On Sunday, September 21, the Chicago River Swim made its long‑awaited return, marking the first organized open‑water swim in the Chicago River in 98 years. Thousands of swimmers, civic leaders and spectators gathered downtown to witness a milestone that spotlighted environmental progress and community investment.

Produced by the nonprofit organization A Long Swim , the event raised approximately $150,000 for ALS research at the Ozdinler Lab at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, and to support swim‑safety education programs at the Salvation Army Kroc Center. Two courses, one and two miles, were laid along the main branch of the river, attracting 263 swimmers who were cheered on by crowds lining the Riverwalk as they plunged in beneath city bridges.

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