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flag Over 300 swimmers raced in Chicago’s first open-water swim in nearly 100 years, celebrating cleaner rivers and raising $150,000 for ALS research and youth swim programs.

flag Over 300 swimmers participated in Chicago’s first open-water swim in nearly a century on September 21, 2025, racing 1- and 2-mile courses along the Chicago River. flag The event, organized by nonprofit A Long Swim, celebrated the river’s improved water quality after decades of environmental restoration and marked a milestone in public access and urban renewal. flag Participants praised the clear, clean water and strong visibility, with safety ensured by lifeguards, GPS tracking, and robotic markers. flag The swim raised $150,000—$100,000 for ALS research at Northwestern University and $50,000 for youth swim lessons. flag Officials confirmed water met EPA standards despite recent rain, and the event highlighted progress in pollution control, infrastructure upgrades, and community engagement.

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