January 2026 Reader & Runner of the Month: Jeff Jones
by Allison Yates
Each month, Read & Run Chicago highlights a different volunteer or reader & runner! This month, we’re celebrating Jeff Jones. Read the interview to learn more about him!
What part of the city do you call home?
Blue Island.
Where is your favorite place to run in the city?
Running to the morning Metra. Shoutout to the Rock Island district!
What’s your favorite book or preferred genre?
The River King by Alice Hoffman is a dear formative childhood memory.
Which is your favorite local bookstore or favorite branch of the Chicago Public Library?
Open books West Loop for sci-fi, Open Books Pilsen, believe it or not, also for sci-fi!
What’s something readers & runners can ask you more about next time they see you?
Odds are when you see me at an event, I have a recent film watch I’d love to talk about.
When will we see you next?
I'll be at the Running Tour of the Chicago River with Mejay Gula of The Tender House Project on February 25—it’s my birthday week!