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 urge peace during annual anti-violence parade in Austin
Students of all ages marched down Chicago Avenue in Austin on Saturday for the “Say No to Drugs Anti-Violence Parade.”
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St. Sabina community stands behind Father Pfleger after sexual abuse allegation
The congregation at Saint Sabina Church was filled with emotion following an allegation Father Michael Pfleger sexually abused a minor.
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Final preps underway in Chicago for the 117th Race to Mackinac
The 117th Race to Mackinac kicks off Friday from Chicago, where 252 sailing vessels embark on a 333-mile journey across Lake Michigan.
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Middle schoolers rock out with Eddie Vedder during performance for the Obamas
Eddie Vedder was joined by a group of middle school students with a Chicago-based nonprofit at the grand opening of the Obama Presidential Center.
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Suspect charged with burning cross in Chicago's Grant Park appears in court
A man charged with lighting a cross on fire in Chicago’s Grant Park will not be detained pretrial, a judge ruled during a court hearing Thursday.
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Students gear up to lace up for Chicago half marathon
Students Run Chicago has offered a running training and mentorship program for high school students from around the city, helping them prepare for races like Chicago’s half marathon. Jenn Schanz reports.
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Students turned seasoned runners take on Chicago half marathon
For over a decade, Students Run Chicago has offered a running training and mentorship program for high school students from around the city.
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Pride South Side, a celebration of the LBGTQ+ community, returns to Chicago's DuSable Museum
Pride South Side, an outdoor festival and celebration of Chicago’s LGBTQ+ community, is returning this summer.
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Students, family demand justice for honor student shot on his way to school
Around 100 students, teachers and community members called for justice after the shooting death of an honor student who was shot on his way to school.
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Hundreds of runners hit the streets in Little Village to promote peace
Hundreds of young people laced up for peace on Saturday in Chicago’s Little Village neighborhood as part of the La Correra Por Paz 5K.
