Chicago River Swim returns after nearly a century, raises funds for ALS research

CHICAGO (WLS) — More than 300 qualified swimmers jumped into the Chicago River on Sunday morning.

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The Chicago River Swim marks the return of competitive open-water swimming in the river in nearly a century.

Organizers have been conducting safety rehearsals, testing lifeguard support on kayaks, and unveiling the inflatable finish line.

The UIC School of Public Health has been testing the water for the past three weeks and says the water quality has been good and is well below the EPA guidelines.

Athletes competed in a one- or two-mile course on the river to raise funds for ALS research and youth swimming lessons.

In the women’s division, Olivia Smoliga, 30 from Tempe Arizona won the non-wet suit race.

Sixty-year-old Elizabeth Dillmann from Aurora won the wet suit portion.

In the men’s division, Stephen Semmelroth, 39 from Highland Park took the lead in the non-wet suit race.

Forty-one-year-old Joe Higgins from Chicago won the wet suit race.

Olympic swimmer Olivia Smoliga also joined the swim on Sunday.