History

Before joining the AAREP network, our chapter was known as Chicago African Americans in Commercial Real Estate (Chi-AACRE).

Chicago African Americans in Commercial Real Estate (Chi-AACRE)

Founded during Black History Month in 2018, Chi-AACRE was established to unify and empower African-American professionals across Chicago’s commercial real estate landscape. Our mission is to foster connection, create opportunity, and elevate the presence of Black talent in the industry.

We focused on:

  • Building a powerful professional network that connects Black real estate leaders, innovators, and rising talent.
  • Providing a comprehensive directory of Black real estate professionals, accessible to all communities and organizations seeking collaboration.
  • Creating new business and economic opportunities for Chi-AACRE members through visibility, access, and partnerships.
  • Supporting large firms and companies in engaging with qualified, skilled Black professionals—particularly within construction and real estate-related professional services.

Our Founder

Graham C. Grady

Graham C. Grady is a seasoned expert in navigating government entitlements and resolving complex issues with local government entities, with a specialized focus on Chicago and Cook County. As the founder of Chicago African Americans in Commercial Real Estate (Chi-AACRE), he has been a leader in advancing the representation and success of Black professionals in the commercial real estate industry.

Graham’s expertise lies in securing the critical approvals required for land development projects across the Chicago metropolitan area. A skilled consensus builder and negotiator, he maintains strong, productive relationships with community organizations, local elected officials, and other key stakeholders, ensuring the success of his clients’ projects.

His legal counsel spans a wide range of areas, including compliance, regulatory matters, public policy, zoning, land use, building code compliance, licensing, construction agreements, government contracts, procurement, and legislative approvals. With significant experience in land use, Graham has successfully secured all types of entitlements through planned developments, zoning amendments, special uses, variations, and more.

He represents clients across all real estate sectors—retail, residential, commercial, industrial, and specialized land uses—regularly appearing before the Department of Buildings, Fire Department, and other municipal agencies to advocate for his clients’ interests.

Under Graham’s leadership, he spearheaded the decision to join the AAREP network.

Fueling excellence
in every corner of
commercial real estate