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Chicago River Swim

Chicago River Swim

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The Chicago River Swim (CRS) is a charitable event created by A Long Swim, a nonprofit dedicated to raising funds for ALS research.

Inspired by successful urban swims in New York, Amsterdam, and Paris, CRS aims to change perceptions of the Chicago River.

Photos from Chicago River Swim's post 09/02/2026

Meet Jeff Birkel and Paul Sommer

This September, they’ll take on the Chicago River together in a way few ever have. As Paul swims the course, he’ll tow Jeff behind him in a kayak.

In 2023, Jeff was diagnosed with ALS. Since then, he’s become a passionate advocate for ALS research, proving that even with an incurable disease, life is still worth living for what matters most.

Jeff and Paul didn’t know each other before this year. It was our sponsor, ALS United, who first brought them together.

For Paul, this swim is about far more than reaching the finish line. It’s about standing alongside Jeff and showing what’s possible when a community comes together for a purpose.

Their journey is one of the many stories that makes Chicago River Swim so much more than a race — and one we’re proud to tell alongside our partners at ALS United.

08/30/2026

Are you ready? Just 3️⃣ more weeks!

Learn more about the swim weekend and volunteer opportunities at: www.chicagoriverswim.org

08/29/2026

September is almost here. Who’s ready to liven this river up? 🌊🙌

08/27/2026

A donation to the Chicago River Swim is a donation to ALS Research. 

Last week, our executive director, Doug McConnell, joined the Season’s Sunflower Hour to talk about his connection to ALS and how we use open-water swimming to raise funds for ALS research at Northwestern University University’s Ozdinler Lab. 

In recent years, Dr. Hande Ozdinler and her team have identified promising new ways to help protect neurons affected by ALS from destruction.

Thank you for your donations to help support this work. And, thank you to Season’s Sunflower Hour and ALS United Illinois for sharing our story.

08/26/2026

You thought you missed your chance? 👀

Applications for the 2026 Chicago River Swim are officially OPEN again.

A limited number of entries have become available, giving YOU one more shot at joining us on Sept. 20.

Think you’ve got what it takes?

Apply now at chicagoriverswim.org

All applicants must have adequate recent open water swimming experience. Applications will be reviewed in the order they’re received, and qualified athletes will be offered entries as spots become available.

08/25/2026

Still think it’s unsafe to swim the Chicago River?

Here’s a snippet of Dr. Paul Sommer on Fox 32 Chicago after last year’s swim to talk about his experience in the waters! 🌊

Watch the the full interview here: https://www.fox32chicago.com/video/1711867

Photos from Chicago River Swim's post 08/24/2026

Name a better feeling… we’ll wait. 🏅🌟

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Location

Chicago

Category

Sports Event

Website

Address


Chicago, IL
60601