Jenn Schanz joined the NBC Chicago team as a freelance reporter in June 2024.
Originally from Grand Rapids, Mich., she spent her college years here in Chicago at DePaul University. While attending DePaul, she interned for NBC 5 political reporter Carol Marin and producer Don Moseley through the DePaul Documentary Project, and covered the 2012 NATO summit as a student journalist.
She has worked as both a general assignment and special assignment reporter in Lincoln, Neb., and Buffalo, N.Y., in addition to working as an anchor in Detroit. Jenn has covered several national stories, including the Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando and the 2015 Papal visit to the United States.
While in Detroit, she reported extensively on the city’s historic black neighborhoods, legacy pollution, and widespread protests during the 2020 election.
Jenn is proud to have contributed to "Inside The Epidemic," a Regional Edward R. Murrow Award-winning series examining western New York's opioid crisis.
Before her career in journalism, Jenn briefly taught English in Seoul, Korea.
When she's not in the newsroom, Jenn is running along the lakefront or trying a new dim sum spot in Chinatown.
The Latest
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Students Run Chicago takes dozens of first-time runners through final stretch of marathon training
SRC has about 80 students from schools all over the city running Oct. 11. Around 50 of them are running for the first time.
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Slippery conditions at Wrigley prompt suspension for Big Ten volleyball
The SEC/Big Ten Challenge battled humidity and moisture on the court causing slips and slides and ultimately, a suspended match.
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‘Bike the Drive' turns 25 with Sunday lakeshore ride
More than 15,000 cyclists took over DuSable Lake Shore Drive Sunday morning for the iconic bike ride that serves as a Labor Day weekend tradition.
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1 killed, 14 injured during mass shooting at Washington Park reunion celebration
Remnants of that gathering, from charcoal to bottles and cups, were still visible in the park after the celebration was interrupted by gunfire.
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Distance runner embarks on Route 66 journey to raise money for ALS research
Spanish distance runner Enric Casacuberta left from Navy Pier on Saturday.
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Where to eat great burgers in Chicago (from a reporter who knows her burgers)
When she’s not reporting and anchoring, NBC Chicago’s Jenn Schanz is the newsroom’s burger authority.
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Thousands of CPS students return to classrooms for new school year
It’s officially back-to-school for thousands of Chicago Public Schools students, teachers, and families.
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‘This doesn't look right:' 9 Chicago-area hikers rescued after becoming lost on Kentucky trip
A group of nine college students from Chicago and northwest Indiana was rescued after getting stranded during a hike in Kentucky over the weekend.
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Man dubbed ‘Sewer Monster' helps curb West Nile virus risk in Chicago
Justin Harbison loves a good sewer.
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Bohemian National Cemetery accused of improperly storing human remains
Another Chicago facility is under investigation for apparently improperly storing human remains.
