Jim graduated from Illinois State University in 2003 with degrees in Construction Management and Business Management, then spent seven years managing residential construction projects — work that taught him how buildings are designed, constructed, maintained, and evaluated.

In 2010 he entered residential real estate during one of the most challenging housing markets in history, building the business through prospecting, education, and service. By 2013 he was recognized as a Chicago Association of REALTORS® Top Producer. He founded Ongena Group in 2014 with a clear idea: build one of Chicagoland’s most trusted real estate teams by putting education and long-term relationships ahead of individual transactions.

Since 2015 the team has ranked among the top 5% of Chicagoland real estate brokers. Jim has closed more than 1,000 transactions — 400+ construction project management engagements and 600+ brokerage sales — representing roughly $350 million in transactional experience.

Rather than specializing in one neighborhood or one property type, Jim built the business around serving clients wherever they’re going: the city, the suburbs, and the specialty communities in between. He and his family live in Chicago’s Southport Corridor, where they work and invest in the community.

“The goal isn’t one good transaction. It’s five over your lifetime — and the people you send our way.”
Jim Ongena, Founder