Retired Man Embraces Life Aboard Houseboat Near Navy Pier

Living on a houseboat has become a lifestyle choice for Matt Jonkman, a 52-year-old retiree who has found contentment floating near Navy Pier in Chicago. Jonkman, who has been residing on his 50-foot vessel since April, is now heading south to warmer waters in Kentucky for the winter, with plans to return to the bustling Chicago waterfront by spring.

“I told myself I’d live like this for at least a year,” Jonkman shared. “Now I don’t want to get off yet.” His journey as a “liveaboard” has provided him with a sense of freedom and adventure, allowing him to enjoy the stunning views of the Chicago skyline from the comfort of his floating home.

Life on the Water

Jonkman’s life on the water is marked by simplicity. He shares his home with Monty, a tuxedo cat, and has outfitted his boat with essential comforts such as a kitchen, a washer-dryer, and even a flatscreen television. “Making dinner is the best part of the day,” he said, recalling the tranquil evenings spent cooking while gazing at the city lights.

By anchoring overnight in the public harbor, Jonkman has managed to avoid the steep docking fees often associated with marina living. He occasionally rents a slip when he needs to pick up mail or visit local attractions. Jonkman’s floating home has caught the attention of fellow boaters and beachgoers alike. “I always wave at that man, and he always waves back,” said Karina Zuniga, a tour boat captain who has observed Jonkman’s serene lifestyle.

Jonkman has crafted a cozy living space, complete with lounge chairs and a queen-size bed that boasts a remarkable view. His boat, which he refers to as home, rivals the size and comfort of a traditional apartment. “I’m not wildly wealthy, but I have enough to pay off a boat, and most of it I can fix myself,” he explained, indicating a hands-on approach to maintenance.

A Journey of Resilience

Jonkman’s journey to this point has not been without its challenges. In 2020, he survived a plane crash that left him with severe injuries, including third-degree burns and significant physical scars. “I woke up three months later in a hospital,” he recalled. The accident prompted him to reassess his life priorities, leading him to embrace the tranquility of life on the water.

His daughter, Savannah Jonkman, expressed mixed feelings about her father’s choice to live aboard a boat. “But the boat made me the popular person in my friend group,” she said. “He seems happier being so self-sufficient. I’ve seen him become more sure of himself.”

Life on the boat has also allowed Jonkman to reconnect with himself. “I’ve learned there’s a lot I could tolerate that I didn’t think I could,” he stated. He has taken his boat on adventures throughout the Chicago area and along the Mississippi River, forging new connections with other boaters along the way. “On the water, everyone has something in common,” he noted.

Despite the challenges of living on a boat, including unpredictable weather and the need for constant maintenance, Jonkman embraces each day with optimism. “I feel more settled now than ever,” he said, reflecting on the journey that has taken him from a successful career in cybersecurity to a peaceful existence on the water.

As he prepares for his winter migration south, Jonkman remains committed to his unconventional lifestyle. “I still don’t know what the f— I’m going to do,” he admitted, but he is content to let the waves guide him. His story highlights the unique paths individuals can take in pursuit of happiness, finding joy in simplicity and the beauty of life aboard a houseboat.