Chicago River Swim
Chicago River Swim is a swimming race on September 18–20, 2026 in Chicago, IL, with an entry fee of $120.
- Date
- September 18–20, 2026 (12 days to go)
- Location
- Chicago River, Chicago, IL
- Price
- $120
- Sport
- Swimming
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
73°
Typical Low
59°
Based on US Climate Normals data from Chicago Northerly Is, 2 mi from the venue.
Host City
About Chicago, IL
Population
2,707,648
as of 2023
City 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.
12
Days to train
- Race
- Chicago River Swim
- Date
- September 18–20, 2026
- Location
- Chicago River, Chicago, IL
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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 take place in lakes, rivers, bays, and oceans. Distances can run anywhere from a short 500m swim to 10K marathon events. Just you and the water.
Coming Up
More Swimming races near Chicago, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Chicago River Swim?
When and where is the Chicago River Swim?
How do I register for the Chicago River Swim?
Chicago River Swim
Sep 18, 2026