Chicago Creative Investors Association

What Chicago Creative Investors Association does

Chicago Creative Investors Association (CCIA) is a non-profit membership association co-founded in 1983 by M. Jane Garvey and operating continuously since 1984. Headquartered at P.O. Box 495 in Glen Ellyn, Illinois, CCIA delivers real estate investment education, motivation, and networking to Chicagoland-area individual investors — both newcomers and seasoned operators — through monthly meetings, full-day training workshops, and a Have/Want property-deal board. Its stated reach is 4,000+ area investors, served alongside National REIA's roughly 40,000 nationwide members through its chartered chapter status.

The organization's underlying stack is deliberately simple and consumer-grade. CCIA operates no proprietary software: Zoom hosts its monthly virtual meetings; Mailchimp (powered by us6.list-manage.com subscription forms) drives a private email newsletter; a Wix-hosted website at ccia-info.com handles membership sign-up via PayPal or credit card, content delivery, and event listings. The "product" is the recurring community gathering, the curated library of articles written by M. Jane Garvey, and bundled access to a vendor-discount network inherited from National REIA — not a software platform.

Revenue comes almost entirely from membership dues — $99 for a one-year term or $149 for two years — which grant free admission to monthly meetings, discounts on paid workshops, and access to roughly 20 partner discounts including a Home Depot 2% biannual rebate. CCIA does not disclose revenue. CCIA is chartered as a chapter of the National Real Estate Investors Association (National REIA, a 501(c)(6) federation) and is a member of the Illinois Rental Property Owners Association (IRPOA), through which it participates in legislative advocacy in Springfield. Operating costs are minimal: Pam Kowalczyk, the office manager and website designer, has freelanced for CCIA since 2004, and the rest of the team — including Sameena Khalfan, Steve Smullin, and Tony Guisto — is volunteer.

Name

Chicago Creative Investors Association

Legal name

Chicago Creative Investors Association

Website

https://ccia-info.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1984

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Chicago Creative Investors Association is a Glen Ellyn, Illinois-based non-profit founded in 1984 that delivers real estate investment education and networking to 4,000+ Chicagoland-area investors through monthly Zoom meetings, training workshops, and National-REIA-vended member discounts.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Glen Ellyn

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Dues: CCIA generates revenue primarily through annual and biennial membership fees. Members receive access to monthly meetings, educational content, networking opportunities, and exclusive partner discounts with vendors like Home Depot.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

CCIA sells membership subscriptions to individual real estate investors, granting access to monthly educational Zoom meetings, full-day training workshops and boot camps, a property Have/Want deal-sharing board, legislative advocacy through IRPOA, and a portfolio of vendor discount programs (e.g., Home Depot 2% biannual rebate, ODP Business Solutions, Rent Perfect). Memberships are sold at $99/year or $149/2-years, with discounted or free workshops/events layered on top of the core subscription.

Product overview

Chicago Creative Investors Association (CCIA) is a membership-based real estate investment education and networking organization, not a technology product company. It provides real estate investing education through monthly Zoom meetings, training events, workshops, and webinars. CCIA offers membership plans ($99/year or $149 for 2 years) that include access to National REIA's preferred vendor discount programs, educational content, legislative advocacy through IRPOA, networking opportunities, and a services directory. The organization does not offer a software product, platform, or technology-as-a-service offering.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• 1-Year CCIA Membership Annual membership subscription priced at $99/year that grants 12 months of admission to CCIA monthly meetings, access to National REIA's Preferred Vendor Program (e.g., Home Depot, ODP Business Solutions), and discounts on select educational programs and workshops. Targeted at individual real estate investors and rental property owners.
• 2-Year CCIA Membership (Best Value) Biennial membership subscription priced at $149 for 2 years that includes 24 months of free admission to CCIA monthly meetings, half-price second year, a free second person on the membership, access to National REIA's Preferred Vendor Program, and discounts on select educational programs and workshops. Targeted at individual real estate investors seeking longer-term value.
• Monthly Educational Meetings
• Full-Day Training Workshops and Boot Camps
• In-Person Networking/CashFlow Events
• IRPOA Monthly Legislative Update Calls

Quantifiable outcome

• 2% biannual rebate with Home Depot for qualifying purchases
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers2 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles1 record

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

31 partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship, preferred, additional and minor.

• National REIAcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCCIA is a Chapter of the National Real Estate Investors Association, a 501(c)(6) non-profit trade association. National REIA represents approximately 40,000 members across the U.S. and is the largest broad-based organization dedicated to the individual investor. Benefits include vendor discount programs, legislative advocacy, and educational resources.
• Illinois Rental Property Owners Association (IRPOA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCCIA is a member of the Illinois Rental Property Owners Association (IRPOA). IRPOA is active on the legislative scene in Springfield, keeping up to date on new laws and 'fighting for fairness' on proposed legislation. Jane Garvey is founding President of IRPOA and still active on its board and Political Action Committee.
• The Home DepotflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerCCIA/NREIA members earn an extra 2% Bi-Annual Rebate from The Home Depot for in-store and online purchases. Additional benefits include 20% off interior & exterior paints, primers and stains (Behr, Kilz, PPG & Zinsser), volume pricing, and access to exclusive cabinet programs. Requires minimum $12,500 spend per 6-month period.
• Rent PerfectflagshipTechnology or IntegrationTenant screening and property management platform. CCIA members receive discounted $0.95 set up fee (vs $9.95 regular). Services include credit checks through Experian, criminal background screening, eviction records, digital lease agreements, and online rent payment collection.
• Millennial Specialty InsuranceflagshipTechnology or IntegrationUnique, intelligently designed insurance coverage for real estate investors and tenants. No underwriting or inspections required. Services include investor residential property insurance, renter contents and liability insurance, and flood insurance. 24/7 desktop and smartphone certificate delivery.
• CamaPlanpreferredTechnology or IntegrationSelf-directed retirement account options including IRAs, 401ks, and HSAs for alternative investments such as real estate. NREIA members can save up to $784 including free consultation, one year VIP customer service, and $1 account setup. No annual fees until first investment.
• 1024 WealthpreferredTechnology or IntegrationFinancial education and wealth building services including Private Family Banking Systems, Asset & Liability Protection, Financial Literacy, Generational Planning, Debt Control, and Alternative Retirement Strategies using the Infinite Banking Concept.
• DealMachinepreferredTechnology or IntegrationLead generation and property marketing tool. Special offer includes 7-day free trial with unlimited free skip tracing, 500 free call minutes, and 50 free postcards. Database of over 150 million properties across the United States with driving-for-dollars functionality.
• Foreclosure.comadditionalTechnology or IntegrationForeclosure listings database. CCIA members receive 25% off subscription rates. Database includes bank-owned homes, government foreclosures (Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, HUD), preforeclosure listings, REO properties, and foreclosure auctions. Updated at least twice daily.
• HomeworthiadditionalTechnology or IntegrationHousing market investment forecasts and data service. CCIA members receive free Data Portal access and 33% off Homeworthi Pro ($40/month vs $60/month standard rate). Provides short, medium, and long term investment forecasts for neighborhoods, counties, and regions.
• ODP Business SolutionsadditionalGTM or Marketing PartnerOffice supplies and business solutions program. Benefits include up to 55% off on office supplies, up to 55% off on cleaning & breakroom items, 15% off branded ink & toner, 20% off private brand ink & toner, and free next-day shipping on orders of $50 or more.
• REI ProadditionalTechnology or IntegrationReal estate investing software platform. National REIA members receive 20% off all REI Pro packages. Features include nationwide seller & buyer leads, direct mail engine, professional marketing tools, deal analyzer, real estate CRM, contracts & forms, and skip trace reports.
• REIAsure - LIG InsuranceadditionalTechnology or IntegrationInsurance products for real estate investors including Residential Rent Guarantee (covers up to 3 months of tenant rent for as little as $35/month), renter's insurance, health insurance, Medicare products, and SES Master Policy for small multifamily dwellings.
• Title Search DirectadditionalTechnology or IntegrationTitle search and property intelligence service. Provides actionable title intelligence on any US residential address BEFORE making an offer. NREIA members receive 10% off any report. Services include Current Owner Search, 2 Owner Search, Full Search, and Updates.
• Build-A-SignadditionalGTM or Marketing PartnerCustom sign retailer. National REIA members save up to 20% on retractable banners, yard signs, vinyl banners and accessories.
• FedExadditionalGTM or Marketing PartnerShipping discounts including 45% off FedEx Priority Overnight, 45% off FedEx Standard Overnight, 45% off FedEx 2Day, 25% off FedEx Ground, and 25% off FedEx Home Delivery.
• CallFireadditionalTechnology or IntegrationText and calling solutions for customer engagement. National REIA members receive discounted rates of 3 cents per Voice Broadcast and 2.5 cents for Text Broadcast.
• Constant ContactadditionalTechnology or IntegrationEmail marketing platform for small businesses. National REIA members receive up to 25% off, including 10% off monthly, 20% off 6-month pre-pay, or 25% off 12-month pre-pay plans.
• HammerZenadditionalTechnology or IntegrationQuickBooks integration tool for importing Home Depot receipts and purchase statements. National REIA members receive a free 30-day trial and discount on monthly payments. Intuit-approved app compatible with QuickBooks Online, Pro, Premier, Accountant, and Enterprise versions.
• PartnerShipadditionalGTM or Marketing PartnerFreight shipping services through TForce Freight, YRC, XPO, Saia, and others. Helps members ship smarter whether shipping a single pallet or full truckload.
• Avis/Budget Car RentaladditionalGTM or Marketing PartnerCar rental discounts for CCIA/NREIA members. Avis Worldwide Discount code: T866500; Budget Customer Discount code: Z657900.
• AccruitadditionalTechnology or Integration1031 exchange service provider. Specializes in complex exchange transactions with patented technology, fully paperless process, electronic signatures, and automated critical deadline reminders.
• Local Market MonitoradditionalTechnology or IntegrationResidential market insight and risk analysis tool. National REIA members receive 25% discount on all purchases of Personal Investor Market Reports.
• Rebuilding Together - AuroraminorOthersNon-profit organization repairing homes, revitalizing communities and transforming lives. CCIA members volunteer on community work days including Days of Service, Military Veterans projects, and National Rebuilding Day in April.
• Toys for TotsminorOthersMarine Toys for Tots Foundation. CCIA supports by encouraging members to donate new, unwrapped age-appropriate toys, books, puzzles, gift cards for clothing/food/electronics, games, and sports equipment.
• Bourjas LawminorOthersDany Bourjas - Real estate and commercial law attorney in Oak Lawn, IL. Provides residential and commercial real estate law and business law services.
• Cunningham & Company, Ltd.minorOthersJim Cunningham CPA - Full-service accounting firm in Geneva, IL. CCIA members receive 50% discount ($150 vs $300) for initial one-on-one educational consultation.
• Mages & Price, LLCminorOthersGary Mages, Attorney - Real estate law services in Buffalo Grove, IL. CCIA members receive 10% discount.
• On Target Home InspectionminorOthersHome inspection services for Chicagoland real estate investors. Joe Ziolkowski provides oral reports on site and detailed electronic reports.
• Zednem Title Services LLCminorOthersFull-service title insurance, escrow, and closing services provider in Northern Illinois. CCIA members receive $500 rebate.
• Your House AcademyminorOthersIllinois State-Licensed Real Estate School. CCIA members receive 10% discount on classes. Offers 90-hour pre-license course for real estate licensing exam preparation.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Direct peers

• National Real Estate Investors Association (National REIA): National REIA is the parent federation of which CCIA is a chapter. It is the most directly comparable peer because it operates the same trade-association model for individual real estate investors, negotiates the national vendor discount programs CCIA members use, and serves as the structural and governance parent for local REIA chapters.
• Fortune Builders: Fortune Builders is a paid real estate investor education and mentoring company offering live events, coaching programs, and training. It competes for the same 'education and motivation' positioning as CCIA but operates a higher-priced, mentor-led curriculum rather than a local membership model.
• Georgia REIA: Georgia REIA is a long-running state-level real estate investor association with monthly meetings, education, and vendor partnerships. It is a direct functional peer because it mirrors CCIA's structure, programming, and member benefits, but operates in a different regional market.
• Florida REIA: Florida REIA is a state-level real estate investor association running monthly meetings, education, and networking in Florida. It is a direct functional peer to CCIA because of its similar association structure, monthly-meeting cadence, and member-benefit vendor partnerships.
• Rich Dad Education: Rich Dad Education delivers real estate investing workshops, training programs, and events to individual investors. It targets the same educational and motivational demand as CCIA but through branded, multi-city live events rather than ongoing monthly chapter meetings.

Regional players

• Real Estate Investment Network (REIN): REIN is a Canadian real estate investor association with monthly meetings, education, and member benefits. It is structurally similar to CCIA as a regional investor association but serves a different national geography.

Emerging players

• Roofstock Academy: Roofstock Academy is an online real estate investing education platform associated with the Roofstock single-family rental marketplace. It targets the same individual investor audience with structured courses and content but delivers digitally rather than through a local association.
• BiggerPockets: BiggerPockets is the largest online real estate investing community and education platform, offering forums, articles, podcasts, calculators, and paid tools/memberships. It competes for the same individual-investor audience as CCIA but through a free, digital, nationwide model rather than a paid local association.

Others

• American Real Estate and Urban Economics Association (AREUEA): AREUEA is an academic and professional association focused on real estate and urban economics research. It is a thematic peer in that it is a membership-based real estate organization, but it serves researchers and academics rather than individual investors.

Broad incumbents

• National Association of Realtors (NAR): NAR is the largest U.S. trade association for real estate professionals. It is a broad incumbent peer because it operates at massive scale with advocacy, education, and member benefits, but its focus is licensed real estate practitioners rather than individual real estate investors.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/profile.php
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/groups/1796921

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Chicago Creative Investors Association