Man Chooses Life Aboard Boat Near Navy Pier for Adventure

Matt Jonkman, a 52-year-old retiree, has embraced a unique lifestyle aboard his 50-foot houseboat near Navy Pier in Chicago. Since April, he has lived on the water, sharing the space with his cat, Monty. Recently, Jonkman set sail for warmer waters in Kentucky for the winter, but he plans to return to the Chicago skyline by spring. “I told myself I’d live like this for at least a year. Now I don’t want to get off yet,” he stated.

Living aboard a boat presents challenges, but Jonkman finds joy in his daily routines. His floating home offers amenities such as a kitchen, a washer-dryer, and even a fishing rod, rivaling the comfort of a typical Chicago apartment. Jonkman often dines while enjoying the stunning views of the city at night. He appreciates the solitude and the opportunity to reconnect with his passions, including technology and cooking.

Life on the Water

Since becoming a “liveaboard” in November, Jonkman has navigated the often-treacherous waters of Chicago, where high docking costs and rough conditions deter many. He typically anchors overnight in the public harbor to avoid steep fees and occasionally rents a slip for access to amenities like mail and groceries. Fellow boaters, including tour boat captain Karina Zuniga, recognize him for his friendly demeanor. “I always wave at that man, and he always waves back,” she said.

Jonkman’s boat is equipped with essentials and comforts, including lounge chairs and a flatscreen television. He has embraced this lifestyle, despite acknowledging that “thirty percent of the time you’re trying to stay alive.” He actively manages the challenges of life on the lake, repairing equipment and monitoring the weather, having faced severe thunderstorms in the past.

A Journey of Resilience

Jonkman’s journey to this point has not been without hardships. A plane crash in 2020 left him with severe injuries, including burns and the loss of a finger. He spent three months in a coma and faced a lengthy recovery. “The accident made me slow down,” he reflected. Once a high-achieving cybersecurity expert, Jonkman now finds solace in simpler pleasures, such as living on a boat and tinkering with technology.

His daughter, Savannah Jonkman, expressed her mixed feelings about her father’s choice to live aboard. “He seems happier being so self-sufficient. I’ve seen him become more sure of himself,” she noted. Jonkman takes pride in his boat, viewing it as a symbol of his independence and resilience.

In addition to enjoying his time on the water, Jonkman has made new friends and even found the boat to be a draw for social engagements. “On the water, everyone has something in common,” he said. He believes that more accessible docking options in Chicago could encourage a larger community of liveaboards, as current regulations make it challenging to maintain this lifestyle.

As Jonkman sails south for the winter, he embraces the adventure ahead with a sense of contentment and a readiness to explore the waterways. “I feel more settled now than ever,” he remarked, while still contemplating his next steps. He remains optimistic about the future, ready to navigate whatever comes next in his unique life on the water.