Congratulations to the recipients of the 2026 REALTOR® Awards! Learn more about the awards criteria and eligibility here. Applications for the 2027 awards will open in the new year.
REALTOR® OF THE YEAR
Erika Villegas
RE/MAX In The Village
The REALTOR® of the Year is the highest and most coveted award that can be bestowed by one’s peers. This award is based on the outstanding contributions of a REALTOR® to the Chicago Association of REALTORS®. The recipient must demonstrate what is called “REALTOR® Spirit”, which is embodied by faithfulness to the principles of the REALTOR® organization, professionalism and the Code of Ethics.
COMMERCIALFORUM ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Tuyen Nguyen
Chicago Real Estate Resources, Inc.
The CommercialForum Achievement Award is based on the outstanding contributions of a member of the Chicago Association of REALTORS® CommercialForum to the Chicagoland commercial real estate industry.
REALTOR® COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD
Armando Chacon
CENTURY 21 S.G.R.
The REALTOR® Community Service Award recognizes the outstanding contributions of a local REALTOR® who has gone above and beyond in their community. This award celebrates a REALTOR® who is making a difference in their community through their personal contribution of volunteer work.
AFFILIATE OF THE YEAR
Tariq Khwaja
Citywide Home Mortgage
The Affiliate of the Year award is the highest honor bestowed on an Affiliate member of the Chicago Association of REALTORS®. This award is based on the outstanding contributions, achievements and commitments of an affiliate to the association and the real estate industry.
MANAGING BROKER OF THE YEAR (1-50 LICENSEES)
Matt Laricy
Americorp, Ltd.
The REALTOR® Designated Managing Broker of the Year Award is awarded to two managing brokers who have gone above and beyond their day-to-day obligations within their brokerage. The awards are given based on the number of licenses under the direct management of the managing broker.
MANAGING BROKER OF THE YEAR (51+ LICENSEES)
ANDY Shiparski
COMPASS
The REALTOR® Designated Managing Broker of the Year Award is awarded to two managing brokers who have gone above and beyond their day-to-day obligations within their brokerage. The awards are given based on the number of licenses under the direct management of the managing broker.
INDUSTRY PARTNER MEMBER AWARD
Cleo Aquino
Habloft LLC
The Industry Partner Member Award is bestowed upon any member of one of the Chicago Association of REALTORS® Industry Partners and is based on the outstanding contributions within their industry partner organization, and to the Chicagoland real estate industry.
POLITICAL ADVOCACY AWARD
Miguel Chacon
COMPASS
The Political Advocacy Award is based on the outstanding contributions of a REALTOR® or affiliate member in the public policy, political and/or legislative advocacy area and in keeping with the REALTOR® Party spirit to “Vote…Act…Invest.”
RISING STAR AWARD
Elizabeth Elie
Kale Realty
The Rising Star award recognizes an emerging leader within the Chicago Association of REALTORS® whose early accomplishments distinguish them as a future leader in the industry and beyond through their service, commitment, leadership, responsibility and impact.
political advocacy public official AWARD
Alderman Gilbert “Gil” Villegas
36th Ward, City of Chicago
The Political Advocacy Public Official Award is given to an elected public official who recognizes the importance of private property rights and has demonstrated a keen understanding of real estate matters, not only as a matter of policy, but how policy affects the day-to-day practitioner. Moreover, the elected official shows they are willing to listen to the advocacy efforts of the Chicago Association of REALTORS®, as we are The Voice for Real Estate in Chicago.
