JLL Hired Major Brokerage Team in Chicago
The addition of six senior brokers from CBRE signals a move to boost commercial real estate services for tech and life sciences.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Commercial
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JLL has hired a six-person brokerage team away from rival firm CBRE to bolster its presence in the Chicago commercial real estate market. The team, which includes former CBRE vice chairmen, will focus on specialized facilities for the tech and life sciences sectors.
Why it matters
The firm-hopping move highlights the competitive environment for top brokerage talent in Chicago, where firms are increasingly relying on advanced data and analytics platforms to secure high-profile deals. The shift aims to capture more business in rapidly developing sectors like research and laboratory space.
JLL recruited a team of six brokers from CBRE to lead its expansion efforts in the Chicago market. These brokers have previously managed major tenant activity, including deals in high-demand areas like Fulton Market.
The players
JLL
A global real estate services firm that manages commercial properties and provides brokerage services for institutional and corporate tenants.
CBRE
A large commercial real estate services provider that manages office, industrial, and retail brokerage operations for business clients.
Dan Lyne
A senior broker and former vice chairman at CBRE who led significant corporate real estate transactions.
Kyle Kamin
A real estate professional who represented major tech firms in significant Chicago office and redevelopment projects.
Jon Milonas
A brokerage leader who facilitated the entry of corporate tenants into key commercial redevelopments in Chicago.
The details
The new team will transition to JLL with a specialized mandate to service the tech, life sciences, financial, and professional services sectors. By leveraging JLL's data and analytics infrastructure, the group intends to provide refined location strategies for firms seeking office, tech, or research facility space. The group previously managed prominent Chicago developments, including the relocation of Google to Fulton Market and the acquisition of the Thompson Center.
Timeline
Dan Lyne began his tenure at CBRE in 2013.
Money Landscape
This move reflects a broader industry trend where commercial brokerages consolidate talent to dominate specialized real estate hubs like Fulton Market. It highlights the shifting focus of major firms toward high-growth sectors such as tech and life sciences research facilities.
Business leaders looking for specialized lab or office space in Chicago may see an increase in competitive service offerings from top-tier brokerages. Property owners and corporate tenants should consult with a qualified real estate professional to understand how shifts in brokerage expertise affect lease negotiations.
The takeaway
Commercial real estate firms are betting on specialized data and tech-sector expertise to win high-value corporate accounts in the Chicago market. Interested stakeholders should keep track of how these high-profile talent shifts influence the availability of research and office space in key business districts.
Further reading
For more on local market shifts, read the latest Commercial developments.
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