Chicago River Swim
Chicago River Swim is a swimming race on September 20, 2026 in Chicago, IL, with an entry fee of $120.
- Date
- September 20, 2026 (59 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
72°
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.
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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
Great Lake Plunge
1000m · 1 mi · 2 mi · From $50 · Dempster St Beach, Evanston
12 miles away
Rock the Quarry Triathlon and Mile Swim
1500m · From $45 · Fidler Pond Park
93 miles away
99th Annual Goguac Lake Swim
500m · 1500m · From $25 · Capital Ave SW at George "B" Place Willard Beach
127 miles away
A Long Swim
5K · 500m · 1500m · 1 mi · 2 mi · From $60 · 899 Tower Road
17 miles away
Plan your trip
Make it a Racecation
Coming from out of town? There's more to Chicago than race day. We'll help you line up nearby lodging, flights, a rental car, and things to do so you can make the most of your racecation.
Plan your trip to ChicagoFrequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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 20, 2026