Former Chicago Bears defensive end Israel Idonije placed his three-bedroom, 2,300-square-foot condominium on the seventh floor of a 14-story loft building in the South Loop on the market on March 29 for $675,000.
Born in Nigeria and raised in Manitoba, Canada, Idonije, 42, played for the Bears from 2003 until 2012. After his playing career ended, he settled in Chicago, working as an entrepreneur and running a foundation. One of his current projects is Athlitacomics, which delivers unique comic content, comic properties and related merchandise in the merged markets of comics and sports. He also is a part-owner of the Chicago Red Stars women’s soccer club, and he is the CEO and founder of Blessed Communion, a Chicago-based firm that produces Communion cups.
Idonije paid $705,000 in mid-2017 for the condo, which is in a building that was constructed in 2008. The 40-foot-wide unit, which consists of two combined units, has two bathrooms, a den, city and lake views, an open-concept living area, a wet bar just off the balcony, an office nook just off the hallway and a kitchen with stainless steel appliances, quartz countertops, custom cabinetry and a kitchen island.
The condo’s primary bedroom suite has a walk-through closet, a walk-in closet and a primary bathroom with dual sinks, a walk-in glass shower with dual showerheads, a bench and a large water closet.
“It’s a combination unit that was really nicely done,” listing agent Joel Holland of Keller Williams ONEChicago told Elite Street. “It’s nice, with a broad, superwide spanning balcony with a nice view, and the finishes were nicely done. The kitchen was updated, the bathroom was updated and there’s a little bar area in the living room (now). It’s a nice refresh.”
Holland, who declined to comment on why the condo is on the market or where Idonije is headed, added that the sweeping views to the north and east from the condo are a plus.
“It’s nice facing north with the balcony, and the views go from the Sears Tower to Soldier Field, and even though it’s not on a high floor, you still get the sweeping views,” he said.
The condo has a contract pending to sell it. It had a $6,603 property tax bill in the 2021 tax year.
Bob Goldsborough is a freelance reporter.
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