Prepare to witness history in the making as the inaugural Chicago River Swim shatters a nearly century-old tradition, heralding a revival of open water swimming events in downtown Chicago. Set for September 22, 2024, this momentous occasion will not only commemorate the river’s resurgence but also serve as a fundraiser for ALS research.

Five hundred carefully selected applicants will embark on a journey through the Chicago River amidst its iconic skyscrapers and beneath its storied bridges, promising an experience reminiscent of urban waterway reclamation efforts seen in global metropolises like Amsterdam, London, Paris, and New York City. With meticulous planning in place, safety and success are ensured for all participants.

“Douglas McConnell, a proud Chicagoan and world-renowned Triple Crown Swimmer, as well as CEO/co-founder of the nonprofit A Long Swim, the driving force behind this event, expressed his excitement, stating, “The transformation of the Chicago River over recent decades has been truly remarkable. What was once unimaginable is now a reality. We are dedicated to ensuring a safe event, incorporating the latest water quality technology and a comprehensive safety plan.”

Constant monitoring of water quality leading up to the event morning will be conducted by the Chicago River Swim team. Leveraging data from esteemed experts such as the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) and H2NOW, a real-time water quality monitoring system administered by the prominent Chicago-based nonprofit Current, the event aims to adhere to regulatory standards for human contact. With significant improvements in water quality reported by the MWRD, in collaboration with Argonne National Laboratory’s microorganism analysis, the river has come a long way since its polluted past.

A Long Swim, with its wealth of experience in hosting open water swims, has meticulously crafted a safety plan benchmarked against global standards. Collaborating with federal, state, and local authorities, over 100 safety personnel including lifeguards, spotters, kayakers, and emergency responders will ensure the well-being of participants. During the event, the Chicago River will be exclusively reserved for authorized swimmers, identifiable by distinctive swim caps, RFID timing chips, and inflatable swim buoys.

Moreover, the Chicago River Swim is forging partnerships with esteemed organizations such as the Chicago Harbor Safety Committee and Friends of the Chicago River, further ensuring the success and safety of the event. Margaret Frisbie, Executive Director of Friends of the Chicago River, commented, “Since 1979, our organization has been dedicated to enhancing the health of the Chicago River system. This momentous open water swim event symbolizes the collective efforts to transform this remarkable waterway.”

A Long Swim, born out of personal tragedy following McConnell’s father and sister’s battle with ALS, aims to raise funds for collaborative ALS research at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine. Proceeds from the Chicago River Swim will also support local learn-to-swim programs for at-risk youth.

The Chicago River Swim is scheduled for Sunday, September 22, 2024, commencing at 6:45 AM. The swim course will traverse the main stem of the river, starting between the Clark and Dearborn Street bridges and navigating a looped course between State Street and Wolf Point. Spectators are encouraged to join the historic event, with a family-friendly Finish Festival near the Clark Street Bridge.

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