Overview
- Organizers and the City of Chicago canceled the scheduled downtown river swim because heavy rain, flood warnings and lightning risks made open-water competition unsafe.
- Officials singled out the danger that the city's combined sewer system could overflow and temporarily worsen river water quality, creating a health risk for swimmers.
- Participants were told not to report to the race start and were invited to a planned post-event gathering at the Chicago Brewhouse to meet with fellow swimmers and organizers.
- Organizers said they will still deliver the previously announced charitable gifts, including donations to Northwestern University for ALS research and to the USA Swimming Foundation for swim lessons.
- The cancellation follows other local storm disruptions, including an early end to Riot Fest, and organizers plan to resume the Chicago River Swim in 2027.