Downtown Chicago – The much‑anticipated annual Chicago River Swim, scheduled for Sunday morning, was cancelled after organizers monitored river conditions and a flood watch issued by the National Weather Service. In a brief social‑media post at 4 a.m., the Chicago River Swim announced that “current conditions do not allow us to safely proceed,” urging participants not to report to the start area.
Weather forces cancellation
Heavy rainfall is expected through early Sunday, with a possible thunderstorm before 1 p.m. and temperatures projected to dip to around 64 °F by mid‑afternoon. The National Weather Service has placed a flood watch on the city through 7 a.m., prompting the decision to prioritize swimmer safety.
Community gathering still on
Although the swim itself will not take place, the organization encouraged participants to gather at the Chicago Brewhouse, the originally planned post‑event celebration venue. Swimmers and supporters are welcome from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The Brewhouse sits on the riverwalk near the intersection of Wacker Drive and Wabash Avenue, offering a convenient spot for the community to connect.
Organizers noted that the “Big Jump” event, a separate open‑water challenge, did occur on Friday, allowing some athletes to experience the river under safer conditions.
Impact on other local events
The inclement weather also affected the Douglass Park music festival Riot Fest, which shortened its schedule and ended a few hours early on Saturday – a first in the festival’s recent history.
Last year’s inaugural swim attracted 263 participants, marking the first organized open‑water swim in the Chicago River in 98 years. This year’s event was expected to feature one‑ and two‑mile courses for hundreds of swimmers, underscoring the growing popularity of river‑based recreation in the city.
Where to find updates
Further cancellation updates and details about the community gathering are available on the Chicago River Swim’s website. Participants are encouraged to stay informed and follow any additional guidance from city officials regarding river conditions.
While the cancellation is disappointing for many athletes, the decision reflects a commitment to safety and community well‑being, values that align with Chicago’s tradition of responsible public‑event planning.
Original reporting: Block Club Chicago — read the source article.
