Chicago River Swim
- Date
- September 20, 2026
- Location
- Chicago River, Chicago, IL
- Distance
- 2-Mile Swim Application · 1-Mile Swim Application · 2-Mile Swim & more
From the Organizer
The Chicago River Swim is the signature event of A Long Swim, a 501(c)3 charitable organization that raises funds for ALS collaborative research through Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine and local youth learn-to-swim programs. The event is made possible through the support of dozens of local and federal agencies, area businesses, and the entire Chicago community.
Events
Weather
Typical Conditions
It's too far out for a forecast, so here's what weather on this date is normally like in the area. A race day forecast will replace this as race week approaches.
Typical High
72°
Typical Low
59°
Based on US Climate Normals data from Chicago Northerly Is, 3 mi from the venue.
Host City
About Chicago, IL
Population
2,707,648
as of 2023
Elevation
594 ft
Nearest Airport
MDW
Chicago Midway International Airport · 6 mi
Time Zone
Central Time
From Endurance Grid
A big city race. Expect multiple lodging options and plenty to do the day before.
Race Location
Your Next Start Line
What Are You
Waiting For?
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at Chicago River Swim, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
Coming Up
More Swimming races near Chicago, IL
J-HAWK JUNE/JULY PRIVATE SWIM LESSONS
87 miles away
Swim Neshonoc
224 miles away
Central Illinois Open Water Swim
109 miles away
Open Water Swim CHICAGO
Less than a mile away
From Endurance Grid
About This Sport
Endurance Grid is here to help you understand the sport, decide if it's the right fit, and learn how to prepare. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer's event page.
Swimming events drop you into something that demands navigation, feel, and focus all at once. It's a sport that rewards the quietly competitive — the ones who do the work in the water before anyone's watching.
Open Water Swimming
Open water races from 1 mile to marathon distance. Just you, the water, and whatever you've got left.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the Chicago River Swim?
- Chicago River Swim is a swimming race held in Chicago, Illinois on September 20, 2026. It is one of the many endurance events listed on Endurance Grid, a multi-sport endurance event calendar covering running races, triathlons, HYROX, and more endurance sports across the United States. Find more swimming races near you or explore our sports guides to learn what race day actually feels like.
- When and where is the Chicago River Swim?
- Sunday, September 20, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois at Chicago River, Chicago, IL. Check the event page for exact start times and wave schedules.
- How do I register for the Chicago River Swim?
- Registration is handled through the event's registration page. Confirm pricing and distances there, and sign up.
Chicago River Swim
Sep 20, 2026