Chicago River Swim

Name a better feeling… we’ll wait. 🏅🌟

Two cruises. Two chances to see the river. 🌊

We’re partnering with Knot My Boat Charter to host two cruises along the Chicago River to come see it before they swim it!

🛥️ Know the Flow (Sept. 10)
Cruising ten days before the swim, this sunset ride is a chance to hear the stories behind the river’s revival, see the swim route and bridges and connect with fellow swimmers and Chicagoans.
👉 https://www.eventbrite.com/e/know-the-flow-sunset-river-cruise-course-preview-community-social-tickets-1997154701474

🛥️ Final Look (Sept. 19)
Join the morning before the swim for a cruise along the corridor. Hear from past swimmers, visualize race day and soak in the energy before the big day.
👉 https://www.eventbrite.com/e/final-look-chicago-river-swim-weekend-cruise-celebration-tickets-1997260033525

We’re ONE MONTH away!

Race day is not the same without your support. Here are the 5 best spots to cheer on our swimmers:

1. Our VIP Suites (more details to come!)
2. Bridges between State & Franklin
3. River Theater
4. Chicago Brewhouse
5. Wolf Point/West End of the Riverwalk

🦺 Open Water Lifeguards Needed!

The Swim returns next month on Sept. 20 and above all, safety is our top requirement.

We’re looking for certified open water lifeguards to join us on race day.

✅ Must hold a valid open water lifeguard certification
✅ Comfortable with river environments and dynamic conditions
✅ Able to commit to an early morning call time

Learn more and apply at: https://runsignup.com/Race/Volunteer/IL/Chicago/ChicagoRiverSwim

We're proud to be a swimmable city — and to see the rise of them over the nation.

The Swim returns Sept. 20. See you in the river! 🌊

It’s a movement decades in the making, as anti-pollution laws and billions spent in overhauling sewer systems and cleaning contaminated riverbeds made waterways safe again for swimming. It’s been buoyed more recently by the rising popularity of open-water swimming, inspired by everything from the Olympic debut of a 10K swim in 2008 to the current wellness trend of cold-water immersion.

Now, urban swimming advocates are getting a boost from Swimmable Cities, a global grassroots movement chartered in 2024 that’s championing the right to swim in urban waterways.

Applications for the 2026 Chicago River Swim are reopening this week!

For a limited time only, we are reopening our application window to allow more swimmers the chance to join us on Sept. 20.

For first dibs, visit us in-person. 👇
📍 Aug. 18: Open Water Swim CHICAGO, Ohio Street Beach (4-8PM)
📍 Aug. 21–22: Supertri Chicago Expo, Chicago Hilton

Applications may also open online after the weekend, based on availability.

If you've been waiting for your chance to swim the Chicago River, this is it. See you in the river.

All applicants must demonstrate prior open water swimming experience. All submissions will be reviewed for eligibility, and qualified applicants will be offered entries in the order applications are received.