Although the Chicago River Swim was canceled after a weekend of heavy rainfall and lightning, the annual event still raised critical funds for ALS research and swim lessons and introduced hundreds of jumpers to a revitalized Chicago River.

Chicago River Swim officials made the difficult decision to cancel the race after monitoring the weather and river conditions on Sept. 20.

The National Weather Service issued a flood watch due to excessive rainfall. The MWRD issued an Overflow Action Alert early Saturday, reinforcing the need for water conservation to help minimize strain on the sewer system.

“We’re disappointed to see that the swim was cancelled,” said MWRD President Kari K. Steele. “But recent rainfall and forecasts of more storms caused the Chicago River Swim officials to cancel this year’s event as participant safety and health is everyone’s top priority.”

Leading up to the swim, race organizers this year held “The Big Jump” on September 18, supporting A Long Swim, a charitable Chicago-area organization that raises funds for collaborative ALS research using open water and marathon-distance swimming to also support youth swim instruction and water safety education for children in underserved Chicago communities. The Big Jump revived an event that former MWRD Commissioner Josina Morita and Friends of the Chicago River first held in 2017.

For their efforts, the MWRD Board of Commissioners  presented a resolution to Doug McConnell, founder of A Long Swim and the Chicago River Swim on September 3.

Like the Chicago River Swim, the Big Jump highlighted the remarkable transformation of the Chicago River and continued progress in improving water quality throughout the region. The event provided an opportunity to showcase a waterway that has undergone a dramatic transformation from a previously polluted river system to one that now supports recreational opportunities, aquatic life and enhanced community engagement. 

The MWRD’s efforts over the past century, including the planning, construction and operation of the Tunnel and Reservoir Plan (TARP) and introduction of wastewater treatment to the region have contributed to significant improvements in water quality throughout the region. Over the decades, the MWRD has continued to invest in critical infrastructure and environmental programs, including advanced water reclamation processes, TARP, stormwater management projects and extensive water quality monitoring. Together, these efforts have reduced flooding, captured combined sewer overflows and supported healthier waterways throughout Cook County. 

To learn more, visit www.mwrd.org and chicagoriverswim.org.