For the first time in 98 years, the Chicago River will host an open water swim event early this fall.

The event — which was approved by the city after officials denied it a permit last year — takes place Sept. 21 and will feature 500 qualified swimmers navigating a one or two mile course through a stretch of the river Downtown, organizers announced Thursday.

The event is set to begin at the Dearborn Street Bridge and end near the Clark Street Bridge, followed by a festival along the Riverwalk with events for Chicagoans of all ages.

“The return of the Chicago River Swim marks a major victory for our city — a testament to decades of hard work revitalizing our river,” Mayor Brandon Johnson said in a statement.

The event will celebrate the city’s progress in cleaning up the river and help generate funds for ALS research, for Northwestern University’s medical school and for youth swim education programs throughout the city.

U.S. Olympian and bronze medalist Natalie Hinds will serve as the featured athlete for the Chicago River Swim, organizers announced.

Chicago River Swim fundraiser event was to be held in the river last year, but organizers announced the event before securing permits, which were eventually denied. The event then moved to Lake Michigan.

This year’s event marks the return of swimming in the river, with such events banned starting in the 1920s because of sewage and other pollution in the body of water.

Last year’s event in Lake Michigan raised over $200,000 for ALS research and youth swim safety programs.

Applications for the 2025 Chicago River Swim are currently open to the public through 10:00 p.m. Monday. There is no fee to apply, and prior swim experience is required. Selected individuals will be notified of their acceptance and must agree to meet fundraising requirements prior to the event. Find full details here.