RPBG LAUNCHES 2026 WITH TWO INCREDIBLE EVENTS
23rd ANNUAL TRENDS IN THE INDUSTRY WORKSHOP
Nearly 110 attendees packed the Rhapsody Theater for everyone's favorite RPBG event of the year - our Trends in the Industry Workshop. After an hour of lively socializing, folks adjourned to the auditorium and sat at tables of eight. Each table had a moderator, who lead their group through a list of questions ‑ each a prediction of market activities two years from now - covering everything from the direction of the economy, to Illinois unemployment rate, interest rates, market time and price/square foot for sales of condos, rents, and valuation of multifamily. As "tie-breaker" questions, folks debated who will occupy the 5th floor of City Hall in two years; and the future of electric rates.
The evening culminated in everyone’s favorite moment - announcing which table moderator from two years ago came the closest to predicting the outcome this year. It came down to a showdown between banker and broker - we had to go to our "tie-breaker question" to annoint Wintrust Bank’s Javier Nunez as the winner - beating out Marcus & Millichap’s Steve Rachman.
It's not too late to mark your calendar - January 28, 2027 for our 24th Annual!
7th ANNUAL SULLIVAN MLK MIDDLE SCHOOL BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT
On Monday, January 19, the RPBG’s generous donation to the Friends of Roger C. Sullivan covered the cost of Sullivan High School’s 7th Annual MLK Day Middle School Basketball Tournament. In addition to the funds offered by the RPBG, which covered most tournament cost, 12 different RPBG members each sponsored one of the middle schools participating in the tournament.
My personal highlight: midway through the day, 4 real estate professionals - Cagan’s Sam Dordek, JDI’s Mitchell Glasser, Domu’s Sead Odzic, and former NBA stalworth, Amal McCaskill (KWill Advisors) - each matched with a student athlete - participated in a friendly competition of HORSE, followed by a 3-point tournament, which McCaskill and 14-year-old Andre Miles won. Midway through the exhibition, 6’9” McCaskill wowed the crowd with a slam dunk - NBA style!
Watch the 90-second tournament slide show video - which also identifies all 12 RPBG members who each generously sponsored a team, including Baris Yuksel and Steve Shah, who co-sponsored the winning team!
Michael Glasser
RPBG President
NEXT UP!
MARCH 24, 2026
Monthly Meeting
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
JERRY ETTINGER
ETTINGER REALTY
I’m President and Managing Broker of Ettinger Realty, Ltd, formerly Hallmark & Johnson Properties, which I co-founded in 1979. We grew to a 30-agent commercial real
estate brokerage company. In 2008 we transformed into a smaller boutique real estate company specializing in the acquisition, brokerage and property management
of small to midsize commercial and investment properties in the Chicagoland area.
We also have an in-house construction crew which we keep busy with our property management and new acquisition projects. During our 40 plus years, we’ve built
many long-term relationships with clients, brokers, lenders, attorneys, suppliers and contractors that have been invaluable resources and sources of new business.
RPBG'S 30TH ANNIVERSARY VIDEO
Watch our video showcasing RPBG's 30 year history. Learn how our organization was formed, of the challenges we faced and the opportunities we've been given.
CHARITABLE ENDEAVORS
Every year, the Rogers Park Builders Group strives to give back to the Rogers Park community in generous, creative and impactful ways. Below are a few projects from recent years that we are most proud.
BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT
For the 2nd year in a row, RPBG and some of its members covered the full cost for Sullivan High School's Annual Middle School Basketball Tournament. This free, double elimination tournament, provided a competitive and fun outlet for 120 Chicago area students. The youth were introduced to this terrific local high school and participated in classroom discussion focusing on Dr. Martin Luther King's legacy as well.
LIFE SKILLS CLASSROOM
One of RPBG's finest moments occurred in 2016, as the RPBG helped transform a regular classroom at Sullivan High School into a full fledged life skills space. Serving the students of the School's special needs program, which helps students with autism and Down Syndrome, the classroom includes a full kitchen, laundry and day bed. The students eagerly use this room to learn basic life skills and independent living.
FUNDRAISER FOR IMMIGRANTS
During Covid, our community partner, Northside Community Resources told us that many immigrant families living in Rogers Park were struggling, as they did not qualify for federal relief programs. RPBG and its members engaged in a special fundraising drive generating contributions totaling $18,000 to support our newest community members.
GLENWOOD ART FESTIVAL
Starting in 2002, RPBG has consistently sponsored the Glenwood Avenue Arts Fest, an important local festival, founded by our Board member Al Goldberg, which showcases our eclectic and creative community. Many of our members also support this summer street festival through booths and generous sponsorships.
CHICAGO HIGH RIDGE FOOTBALL TEAM
A tragic fire resulted in a local youth football program losing its equipment. RPBG's $2500 gift helped purchase new replacement items. Other local businesses and community members joined the RPBG in supporting this drive, which allows for the Hi Ridge Chargers to continue to compete, offering youngsters from around the neighborhood the chance to gain play tackle football, under the guidance of a set of skilled coaches.
RPBG believes that these sorts of time tested activities are what is needed to keep the neighborhood youngsters engaged and involved in challenging and fun activity.
RESTORED VINTAGE MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS FOR LOCAL H.S.
In 2019, Andrew, the Sullivan High School Music Director, told us that someone had uncovered 60 year old musical instruments in the school's basement. "If we can restore these," Andrew promised, "I can create a marching band and revive a rock 'n roll program. RPBG came through with funding, resulting in restoration of dozens of instruments. That Fall, Sullivan had a marching band and a successful rock 'n roll band program. RPBG also underwrote private music lessons in partnership with Loyola University Chicago and renown local music store, Flatts & Sharpe.
SULLIVAN GRADUATION PICNIC
Due to Covid, the Sullivan HS graduates in Spring, 2021 had no prom, and little fanfare to commemorate their important milestone. At Principal Thomas' request, the RPBG covered the cost of a pre-graduation picnic, attended by graduates and staff. Many students happily celebrated their accomplishment over tacos, pizza, raffle prizes and festivity with their friends and SHS's dedicated faculty.