Chicago River Swim Expands Field, Adds $500 'Big Jump' for Public

Key points

• The Chicago River Swim field has expanded from 500 to 750 participants, with registration reopened for last-minute spots.
• A new 'Big Jump' event on September 18 allows 100 adults to enter the river for $500, with proceeds benefiting ALS research and youth swim education.
• Swimmers must fundraise $1,250 for the one-mile race or $1,750 for the two-mile race and prove prior open-water experience.
• The 2025 inaugural event drew 263 swimmers, marking the first organized open-water swim in the river in 98 years.
• Mayor Brandon Johnson highlighted the river's restoration and the opportunity for community engagement.

Background

The Chicago River has undergone significant environmental restoration, transitioning from a heavily polluted waterway to one capable of hosting competitive open-water swimming. The 2025 Chicago River Swim was the first such event in nearly a century, drawing over 300 participants. The 'Big Jump' concept was previously piloted in 2017 by Friends of the Chicago River to celebrate restoration progress.

How outlets are covering it

Block Club Chicago emphasizes the logistical details of the new 'Big Jump' event, including the $500 fee, 100 available spots, and the inclusion of a swim buoy, robe, and commemorative items. Axios highlights the broader significance of the event as a rare opportunity for regular Chicagoans to engage with the river, noting that unsupervised swimming remains prohibited. Both outlets cite Mayor Brandon Johnson's statement on the river's restoration and community impact, but Block Club provides more specific details on the fundraising requirements for the swim, while Axios focuses on the historical context of the 'Big Jump' and the river's transformation.

Why it matters

The expansion of the Chicago River Swim and the introduction of the 'Big Jump' event underscore the city's commitment to environmental restoration and public engagement with its waterways. The events also serve a dual purpose of raising funds for ALS research and youth swim education, addressing both public health and safety concerns. The increased participation reflects growing public interest in open-water swimming and the river's improved water quality.

What to watch

Registration for the Chicago River Swim and the 'Big Jump' is open, with the swim taking place on September 20 and the jump on September 18. Participants must meet fundraising and experience requirements, and the city expects the events to draw a diverse group of swimmers and jumpers, including former Olympians.