CHICAGO - The City of Chicago has approved the first open-water swim in the Chicago River in 98 years.

Organizers said the 2025 Chicago River Swim will be held on Sept. 21.

What we know:

The historic event will be a one- to two-mile swim along the main stem of the Chicago River from Dearborn Street Bridge, heading east to State Street, then west to Lake Street and finishing near the Clark Street Bridge. Five hundred qualified swimmers are signed up.

Family-friendly activities and vendors will also participate in the event. Tickets will be available for a VIP viewing party.

The event is produced by the nonprofit A Long Swim, founded by world-class open-water swimmer Doug McConnell. It will benefit ALS research at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine and swim safety e

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