Chicago expands swim event and offers river jump for charity

City officials have opened registration for the upcoming Chicago River Swim, increasing the available spots from 500 to 750 for the event on September 20. Participants must demonstrate prior open-water experience and meet fundraising requirements of $1,250 or $1,750 depending on the race distance. In addition to the competitive swims, the city is hosting The Big Jump on September 18, a sanctioned opportunity for 100 participants to leap into the river for a $500 fee. All proceeds from the jump will support ALS research and youth swimming programs. Mayor Brandon Johnson stated the events celebrate the ecological restoration of the waterway, which was once heavily polluted. This marks a continuation of competitive swimming in the river following the inaugural event held in September 2025.

• 4:36 PMBlock Club Chicago — Want To Jump Into The Chicago River? City Offers $500 ‘Big Jump’ Ahead Of Expanded River Swim - blockclubchicago.org