CHICAGO (WLS) — Persistent rain and the threat of severe weather disrupted several major events across the Chicago area Sunday, prompting cancellations, delays and early closures.
Officials announced Sunday morning that the Chicago River Swim would be canceled because of dangerous weather conditions.
Flood warnings and watches were set to take effect Sunday evening across Lake, LaSalle and Will counties in Illinois.
The event was scheduled to begin at 6:30 a.m. Sunday and would have marked the second year of the Chicago River Swim.
Local leaders, former Olympians and recreational swimmers had planned to enter the water for this year’s race.
Organizers said the decision was made “due to weather-related safety concerns,” including the possibility of a combined sewer overflow that could compromise water quality and the threat of lightning.
“We know how much training, preparation, and heart our swimmers put into this event, and we share their disappointment,” Chicago River Swim founder Doug McConnell said. He thanked the City of Chicago and Mayor Brandon Johnson for their support, adding that the event will return Sept. 19, 2027. “We can’t wait to welcome our swimmers to the river once again,” he said.
The swim followed its historic 2025 debut, when organized open-water swimming returned to the Chicago River for the first time in nearly a century.
The charity event was created to support ALS research while also funding swimming lessons and water-safety education for children in underserved communities.
Despite the cancellation, the Chicago River Swim said it will fulfill its charitable commitments, including a $100,000 donation to Northwestern University for ALS research and $62,500 to the USA Swimming Foundation. That money will support swim lessons through the Chicago Park District for children in underserved communities.
After the race was called off, participants and supporters gathered at Chicago Brewhouse along the Riverwalk.
“Disappointed and relieved at the same time,” said Sheri Berliner, an open-water swimmer.
Rose Baldwin, another open-water swimmer, said she remained optimistic. “We did it two years ago when we had the first ever Chicago River Swim in Lake Michigan!” she said. “But next year. Our third time is going to be the charm.”
The charity swim has faced challenges since its 2024 inception. Organizers said overnight water testing showed the race could not safely proceed, even before lightning and the threat of a combined sewer overflow became additional concerns.
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Aurora also canceled its annual Mexican Independence Day Parade because of the weather.
“The city has received multiple inches of rain in the past 48 hours,” said Jon Zagloul, a City of Aurora spokesperson. With the ground saturated and low-lying areas and drainage ditches vulnerable to flooding, officials extended the city’s flood watch several times throughout the weekend, he said.
Riot Fest was affected as well. The three-day music festival at Douglass Park ended early Saturday night because of severe weather, while Sunday’s gates opened three hours late. Hundreds of festivalgoers waited in ponchos, with Alanis Morissette and Elvis Costello still scheduled to perform.
“It’s disappointing. But we can understand why they did it. It’s definitely frustrating,” concertgoer John Ulven said.
“It’s colder than we thought, but nothing can stop us. It’s going to be great,” said fellow concertgoer Viri Ulven.
Rain continued at Soldier Field, but the Chicago Bears’ game against the Minnesota Vikings still began as scheduled at noon Sunday.
On Saturday, the Eve Fries Foundation’s Softball Clinic had to be moved inside because of rain.
That event teamed up with professional players to provide an exclusive softball clinic to around 75 girls. The free clinic hoped to not only build confidence and promote leadership, but also spark a lifelong love for the game.
Lee County first responders were evacuating Yogi Bear Campground Sunday due to rising water.
Unfortunately, there doesn’t appear to be any real relief in sight.
Flooding remains a real concern with the possibility of some flood watching and warnings.
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