Requirements & Rules

Entry Requirements
The inaugural Chicago River Swim is limited to a field of 200 participants who must abide by the following requirements:
- Participants must be at least 18 years of age on September 17, 2023.
- Participants must show prior proof of completing a minimum 2-mile, non-stop, open water swim from a professionally organized event during the previous 24 months.
- Participants must pick-up their race packets on event weekend and attend a mandatory Athlete Briefing prior to the event. No exceptions.
- Participants must make continuous progress from start to finish without prolonged stops. Those unable to finish the entire course by 9:00 AM will be pulled from the water.
- Participants must raise a minimum of $1,500 by September 10, 2023 (one week prior to the event) or pay the balance using a credit card on file.
- Participants must wear event-issued swim caps during the swim. Wetsuits are strongly encouraged but not mandatory.
Rules of Participation
While the inaugural Chicago River Swim is intended to be a demonstration event, both competitive and general participation rules will be declared prior to the event. Awards will be provided to top overall finishers.
Registration Procedures
Event registration details will be posted as soon as possible, subject to permit approvals. Due to anticipated demand, a special application process will be announced for qualified individuals. Those who meet safety criteria and agree to fundraising commitments will be placed into a random drawing for entry. Names will be drawn at random. There will be no fee to apply, but winning entrants must complete their fundraising thresholds.