Nov. 11--Former Chicago Bears defensive end Israel Idonije paid about $720,000 on Oct. 2 for a three-bedroom, 2,100-square-foot, newly constructed row home on the Near North Side. The sale was above it's $699,900 asking price.
Idonije, 34, was born in Nigeria and grew up in Manitoba, Canada. He played for the Bears from 2004 until 2012. He briefly returned to the team last year and then left to sign with the New York Giants but ultimately didn't play in 2014 at all.
Today, Idonije runs a eponymous nonprofit called the Israel Idonije Foundation. Since January, he has owned a meeting and co-working space called the Bureau Chicago, at 1420 S. Michigan Ave.
On the Near North Side, Idonije's new row home is a two-level end unit with 2 full and one half baths, heated concrete floors, a kitchen with Italian imported designs from Archisesto, Grohe faucets and Duravit sinks in the bathrooms, a large rooftop deck and an attached two-car garage.
Dustin Smith of Property Smith Inc. represented Idonije in his purchase.
Idonije has owned several other homes in the Chicago area over the years.
He paid $610,000 in 2006 for a three-bedroom house in Vernon Hills. He sold it for $480,000 in 2010.
He also owns a small town home on the Near Northwest Side that he purchased through a limited-liability company in 2012 for $230,000.
Bob Goldsborough is a freelance reporter.
