CHICAGO – In a landmark moment for urban revitalization and community spirit, the Chicago River Swim made its historic return on Sunday, September 21, 2025, for the first time in nearly a century. Thousands of participants, civic leaders, and spectators gathered along the Riverwalk to witness this once-unthinkable event, celebrating decades of environmental progress and supporting critical causes. The swim, which had not been held since 1927, marked a powerful testament to Chicago’s commitment to transforming its iconic waterway into a vibrant recreational asset.
A River Reborn: From Industrial Sewer to Recreational Gem
For generations, the Chicago River was synonymous with pollution, its waters heavily tainted by industrial discharge and sewage. This degradation rendered it unfit for recreation, a stark contrast to its earlier days when organized swimming races attracted massive crowds. The reversal of the river’s flow in 1900 was a monumental engineering feat aimed at protecting Lake Michigan, the city’s drinking water source, but the river remained a symbol of Chicago’s industrial past for decades. However, a concerted, multi-faceted effort over the past half-century has dramatically changed this narrative. Stricter environmental regulations, significant investments in wastewater treatment and storm overflow management through projects like the MWRD’s Deep Tunnel system, and dedicated advocacy from groups like Friends of the Chicago River have led to a remarkable ecological turnaround. The river now supports over 80 species of fish and a growing diversity of wildlife, making it cleaner than at any point in recorded history.
The Inaugural Return: A Day of Sport and Solidarity
The 2025 Chicago River Swim, produced by the nonprofit organization A Long Swim, was the culmination of years of planning and advocacy. The event featured one-mile and two-mile races, drawing 263 experienced open-water swimmers who navigated the main branch of the river, passing beneath iconic bridges and alongside the city’s renowned skyline. Olympian Olivia Smoliga, a Chicago-area native, showcased her prowess by winning the women’s one-mile race, underscoring the athletic caliber of the event. Levy Nathan took first place in the men’s one-mile division, while Becca Mann and Isaac Eilmes won the women’s and men’s two-mile races, respectively.
Mayor Brandon Johnson, who provided opening remarks, hailed the swim as “a symbol of Chicago’s resilience and progress.” He commended the organizers for their dedication to safety and their commitment to empowering youth through swim education, stating, “This event is a celebration of Chicago’s progress and a brighter, more inclusive future”. The event’s success was also supported by numerous civic leaders, including Congressman Mike Quigley and Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, who were in attendance.
A Dual Mission: Fighting ALS and Promoting Swim Safety
Beyond its symbolic significance, the Chicago River Swim served a vital dual purpose: raising funds and awareness for ALS research and promoting water safety education. A Long Swim, founded by Doug McConnell whose father and sister succumbed to ALS, has dedicated itself to combining open-water swimming with fundraising for this neurodegenerative disease. The 2025 event successfully raised approximately $150,000 for ALS research at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine, specifically supporting the Ozdinler Lab’s groundbreaking work, which has identified compounds showing promise in reversing motor neuron damage.
Additionally, proceeds benefited swim-safety education programs at the Salvation Army Kroc Center, aiming to equip underserved youth with essential life-saving skills. This philanthropic aspect reflects a broader effort within Chicago to ensure equitable access to water recreation and safety. The event’s rigorous safety protocols, including extensive water quality testing by entities like UIC and MWRD, were paramount to its approval and success.
Charting a Course for the Future
The historic return of the Chicago River Swim signifies more than just a sporting event; it represents a profound shift in the city’s relationship with its central waterway. It stands as a powerful example of how environmental stewardship, innovative engineering, and community passion can transform a degraded urban landscape into a source of pride, recreation, and philanthropy. As the river continues its journey of restoration, this swim is poised to become an enduring annual tradition, embodying Chicago’s spirit of progress and its commitment to a healthier, more accessible future for all its residents.
