The Staley Sports Bar Opens in South Loop as Former Bear Israel Idonije Expands Neighborhood Dining Scene

By Socialhood News · Il/Chicago/South Loop · January 18, 2026

Former Chicago Bear Israel Idonije and acclaimed chef Stephen Gillanders are bringing a fresh dining option to South Loop with "The Staley," a high-energy neighborhood sports bar set to open Monday, January 27. The venue promises to be a welcoming community space where, according to Idonije, "everyone feels welcome" whether they're there for a big game or a casual night out.

The menu offers a creative take on traditional sports bar favorites, featuring shareable platters and hearty game-day dishes. Gillanders, who brings his culinary expertise from multiple successful restaurants, emphasizes that The Staley delivers "the same attention to quality and creativity that guests love at Signature but in a fun, high-energy environment." The bar's name pays homage to Chicago's storied football history, referencing A.E. Staley, who founded the Bears in 1920. Patrons can expect plenty of draft beers, draft cocktails, and even a signature hard seltzer called Bears Claw. Food options include crowd-pleasers like nachos, burgers, mozzarella sticks, chicken fingers and wings – all executed with the attention to detail that Gillanders is known for in his other venues.

Located at 1736 S. Michigan Avenue in the space previously occupied by Kroll's (which closed during the pandemic), The Staley represents another step in Idonije's mission to enhance dining options in his home neighborhood. Idonije and Gillanders previously found success with Signature, their fine dining spot that debuted last year. South Loop residents can look forward to even more neighborhood enhancements from Idonije, whose future plans include Egg Bunni (a breakfast sandwich shop), a martini bar with live music, an ice cream shop, and eventually a 154-room hotel near McCormick Place. "We're trying to build that synergy," Idonije explains about his focus on South Loop development.

Sources:
1. https://www.chicagostarmedia.com/candid_candace/israel-idonije-and-stephen-gillanders-tackle-chicago-with-the-staley/article_7d9538ee-d9aa-11ef-98ca-ef0b15053285.html
2. https://www.chicagobusiness.com/restaurants/israel-idonije-stephen-gillanders-open-staley-south-loop
3. http://www.sloopin.com/
4. https://www.chicagomag.com/chicago-magazine/january-2026/how-an-ex-bear-is-growing-his-south-loop-eatery-empire/