Friends is advocating for stronger nutrient standards with the Illinois EPA, and this unwanted increase in duckweed is a good reason why they should be approved.

Water-quality monitoring conducted ahead of the 2025 Chicago River Swim found that samples from eight locations along the Main Stem consistently met the standard for swimming, offering new evidence of just how far the river has come and what a swimmable future could look like.

Nearly a decade after Friends and Cook County Commissioner Josina Morita launched the Big Jump swim organizers are bringing it back.

In celebration of the 30th anniversary of Friends of the Chicago River’s Chicago-Calumet River Schools Network (CRSN) and World Rivers Day on September 27, all donations to Friends through September 30 will be matched dollar for dollar, up to $10,000!

As the cultural anchor of the Chicago Riverwalk, the Bridgehouse Museum welcomes tens of thousands of visitors each season to explore the history and future of the river system.

Nearly 150 people explored the McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum on August 28 during Beats on the River, a free, artistic event that explored how sound and music can deepen our connection to the Chicago-Calumet River system.

As the only Chicago bridgehouse open to the public, the museum offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to explore Chicago’s relationship with the river system and gain a better understanding of its ongoing environmental transformation.

Friends of the Chicago River recently joined Congressman Mike Quigley’s Climate Tour, which focused on adapting local infrastructure to climate change and urban flooding.

On Sunday, September 20, Friends of the Chicago River will gather along the Chicago Riverwalk to cheer athletes competing in the second annual Chicago River Swim - join us!

Friends of the Chicago River is pleased to welcome Jessica Palmer as our new development and membership coordinator.