Swimmers Return To Chicago River For 1st Time In A Century, Marking Dramatic Transformation

On September 21, 2025, the Chicago River hosted its first open-water swim in nearly a century, signaling a major environmental achievement. The event, organized by A Long Swim, involved 500 swimmers and aimed to raise money for ALS research and youth swim education programs. Two-time Olympian Olivia Smoliga expressed her excitement about participating in this historic event, stating it could reshape how people view the river. The swim route spanned one mile along the river, with spectators lining the Riverwalk to cheer on participants. The river's revival is attributed to significant pollution control measures, including the 1972 Clean Water Act and the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District's infrastructure improvements.

In 2011, the river met recreational water quality standards set by the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency, confirming its swimmability. A Long Swim intends to host the event again in 2026, further emphasizing the city's commitment to river clean-up. The resurgence of river swimming reflects decades of efforts to restore the river's health and promote recreational use.