Family Room Chicago, a premier family hub, is pleased to announce its acquisition of Southport Fundamentals, a beloved learning space founded by Risa McMahon. This strategic expansion marks the opening of Family Room Chicago's second location, furthering its commitment to providing high-quality programming and a supportive community for families in Chicago.

Owned and operated by Lakeview East parent and longtime educator Kimberly Brown, Family Room Chicago is a unique play space, neighborhood club, and parent lounge. The organization's mission is to be the premier neighborhood hub where children can thrive in a nurturing and stimulating setting, and caregivers feel supported, connected, and empowered.

The acquisition of Southport Fundamentals aligns perfectly with this vision. Risa McMahon, Founder of Southport Fundamentals, chose to sell her business to Family Room Chicago after two years of building a strong community, stating, "After dedicating myself to building a space where Lakeview families can gather, learn, and have fun in a safe space, I've decided to pass the torch. In making this decision, it was incredibly important to me to honor the legacy of Southport Fundamentals by aligning with a partner who shares SopoFun’s values. I am confident that Kimberly Brown and Family Room Chicago will preserve and expand upon the wonderful community we've built.”

The new Southport Fundamentals location will relocate to a new space at 3726 N. Southport and operate under the Family Room Chicago brand as Family Room Chicago on Southport.

 

The new location is slated to open in early September and will offer expanded standard hours, open play, programming, and event rental opportunities.
Kimberly Brown expressed her enthusiasm about the expansion, stating, "We are committed to building a sustainable, long-term business that serves the community. The acquisition of Southport Fundamentals is a vital step toward becoming a premier neighborhood hub. Our goal is to be a consistent and affordable resource for families, create local jobs by hiring students and young people, and continue to expand with a corporate-owned and operated model that ensures quality and accessibility."

This expansion solidifies Family Room Chicago's role as a cornerstone for Chicago families, offering a safe, clean, and joyful space for learning and play. The first location is at 3229 North Broadway in Lakeview East.