DOWNTOWN — For the first time in 98 years, the Chicago River will host an open water swim event early this fall.

The event — which was approved by the city after officials denied it a permit last year — takes place Sept. 21 and will feature 500 qualified swimmers navigating a one or two mile course through a stretch of the river Downtown, organizers announced Thursday.

The event is set to begin at the Dearborn Street Bridge and end near the Clark Street Bridge, followed by a festival along the Riverwalk with events for Chicagoans of all ages.

“The return of the Chicago River Swim marks a major victory for our city — a testament to decades of hard work revitalizing our river,” Mayor Brandon Johnson said in a statement.

The event will celebrate the city’s progress in cleaning up the rive

See Full Page