With a profound love for Chicago, Jenni Gordon blends her passion for real estate with an eclectic love for art and an adventurous spirit, shaped by extensive travel and a voracious appetite for new experiences. Her career is more than just a profession, it's a continuation of her life’s story, deeply rooted in the rich cultural tapestry of her hometown.

For Jenni, the concept of home has always been intertwined with love. Her early years in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood as a “scrappy tomboy” were framed by a vibrant family life, a love for sports, and a penchant for costume parties and getting people out of their comfort zones.  

“Growing up was filled with an abundance of family, friends, and love,” Jenni fondly recalls. “We spent hours playing board games, rescuing worms after heavy rains, and enjoying the simple joys of childhood like hopscotch on the street, apple picking, and catching fireflies on hot summer nights.”

Jenni’s journey first led her to the University of Wisconsin, where she graduated early with a degree in art history, a field that captivated her imagination and honed her eye for detail. Like for many in the art world, the allure of New York City beckoned her after graduation. In “the city that never sleeps,” Jenni became a gallery director, immersed herself in the art scene, and met her husband, Scott.

“Our first apartment was a converted storefront with bars on the windows and some unwelcome mice,” she recalls with a chuckle. “I attended the Sotheby's Institute of Art program in Fine and Decorative Arts and worked at two other galleries before we moved back to Chicago.”

Returning to Chicago marked a new chapter in Jenni’s life. She and Scott settled into a cozy coach house, then a suburban home as their family grew. She worked for Sotheby’s auction house for nine years, where she honed her skills in selling high-value items and delivering luxury services.

It was in 1998, when looking for their first home in Evanston, that Jenni was first turned onto real estate. “Our REALTOR® commented that I would be good at this. That struck a chord with me. I jumped in and never looked back,” Jenni shares.

Jenni hit the ground running in real estate, becoming Rookie of the Year at her office. Leveraging her connections and experiences as a parent of two children, she connected with others in similar stages of life and focused on delivering an exceptional client experience. Over time, her business has shifted more toward listings, naturally drawing on her extensive experience in the fine and decorative arts, and keen eye for detail, design, and staging. 

With over two decades of experience in Chicago’s real estate market, Jenni possesses a profound understanding of its dynamics and nuances. She guides her clients through the complexities of buying and selling, providing expert advice on everything from pricing strategies to negotiation tactics. Her knowledge of Chicago's neighborhoods is particularly valuable, enabling her to offer insights into local amenities, schools, and market trends.

“On a personal level, I prioritize building genuine relationships, treating each client with undivided attention, and ensuring a seamless transaction,” Jenni emphasizes. “Success is measured by the joy of guiding clients through life's transitions and milestones, vs. closed deals, and by maintaining connections.”

Jenni’s plan for the future is simple: stay the course and continue delivering exceptional service. Outside of work, she cherishes time spent with family and friends. With a love for experiencing everything Chicago has to offer as well as traveling—having visited six continents—she is always planning the next adventure or party. She even combined her love of travel and cooking and self-published a cookbook during the pandemic.

When it comes down to it, Jenni loves connecting with people, whether across a table of delicious food in a Chicago restaurant, in a high-intensity workout class, the book club she’s been with for over thirty years, through fine art or theatre, or through hosting and planning events. 

Jenni’s passion for art continues to play a significant role in her life. She has volunteered at the Sundance Film Festival for the last seven years, has served as president of the Society for Contemporary Art at the Art Institute of Chicago and now serves on the Art Institute's Committee for Modern and Contemporary Art, and she remains an active art collector involved in the museum world. 

Jenni’s life and career are a testament to her love for Chicago, her passion for beauty and expression, and bringing that all together to help others through real estate. Her story is not just one of selling homes, but of creating spaces where life's stories can unfold—a mission that continues to drive her each day.