Second annual Chicago River Swim starts, finishes with MWRD’s clean water

Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) President Kari K. Steele joined organizers of the 2nd Annual Chicago River Swimto announce plans for a second swim in 2026 and celebrate the river's revival. The inaugural Swim in 2025 marked a historic milestone as the first organized open water swim in the Chicago River in 98 years.

The event will return on Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026, bringing swimmers back to the main stem of the Chicago River for a day of competition, civic pride and clean water, a feat that not long ago was hardly imaginable. Traditionally considered the city's backyard to the lakefront, the Chicago River now flows as a shining destination thanks to hard work, innovation, investment, collaboration and advocacy for clean water.

"The river is full of boats, kayaks, a beautiful riverwalk of businesses and visitors, and thriving economic development." said President Steele. "It is because of our partnership in protecting our shared passion for our treasured Chicago River that the Chicago River Swim can be held to support ALS research and youth swim education."

MWRD research documents steady improvement in water quality and aquatic life over the past several decades. The MWRD reversed the flow of the Chicago River with the main intent of providing drainage for the Chicago region and conveying wastewater. Thanks to MWRD's water reclamation plants, Tunnel and Reservoir Plan, and investments in green infrastructure, the quality of the Chicago Area Waterway System has never been healthier. The improved water quality is evident by the quantity and variety of the fish we study living in the Chicago River, which have increased to 77 species today compared to just 10 in the early 1970s. Although water quality is greatly improved, is important to remember many hazards exist in the Chicago River due to boat traffic, currents, turbid water, submerged objects, temperature and lack of ingress and egress.

The event is produced by nonprofit A Long Swim and founded by marathon swimmer and ALS advocate Doug McConnell. Proceeds from the 2026 Chicago River Swim will support ALS research as well as swim safety and swim education programs for youth in underserved communities. More than $3 million has been raised for ALS research at the Ozdinler Lab of Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine. The event will also support the Chicago Park District's efforts to expand access to free swimming lessons and water safety education for children across the city.