Chicago River Swim

2027 Date: September 19

2027 EVENT ACCESS

All 2026 participants are invited to enroll in the 2027 event scheduled for Sunday, September 19. A private registration link will be distributed on Wednesday, October 7. Check your inbox for an email sent Friday, October 2 with full details.

Registration for the general public will open on Tuesday, October 27 on this site.

2026 EVENT CANCELLED

as of 4:01 PM CT, 9/20/26

After monitoring race morning weather and river conditions, we made the difficult decision to cancel this year'’s Chicago River Swim.

Conditions did not allow us to safely proceed with the event. We know how much training and anticipation went into the weekend, and we share your disappointment.

Thank you for your patience, understanding and support this season. 2027 event details will be shared shortly.

Cancellation Announcement

Cancellation FAQs

2026 Event Announcement

CONGRATULATIONS BIG JUMPERS!

Thank you to everyone who kicked-off the big weekend in style. The Big Jump's debut certainly made a splash in Chicago.

The Big Jump brought together Olympians, elected officials, civic leaders, celebrities, philanthropists and the public at large to take the plunge while raising funds for ALS research and youth swim education. Photos to be posted soon.

2025 Event Recap

2025 Event Impact
See the metrics behind the inaugural Chicago River Swim

2025 Media Coverage
Witness what 3 billion media impressions looks like!

2025 Participant Results
Search the list of award winners and participants alike

2025 Event Photos
View the Chicago River Swim for yourself

2025 CHICAGO RIVER SWIM HYPE VIDEO

CRS IS THE TALK OF THE TOWN

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Press Coverage

HOW'S THE WATER QUALITY?

Have a look at the most recent qPCR water quality results by location within the Swim Course (along each bridge).

Water Quality Results

APPLICATIONS CLOSED

Applications for CRS have formally closed, although a handful of post-close entries are available to select individuals. Click below to learn more.

Post Close Details

THE SWIM COURSE

From Marina Towers to the Wolf Point confluence, check out the swim course that will make history this September.

Course Map

— 100 YEARS AGO

RIVER SWIMS WERE THE BEES KNEES

The Chicago River's flow was reversed nearly 125 years ago to draw fresh water from Lake Michigan and clean a polluted river.

To celebrate the waterway's drastic turnaround, the Illinois Athletic Association began hosting a series of open water swims back in 1908.

The river swims attracted the highest-profile swimmers in the world, and more than 100,000 spectators lined the shore. The Chicago River Swims were a jewel in the crown of our young, vibrant city.

Learn More