Chicago Politics

Chicago River Swim Kickoff and Reception 9.18.26

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Mayor Brandon Johnson attends the Chicago River Swim Kickoff and Reception.

Transcript

0:00 Good morning everyone. Welcome to the Big Jump kicking off the Chicago River Swim Weekend presented by the City of Chicago and Mayor Brandon Johnson. Thank you for joining us to celebrate Chicago and the Chicago River's remarkable environmental turnaround in the heart of this incredible city. This morning's Big Jump revives an event that was first held in 2017, when Cook County Commissioner Josina Morita and friends of the Chicago River brought

0:36 the public officials together in Chinatown for a sanctioned jump into the river to celebrate the progress made in restoring this great waterway. And now, to kick things off this morning in this year's Big Jump, it is my pleasure to bring to the stage 42nd Ward Alderman Brendan Riley. Thank you. Good morning, everybody. Good morning. There we go. Hi there. My name is Brendan Riley and I serve as the Alderman for the downtown Chicago's 42nd Ward.

1:11 We're in it here today. And I just want to point out how great the Riverwalk looks this morning. This is really a major accomplishment for the city of Chicago. And my thanks goes to both Mayor Daley and Mayor Emanuel and Ray LaHood for helping us get the money to build this incredible infrastructure that we're all standing on today. It's great to be here to kick off Chicago River Swim Weekend and for the first time, the big jump. This is a pretty incredible event to have right here in the heart of downtown Chicago and a great way to come and celebrate and interact with our Chicago River.

1:44 When you look around the River Walk, you really see what makes Chicago special. You have the river. The River Walk is one of the most beautiful and iconic architecture in the world, all in one place. The river has become one of downtown's greatest assets, giving people a completely different way to experience our city. I also want to applaud the work Along Swim Does through its event, raising funds for ALS research and supporting swim instruction and water safety education for children across Chicago. I want to thank the event organizers, safety crews, and the entire community in Chicago

2:17 for making this happen. The 42nd Ward will keep investing in a cleaner, stronger, and more vibrant central business district. And with your help, we can make that happen. I wish great success to all the swimmers this weekend. And let's raise a lot of money to help combat ALS. And now it is my distinct pleasure to welcome our master of ceremonies for today's big jump, Chicago's Mayor, Brandon Johnson. Thank you so much, Alderman Riley.

2:48 Good morning, everyone. It is truly an honor to be with you all this morning. And are you all ready to take the big leap into the Chicago River? Well, I'm grateful that you all are doing something that I don't have to do today. 100 years ago, no one would jump into the Chicago River, at least not on purpose. And while the river played a crucial role in shaping Chicago into the global city that it is today,

3:19 Waste from industrial and commercial development polluted the river and kept Chicagoans from enjoying this vital resource. To protect the people of Chicago and Lake Michigan, this city pulled off a great feat and reversed the Chicago River. And just as we reversed the river all of those years ago, we have made it our mission to reverse the damage done to the river. Over the last decades, city departments, environmental organizations and scientists have worked to clean up the river, revitalize and develop the river walk and bring wildlife back to the river.

3:55 And that is why my administration and I were so proud to support the first river swim in modern times just last year. It was crucial that all of the city departments come together as I directed them to ensure that this incredible accomplishment could be manifested. And this year we are proud to return as the presenting sponsors and to have worked to expand the event to include today's big jump.

4:27 And this is a powerful way to celebrate how far our city has truly come. and today and this weekend we will see swimmers from across our city and from around the world they will have the opportunity to experience the river in a whole new way and this event also supports something that's incredibly important ALS research as well as ensures that more young people have access to life-saving swim and water safety education and through no that's a big deal let's give it up for this incredible partnership to make sure that

4:59 But Children in the city of Chicago can learn to swim in water safety good habits. The programs, of course, will be offered and provided by the Chicago Park District. I want to, again, thank Doug McConnell and A Long Swim for this partnership, their hard work, dedication, and for using this event to support ALS research and supporting water safety education for our young people. Finally, I want to also thank the Department of Environment Commissioner, Angela Tovar, and our entire team, the Chicago Park District.

5:30 Thank you, President Kerry Steele from the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District. Friends of the Chicago River, our Chicago Counselor Corps, diplomats, and all of our international guests. How many of you here are from around the world? Let me hear from our national guests. Yes, I need you all to spend as much money as you possibly can in my city. Because I got alders that are going to make sure we pass a good budget so we can keep investing in people. But thank you all for all of your hard work to build a healthier and more accessible river.

6:02 Today not only celebrates the return of the health and cleanliness of the Chicago River, but it also celebrates the fact that people will have more access to the river. And that means more active wildlife swim education and opportunities for young people, and a place for people to gather, celebrate and relax. By reclaiming our river, we are not only creating a recreational space for residents and visitors, but we are also putting ourselves on the map with other global destinations where open water swims have become a part of the civic culture. So I look forward to seeing you all back here Sunday morning for the second annual Chicago River Swim.

6:36 God bless you all, and God bless the greatest freaking city in the world, the city of Chicago. Dave, back to you. Thank you, Mayor. And now, please welcome the founder of a long swim and the founder of the Chicago River Swim, Doug McConnell. Good morning, everyone. Thank you for coming.

7:07 This is a little overwhelming, but we're so grateful that you're here. I want to thank the city of Chicago and particularly Mayor Johnson for their partnership and really helping catalyze this idea. Some people called it a crazy idea for a period of time to be able to put swimmers back into the Chicago River. You just can't imagine the turnaround that this river has had over the last 50 years, and that has been really the vision of the city of Chicago

7:39 and the hard work by groups like MWRD and its fabulous engineering, the vision of Friends of the Chicago River and other nonprofits, the upshot of which is that we look at this beautiful waterway and can put swimmers into it to be able to enjoy that environmental turnaround. I would be remiss if we didn't mention a couple of the beneficiaries that A-Long Swim has embraced.

8:13 ALS research over at Northwestern's medical school with Dr. Hyundai Ozenler, who is here, I know, And I see you're waving. Hyundai, this is for you. This is world-class ALS research. We are so proud and so inspired by everything that that lab is doing. But also to be able to put Chicago children in the water and to be water safe. This is a life skill.

8:47 So many people don't have the resources to be able to pay for those lessons. To date, we have funded lessons for 4,000 children. We now partner with the U.S. Olympic team to work with Chicago Park District, and we're going to keep that engine going as well. Lastly, I'd like to thank Congressman Mike Quigley, who's here with us today. Congressman Quigley is really instrumental at two things.

9:20 One is to improve the legislative background for clean water, particularly in the Chicago area, Chicago River specifically, and also as the lead sponsor for Act for ALS, which really has provided research funding on the order of ice bucket money every year. Congressman Quigley. Good morning. First question, why we're here.

9:52 I read some polling recently asking the constituents what they want their elected officials to do. Apparently jumping into a large body of water was high on the list. There wasn't any talk about asking us to get out. But look, we're here for a couple reasons. First of all, in 1970, Richard J. Daly, mayor of Chicago, talked about the day where we could fish in the Chicago River and possibly swim.

10:26 That was really seen as a pipe dream. Well, we're here because of great work, like groups from Friends of the River who are here today, and thank you. Let there be no mistake, though. We're not swimming today, and people aren't swimming in Lake Michigan if it wasn't for the work of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District. You heard the reservoirs were filled.

10:59 If they weren't filled, they'd be in here and you'd be someplace else this morning. I was proud to get them the money for those reservoirs, but it's proof that our work isn't done as we battle climate change and all of its effects. Our friends who are researching ALS here, our friends from the Northwestern today, thank you so much for your extraordinary work. When I sponsored that bill, it had the most bipartisan co-sponsors in Congress.

11:32 It gives me hope that events like this and those efforts, that at times we realize there's more that unites us than divides us. The research we do for ALS helps all the research for all neurodegenerative diseases. So when we thank those researchers for ALS, we thank them. My father passed from Parkinson's. I don't know anyone who isn't touched in some horrible way with all of that.

12:03 But let's take this as a reminder of why we should continue to care for each other in these difficult times. Proud to be part of that. Thanks for all of your work. See you in the water. Thank you. At this time, I would like to bring up to the stage Representative Kimberly Dubuclay of the 5th District.

12:38 Good morning, everyone. My name is State Representative Kim Dubuclay, and you are in the 5th District, so welcome. And it is so wonderful to be here this morning to see us gathered around the Chicago River for an event that brings together community, public health, environmental stewardship, and most importantly, a great cause, ALS. First, I want to thank Mayor Brandon Johnson, Doug McConnell, the founder of this incredible event, Chicago Park District, Alderman Brendan Riley, Congressman Mike Quigley, Commissioner Tovar,

13:11 President Kerry Steele, and all of the organizers, partners, volunteers, and supporters who made today possible. I also want to recognize the important mission behind this event, supporting ALS research and continuing the fight for better treatments and ultimately a cure. Today is a celebration of just how far we have come in our relationship with the Chicago River. Before joining the General Assembly, I had the privilege of serving as the Vice President of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District.

13:41 And in that role, I saw firsthand how important it is to protect waterways and to make sure they are clean, safe, and accessible for generations to come. I have carried that commitment with me to Springfield as a state representative. I've worked on legislation addressing PFAS and other harmful toxins that threaten our water and communities. Clean water does not happen by accident. It takes vigilance, strong public policy, investment, and partnerships across every level of government.

14:13 And today is a wonderful example of what that work can look like. The fact that we are gathered here to actually jump in the Chicago River, swim in it, and enjoy it says a great deal about how far we have come. There's another part of this event that is especially close to my heart, expanding access to swimming lessons in underserved communities. During my time in the Chicago Park District, I saw the tremendous role our parks and recreation programs play in the lives of young people. Learning to swim is more than recreation. It is a life skill.

14:47 I couldn't graduate from high school until I learned how to swim, so it's very important to me. Every child, regardless of their zip code or their family's income, deserves the opportunity to feel safe and confident in the water. So thank you again to everyone who has made today possible and who have come out to support and to all of our brave jumpers. Have fun, stay safe, and enjoy the Chicago River. And I'll say this for the mayor, let's enjoy Chicago!

15:22 Clearly the environment has been top of mind this morning. and that means it is past time to bring to the stage the Commissioner of the City of Chicago Department of the Environment, Angela Tovar. Thank you, Dave. All right, thank you, Dave. And what's up, Chicago? How are you this morning? Let's hear it again. Woo! What a great celebration. It's so wonderful to be here today to celebrate our river

15:53 and to kick off the big jump at the second annual Chicago River Swim presented by the City of Chicago and Mayor Brandon Johnson. The Chicago River is one of our crown jewels of our city. It's even featured on our city flag, a testament to the central role it has played in Chicago's history and in its growth. But for generations, the river was primarily treated as a utility, a place to move people and products, and far too often a place to dispose of waste, and its health suffered as a result.

16:25 Growing up here on the South Side, I remember how contaminated the river was. Back then, it seemed unimaginable that people would someday be able to swim here. But today, what was once unimaginable has become our reality. Decades of advocacy, science, environmental policy, and major investments in infrastructure, including the Deep Tunnel Project, so let's once again give it up for MWRD, have transformed the health of our river. Today, it is the cleanest levels on record, supporting more than 80 species of fish and a growing diversity of wildlife.

17:04 The fact that we can gather today and safely jump into the river is more than a milestone of what is possible when government, community, advocates, and environmental partners work together. That same spirit of collaboration is at the heart of the city's work today. Under Mayor Brandon Johnson's leadership, we've re-established the City of Chicago Department of Environment and restored its enforcement and remediation authority, strengthening our ability to protect Chicago's environment and advance environmental justice for all.

17:38 And I'm so proud to lead that effort. Thank you. we're also working with our partners to protect our waterfront expand green infrastructure, reduce flooding and ensure that the river remains a healthy public resource for generations to come so today's swim is more than just taking a dip it's a symbol of how far we've come as a city and a reminder of what we can accomplish together so I want to thank the wonderful partners who've been instrumental in making this a reality

18:10 our city departments like Department of Transportation, Water Management, Planning, and Fleet and Facilities Management, the Chicago Park Districts, our partners at MWRD, Friends of the Chicago River, Current, the Shedd Aquarium, and organizations like Urban Rivers, People for Community Recovery, and the Southeast Side Environmental Task Force, and all of our partners and everyone who has made today possible. Thank you to our partners at A Long Swim for their steadfast commitment to our river, to our city, and to ALS research.

18:45 And, of course, thank you to Mayor Johnson for his leadership and commitment to a healthier, more sustainable Chicago for every Chicagoan, regardless of the zip code. Thank you. I would be remiss if I did not also mention, and not just in passing, the tremendous support of all of our aldermen who have made events like this happen, including Alderman Hopkins, Alderman Conway, who are with us here today just off the stage.

19:19 I also want to thank all of our international partners and the consul generals and all the consuls who are here with us today to show that this is more than just a Chicago thing. It is a worldwide effort that we are taking on. And now, before we get started, I'd like to ask all of you to look to the northwest and the top of the Reed Murdoch Building and the American flag. And please join senior at the University of Chicago Laboratory High School, Gabby Novak, in our national anthem.

19:53 Gabby? Oh, say can you see what's so bright at the twas gleaming, whose broad stripes and bright stars

20:31 for the rain were so gallantly streaming, but still there are spangled for the land.

21:24 Before I bring the mayor back up here for some final thoughts and to get his first group into the water, I think it's time we hear a few words from the president of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District, Carrie Steele.

22:00 Good morning, Chicago. How are you? Well, first, thank you all for being here today. As mentioned, my name is Carrie Steele, and I am president of the Board of Commissioners at the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago. And I bring you greetings from my MWRD family and the Board of Commissioners. It's exciting to see so many people here come together to celebrate the incredible progress of the Chicago River. We are proud to be a part of this moment.

22:32 For more than a century, the MWRD has worked to protect public health, improve local waterways, and reduce flooding for more than 5 million people across Chicago and the surrounding suburbs. Every day, we transform wastewater into clean water and return it safely to our environment. Events like this jump today highlight just how far we have come in Chicago and in our Chicago area waterways.

23:06 Thanks to decades of investments, innovation, environmental stewardship, the river is healthier and more vibrant than it's been in generations. Wastewater treatment improvements, the tunnel and reservoir plan, stormwater management initiatives, and water quality monitoring have all contributed to making events like this happen. The Chicago River Jump and Swim are powerful reminders that continued collaboration, of course science,

23:43 and community engagement and advocacy can reshape our water environment in extraordinary ways. So congratulations, Doug, for this decade-long commitment to seeing this vision come to life. I thank all of the jumpers who are jumping in today. Thank you all who have participated and who have volunteered and worked hard previous years to make this happen. And welcome all the visitors to Chicago. Let's get this going and let's jump in.

24:14 Thank you. Thank you, President Steele. And now, as I'm about to ask the mayor to come up and have some final thoughts on this group here and everybody getting in the water, before I do, I want to make sure that Wave 1 is ready to disrobe on cue. And I don't get to say that from the microphone often, that you're ready to disrobe. And that Wave 2 is standing here by the statue of Christina. and now, Mayor, there is so much going on

24:46 and seeing all of this come together this morning do you have some final thoughts before you get your first group in the water? Well, absolutely Thank you all again for all of the support and participation of all of our departments. It was great to hear from all of the people who have worked so hard to revitalize, to clean, and to restore the Chicago River. Special shout-out again to 2FM. You'll give it up for 2FM. We'll put together sound and all of the other logistics.

25:18 How about our Chicago Police Department and our Chicago Fire Department? Let's give it up for both of our departments. and, of course, for CDOT, Chicago Department of Transportation. Let's give them all a nice round of applause one more time. The fact that we are gathered here today is a testament to the resilience, innovation, and progress of Chicago and its people. Now, let's kick off this year's Chicago River Swim this weekend with a big jump into the river. You all ready to do it? All right. So the first group that we have, we have the city leaders and colleagues to inaugurate the big jump led by the Department of Environment Commissioner Angela Tovar.

26:00 And so we have Peter, Abraham, Eric, Max is jumping in, and Jessica, and they're not being paid time and a half to do this. So let me say that very clear. There's no raises for doing this. They say strictly, voluntarily. In fact, make sure they clock out before they jump in. All right. Are they ready? All right. Athletes, are you set? Let's kick off this big jump with a big jump.

26:41 Cash, let's crank up a little music. Some special guests that are jumping in this second group. Let's give a special round of applause for former Chicago Bears, Charles Peanut Tillman. And then the Celebrity Grammy winning artist and producer. I'll make some noise for DJ White Shadow. And then we have the congressman from the north side of the city of Chicago.

27:13 Congressman Mike Quigley. Jumper set. Here we go.

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