High-wire daredevil set to walk between skyscrapers 180m above Chicago river

Known globally for walking the high wire over Niagara Falls and a gorge near the Grand Canyon, Nik Wallenda is set to conquer his next major challenge live on television today.

While the Chicago walk will only be about a third of the height of the Grand Canyon walk, weather in "The Windy City" will be a more significant factor for the 35-year-old aerialist.

But despite the danger, Wallenda says he is not concerned.

The daring feat will be broadcast on a ten second delay online via the Discovery Channel. The walk is expected to begin shortly. WATCH IT LIVE HERE.

"I look up at those buildings and contrary to what you guys would think, that it would freak me out or stress me out, I get excited," he told reporters on Friday.

"I am fulfilling another dream."

He is the latest in a long line of daredevils in his family, his great-grandfather Karl Wallenda also performed the high-wire walk.

Karl Wallenda died in 1978 while attempting a walk 37 metres above the pavement in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

A film crew taped the 73-year-old's fall, and the terrifying end to his life was broadcast around the world.

Nik Wallenda is continuing the family legacy while bringing it to an even broader audience.

His most recent walk near the Grand Canyon was watched on television by 13 million people and streamed online by a further two million.