim Robe

    Sun 20th September 2026 (7:00AM CDT)

    $128.45

    CLOSED
    Selected participants of the inaugural 2025 Chicago River Swim will soon swim among Chicagos famous skyscrapers and under its iconic bridges.

  • 1-Mile Swim

    Incl. $8.45 Fee & Luxury Swim Robe

    Sun 20th September 2026 (7:00AM CDT)

    $128.45

    CLOSED
    Selected participants of the inaugural 2025 Chicago River Swim will soon swim among Chicagos famous skyscrapers and under its iconic bridges.

  • The Big Jump - Invitational

    Incl. Luxury Swim Robe

    Fri 18th September 2026 (10:00AM CDT)

    Free

    CLOSED
    The Big Jump is a new addition to the Chicago River Swim weekend. This ceremonial moment will celebrate the return of the swim, leverage the novelty of entering the river, and further enhance the global interest in the Chicago River's revival.

  • The Big Jump

    Incl. $31.25 Fee & Luxury Swim Robe

    Fri 18th September 2026 (10:00AM CDT)

    $531.25

    CLOSED
    The Big Jump is a new addition to the Chicago River Swim weekend. This ceremonial moment will celebrate the return of the swim, leverage the novelty of entering the river, and further enhance the global interest in the Chicago River's revival.

  • 2027 Deferral Entry

    Mon 2nd November 2026 (11:48PM CST)

    Free

    Book
    All 2026 swimmers are invited back for the 2027 Chicago River Swim, scheduled for Sunday, September 19.

Book

  • 2-Mile Swim Application

    Sun 20th September 2026 (7:00AM CDT)

    Free

    CLOSED
    The Chicago River Swim will offer athletes a once-in-a-lifetime experience to swim among Chicagos famous skyscrapers and under its iconic bridges.

  • 1-Mile Swim Application

    Sun 20th September 2026 (7:00AM CDT)

    Free

    CLOSED
    The Chicago River Swim will offer athletes a once-in-a-lifetime experience to swim among Chicagos famous skyscrapers and under its iconic bridges.

  • 2-Mile Swim

    Incl. $8.45 Fee & Luxury Swim Robe

    Sun 20th September 2026 (7:00AM CDT)

    $128.45

    CLOSED
    Selected participants of the inaugural 2025 Chicago River Swim will soon swim among Chicagos famous skyscrapers and under its iconic bridges.

  • 1-Mile Swim

    Incl. $8.45 Fee & Luxury Swim Robe

    Sun 20th September 2026 (7:00AM CDT)

    $128.45

    CLOSED
    Selected participants of the inaugural 2025 Chicago River Swim will soon swim among Chicagos famous skyscrapers and under its iconic bridges.

  • The Big Jump - Invitational

    Incl. Luxury Swim Robe

    Fri 18th September 2026 (10:00AM CDT)

    Free

    CLOSED
    The Big Jump is a new addition to the Chicago River Swim weekend. This ceremonial moment will celebrate the return of the swim, leverage the novelty of entering the river, and further enhance the global interest in the Chicago River's revival.

  • The Big Jump

    Incl. $31.25 Fee & Luxury Swim Robe

    Fri 18th September 2026 (10:00AM CDT)

    $531.25

    CLOSED
    The Big Jump is a new addition to the Chicago River Swim weekend. This ceremonial moment will celebrate the return of the swim, leverage the novelty of entering the river, and further enhance the global interest in the Chicago River's revival.

  • 2027 Deferral Entry

    Mon 2nd November 2026 (11:48PM CST)

    Free

    Book
    All 2026 swimmers are invited back for the 2027 Chicago River Swim, scheduled for Sunday, September 19.

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Location

Chicago River, 70 W Riverwalk, Chicago, 60601, IL, United States

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Chicago River Swim

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