Boating up the Chicago River and starting the Mid-West Rivers

Taking our trawler Pivot THROUGH DOWNTOWN CHICAGO was the trip that sold me on the Loop. The experience is nothing other than magical as we finish our Great Lakes cruising and enter protected waters, starting the Mid-West Rivers. We hope you enjoy the experience, sharing a bit of a history of the Chicago River, alongside some crazy cruising through an ELECTRICAL FIELD.
Thanks for watching!
Cheers from the Loop,
Jennifer and Elliot
#greatloop #boating #chicagoriver
🎥 Episode 337 | Filmed on September 20th, 2022
🇺🇸 America's Great Loop | Chicago, Illinois
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ABOUT US
Hi! We are high school sweethearts from Atlanta, Georgia who decided to take a year off to travel around the world. Together we decided to create vlogs for our journey as a fun way to remember it. On September 15, 2019, we left Atlanta with 3 bags, 2 one-way tickets, and 1 goal of traveling for a whole year. Little did we know, 6 months later we would find ourselves in a nationwide lockdown in India. After spending 5 months in India, we came back to the United States and decided to purchase a 34’ Trawler, dive headfirst into boat life, and kick-off America’s Great Loop.
The good, the bad, the ugly - and most importantly, the real and real funny. We’re not here to tell you “how it’s done.”, just how we’ve done it. And that whatever it is that’s calling you - the way you’ll do it is much more attainable than it may seem.
Thank you for following us along our journey!
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[@SchoandJo]

Thank you for watching! This video was filmed on September 20th, 2022. 💰 Find out how much the Great Loop Costs: schoandjo.com/great-loop-expenses/ 🔒 Learn how to lock: schoandjo.com/how-to-lock 💌 Want to keep up with us in real time? Sign up for our weekly email to be filled in our current cruising plans and adventures. schoandjo.com/sunday-summary

[@chicagofan76]

Coming off the Chicago River puts you in the Des Plaines. The Illinois doesn’t start until Channahon when the DuPage joins in. Also the Kankakee comes in shortly before that.

[@TheJustin99]

Absolutely love Chicago! It's a blast living here, never get tired of walking through the Loop end exploring the city!

[@kpk5833]

Great shots of one of the most beautiful parts of one of the most beautiful cities in America.

[@SchoandJo]

Thanks!!

[@bryceflint9196]

Glad you enjoyed our city. I'm lucky enough to live along the Northshore in Evanston IL 20 minutes away from downtown Chicago. Like you stated I haven't even experienced everything and I'm 23. Hope you come back soon!

[@marknewman3360]

Great Journey. I used to live in Chicago.

[@jessicabollinger6289]

It is so cool for you Jen with your studies of Urban design. Thank you for not showing the T sign. I appreciate that.

[@dougj9722]

So what is the “T” sign?

[@jessicabollinger6289]

@@dougj9722 a property that lines the river.

[@wendybusby9525]

Great video….looks like you all having a great time!

[@chrism1164]

Beautiful shots of the City/Buildings. LOW BRIDGE!! HOLY COW!!

[@suzanneaydelotte801]

How incredibly cool and fun to cruise down the Chicago River! To think I was just there a week ago today with my siblings, Kathryn, Adam and my youngest son! I love Chicago! Great video! So fun watching you go under all those low bridges!

[@SchoandJo]

We do too!!! Hope family time was nice while it lasted!!

[@michaelgarrity6090]

I have been anticipating this video ever since you all started the Loop the second time. You had a spectacular day to transit down though downtown Chicago. Thankfully that storm seemed to skirt on around you. What a great video. To me, it was the highlight of your Loop trip. So cool you took in what I assume was a Cubs game at Wrigley Field..I'm looking forward to your trip on down the "Western Rivers."

[@SchoandJo]

We were so looking forward to this cruise as well… thanks for watching Michael!

[@karenprice5439]

Another awesome video... Amazing Chicago..All the bridges are amazing... Looking forward to the rivers.. ⚓⚓🇨🇦🇨🇦

[@BellsRidesAboardSeaBoss]

Holy Cow, down town and the bridges are so cool. Some of the videos I watched going through the electrified area, the fish were jumping really high some landing on the boat. Thanks for the book tip. Way to go Blue for stopping by Pivot. Holy Cow! Thank you for sharing. Enjoy the Ride

[@SchoandJo]

Holy Cow, thanks for watching 😁😁😁

[@BobEstler]

Nice job docking at that wall.

[@SchoandJo]

Thanks Bob!

[@hartmatterhorn]

Not sure why KZbin served this video up this morning, but I'm glad it did. You're a great couple, and have a great dog. I'll keep watching your stuff. All the best!

[@SchoandJo]

Thanks for watching!

[@barbgaquin]

Great video. We enjoyed your journey through Chicago. Loved your enthusiasm.

[@SchoandJo]

Thanks!

[@richsoper1779]

This was a very enjoyable chapter of your cruise. We have enjoyed the whole trip and wait for the next chapter. Your living life to the fullness!!!

[@SchoandJo]

🙏🙏

[@prestonfortin9419]

We have enjoyed every one of your videos, but, this was so interesting to watch. Thank you for sharing it.

[@SchoandJo]

Thanks so much!

[@Whatsinanameanyway13]

That was a nice parking job there on the wall. Great video, looking forward to seeing the rest of your journey.

[@miketrudelle769]

Very cool, i grew up in chicago & joliet. Learnd alot. Thanks.

[@frankrice5364]

Awesome video guys thanks again

[@jeb533]

First time watching. I'm on lake Lanier wishing I was there. I love Chicago

[@ShovelheadMatt]

The lack of fish in Lake Michigan is because the lake is actually very clean. I think its from the clams or oysters that were brought into the water way back in the day to filter.

[@SchoandJo]

That's right, its the Zebra and Quagga Mussels! Its somewhat counterintuitive that because the water is cleaner its actually more unhealthy for the overall ecosystem.

[@lawrencedobesh776]

That’s not true the zebra mussels came in from the bilge’s from ocean going vessels

[@AdventuresofAplusK]

Ahhh this was SO EXCITING! Seeing y'all cruise through an area I have been visiting for years was so special to see! Shoutout to your friend for getting that amazing photo of y'all with the Willis tower behind you! We cannot believe how low that one bridge was...holy cow 😱 Also, the heat metaphor reminded me of a certain event we all just conquered 😂

[@SchoandJo]

Holy Corn! 😉😉😉

[@sharonoliver5284]

I have been working on company financials all weekend and I really needed a break and the walk down Memory Lane through downtown Chicago. Thanks Jen & Elliott!

[@SchoandJo]

Haha it is really fun to look back and remember some amazing parts of this trip!! ❤️

[@tlteal]

Thanks for sharing. Looking forward to seeing some videos of you guys working to get all that bright work and wood in ship shape on that vessel that’s been so good to you…..

[@SchoandJo]

Thanks for watching!

[@richardb7063]

Solid Pre-trip ... Check everything regardless of length of trip.

[@SchoandJo]

Always!

[@scotthall3816]

33:57 WOW 😳😲 awesome job brother

[@SchoandJo]

haha, thanks Scott!

[@smquaii]

Those jumping fish are the ones that forced the electric zone on the river. They are trying to keep the Asian carp out of the lakes.

[@SchoandJo]

I hope they are successful keeping the Asian Carp out of the Great Lakes. It is pretty astonishing how successful the Carp are at invading the Rivers.

[@michaelgarrity6090]

Unfortunately, scientists say that they have had signs of Asian Carp genetic material in Lake Michigan but no sign of them having gotten into the Lakes as yet. That would be a great loss for the fisheeries like Walleye, Perch, "Whitefish" like they use in the Famous Wisconsin Fish Boils, Large trout and Salmon. Those carp destroyed the natural fisheries of the Mississippi and tributary rivers.

[@SchoandJo]

@@michaelgarrity6090 geeze, hopefully they can prevent it from getting out of control!

[@InspiredByEverything]

I thoroughly enjoyed this video! I live just outside Chicago. One of our favorite joys in the summer is to cruise the river downtown. Now I’m inspired to head out the other direction towards Joliet. Safe travels, y’all!

[@SchoandJo]

Thanks so much!

[@Windsailsanddogtails]

Thank you for making this amazing series! We are leaving our port October 15th to go down the river system! We are in Muskegon Michigan!

[@SchoandJo]

Exciting!

[@kimdelorme6314]

Haven’t seen you three for a while❤❤❤❤

[@mken4740]

The St Croix River up by Afton MN is beautiful, can reach it from the Mississippi. Beautiful area and lots of loopers!

[@SchoandJo]

Thanks for the recommendation!

[@lukeamato2348]

Its definitely an interesting port to enter , Milwaukee is awesome

[@SchoandJo]

Will have to checkout Milwaukee in the future!

[@MichaelVogan]

Great video. 👍 I've lived in this area my whole life. Never seen it from the waterside. Specifically from the lake to Ping Tom Park.

[@lawrencedobesh776]

Born and raised in Chicago never heard of Ping Tom park!

[@michaelmckeon2892]

You guys are awesome!

[@SchoandJo]

Thanks for watching Michael!

[@pugmahone]

Great video. You're entering my neck of the woods and getting close to my marina - Harborside. You'll know when your at Harborside when you see the floating homes on the river before Desden L&D. Look forward to the next video.

[@SchoandJo]

Thanks!

[@fredbrillo1849]

My memories of tge Chicago river were all the different architectural styles of the Bridge tenders houses on each side of the bridges. So unique and very beautiful. Im a retired IT manager, but even I appreciate the architecture of Chicago.

[@SchoandJo]

My (Elliot) background is in IT as well and the architecture of the riverfront is really incredible!

[@granitecolorado]

You guys can buy a small swamp cooler for the flybridge and use a pump for river water. It won't be any good inside, but outside will blow cool air on you all day and not use much energy. I worked on a barge on summer and they had two giant ones. I could stand all day in front of those. And you can get a bigger water pump for like $30 and then blow even colder

[@SchoandJo]

Such a good idea!

[@donaldpfeffer8231]

Awsome , didnt know you could boat in downtown , u should have put your boat top down , probablu a pain to do , great tour

[@SchoandJo]

Thanks, Donald!

[@mindiwilhelm4322]

Great video!

[@DougTreff]

This one is missing from the "Restarting the great loop Playlist... I KNEW I was missing something!

[@SchoandJo]

Wow! Great catch Doug, sorry about that. I've updated all the playlists 🙏

[@Happ465]

I hope you will pickup The Tennessee Tombigbee Waterway. 28 Locks! First lock drops 80’. Most are around 30’. There real easy as the bollards go up and down with the water level. Amazing experience.

[@SchoandJo]

Absolutely!

[@Alcochaser]

Ahah yes the fish zapper

[@SchoandJo]

⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️

[@sobiecki]

I was worried about your antennas but eventually you lowered them too. 😉

[@relaxation2380]

I live in the town next to joliet.. Joliet is HUGE so obviously theres some really bad neighborhoods but for the most part its not terrible

[@COPPER71]

You guys kinda looked cooked at the end. Great video

[@nickelasso]

The running joke is that St. Louis began bottling Chicago's dirty water and selling it as Budweiser.

[@SchoandJo]

We have heard that one before 😅

[@halwyman]

I've been following you since New York and you are finally close to where we met I believe, at Hoppie's Marina. H is for Hal Wyman, Linda doesn't do KZbin!

[@halwyman]

I just looked it up and we were in Joliet on 9/22!

[@jimyoung1734]

We met you both at Hoppies! Looking forward to seeing the videos. Love your videos!!!

[@SchoandJo]

Hey Jim!! Hope all is going well with y’all!

[@jimyoung1734]

Met you guys on our first night on the loop… very cool. Started watching your videos. Absolutely love them. We are 1/3 of way done. Starting back up April 1, 2024. You guys are just as nice in person as you appear on KZbin.. Hope you are having fun!

[@SchoandJo]

@@jimyoung1734 yes, we remember y’all! We got some bomb Apple Pies together haha. Breaking up the loop is a great idea, hope y’all have a fun next chapter!

[@rob5894]

Just a correction. The Army Corp of Engineers did not construct the Sanitary & Ship Canal which connects to the Des Plaines River, not the Illinois River.

[@deanlamberth0sbcglob]

The low bridges from the Great Lakes to the Illinois River was done so the enemy couldn’t get into the the western Rivers.

[@SchoandJo]

lol

[@tomreiter5712]

very cool

[@davidstrickler6570]

East Peoria and Peoria has been choking on Chicago's shit ever since they reversed the flow of the Chicago River.

[@SchoandJo]

👍

[@kengibson8745]

Technically you entered the Chicago Sanitary and Shipping canal after the Chicago River then the DesPlaines River then the Illinois River

[@briancox5752]

Glad you were able to experience a small portion of our beautiful city and sorry you felt the wrath of Lake Michigan. It’s something that we power boaters deal with on a regular basis. Hopefully you guys return and explore more of our magical town. The architecture is unreal right?

[@SchoandJo]

It really was! Thanks for watching Brian

[@cmichaelhaugh8517]

Wow, a whole new boating ecology!

[@anthonyfuchs640]

If I had found your Chanel a month ago, I could have taken you at night. It is sooo cool at night. Then Navy Pier fire works.

[@d.vanwinkle9482]

If this interests you look up On The Waterways with Jason Robards. 1991.

[@SchoandJo]

Will check it out, thanks for sharing!

[@lvmtb]

Did you count how man bridges you went under in Chicago

[@Bubba-tx1vx]

👍👍👍

[@dj2000lbs]

I have my boat on the river ❤

[@jrac863]

Are all of these locks free to go through?.Im pretty sure there is some kind of cost to go through the Erie canal system

[@SchoandJo]

The Midwest rivers are free, presumably paid by our taxes. The Erie Canal, used to have a fee but they temporarily cancelled it after Covid. The Canadian canals do have a cost, I believe we paid 5 dollars per foot for one way transit.

[@cnev3824]

well if this was filmed in 2022 are yous on a second go around the loop?

[@SchoandJo]

Nope! We only finished this one, this year 😁 need a break before more looping!

[@gorramnelf]

I wish more people could have this experience. Fight for better wealth distribution and working conditions in the US!

[@MikeLJ-ku7ov]

Humans the only species that while trying gods e the planet is willing to doom themselves !!

[@SchoandJo]

👍

[@johnhefter3815]

Rich kids doing whatever...about as exciting as the Kardashians or Paris Hilton and Nicole Ritchie.

[@SchoandJo]

Who are rich kids lol Read our expense reports, this trip cost less than most traditional land lives for a year and we work full-time 😂

[@wolfseek]

I thought it was 19 feet

[@SchoandJo]

19 feet for the Loop and 17 feet for the Chicago River

[@wolfseek]

Yeah just finish the video thanks

[@patrickhorvath2684]

​@@SchoandJo Dang..that's what I hear.. My trawler has topside exhaust, radar on pedestal, 3 levels n 30'+ AWL