A New Big Blue Swim School is Coming Soon to Lincoln Park

New Swim School Location Brings Progress-Focused Swim Curriculum Closer to Lincoln Park Families

November 06, 2026 // Franchising.com // CHICAGO – Big Blue Swim School, the family-first swim school concept known for its specialized curriculum that helps children build confidence and make measurable progress in the water, announced plans to open its newest location in Lincoln Park, with an anticipated opening in November. The pool will be owned and operated by Rachael Roth, a Chicagoland resident and franchisee who also owns the Big Blue Swim Schools in Naperville and Glendale Heights.

Conveniently located inside Riverpoint Center at 1730 W. Fullerton Avenue, the new swim school location will make Big Blue's specialized curriculum more accessible to Lincoln Park families seeking high-quality swim instruction close to home. The curriculum at Big Blue Swim School is designed to help children build skills through individualized instruction and consistent progression, allowing swimmers to advance at a pace that's right for them. The new location will also become the ninth Big Blue Swim School serving the Chicagoland area.

"Families deserve access to a swim school where children can make real progress in the water without having to travel far from home," said Roth. “The community’s response to our first two locations in Naperville and Glendale Heights has been incredible, and we are proud to have become a trustworthy staple for families in the area. With our newest swim school debuting soon, we remain committed to making sure every student receives the attention and instruction they need to grow and develop life-saving water safety skills. We're excited to bring Big Blue's proven curriculum to Lincoln Park in a location that's convenient for busy local families.”

The new facility provides a year-round, indoor space where children can build essential life skills, meeting growing local demand for swim programs. Its warm-water environment provides a comfortable, consistent setting for families as children learn and progress in the water. At Big Blue, lessons are offered across four progressive levels—Baby Blue, Bright Blue, Bold Blue and Big Blue—each designed with a specific class ratio to best support swimmers based on age and skill level. Lessons are 30 minutes in length for all levels except Big Blue, which is a 45-minute class to accommodate more advanced swimmers. Private lessons are available upon request, though standard class ratios are intentionally structured to balance socialization with individualized instructor attention.

“Rachael and her team in Lincoln Park bring a thoughtful, hands-on approach that aligns exactly with how we believe Big Blue Swim Schools should operate,” said Chris DeJong, President and Founder of Big Blue Swim School, and a former U.S. Men’s National Swim Team member. “When families choose a swim school, they need more than just convenience—they're looking for confidence that their child is learning and progressing. We're excited to bring that experience to Lincoln Park while making it easier for more families to access our specialized curriculum at a location that is close to home."

At the heart of Big Blue Swim School is a specialized curriculum designed to help children learn at their own pace while building confidence through measurable progression. Combined with highly trained instructors, small class sizes and a family-first experience that fits into busy schedules, the curriculum provides a supportive environment where swimmers develop lifelong water safety skills.

For more information about Big Blue Swim School, visit www.bigblueswimschool.com. For location information and updates on opening, scheduling, and lesson availability, visit https://bigblueswimschool.com/locations/illinois/chicago-lincoln-park/.

About Big Blue Swim School

Founded in 2009 by competitive swimmer Chris DeJong and backed by Level 5 Capital Partners, Big Blue Swim School is one of the nation’s fastest-growing swim school franchises. The brand offers best-in-class swim lessons for children ages three months to 12 years, combining strong consumer demand with robust franchisee support. With nearly 60 pools open nationwide and more than 250 units in development, Big Blue supports franchise partners at every stage, from real estate selection to marketing and operations, to drive long-term success.

SOURCE Big Blue Swim School

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