Val Warner ABC7 Chicago Bio: Age, Husband, Son & Net Worth

Val Warner Biography: Host of ABC 7’s Windy City Weekend

Val Warner is an Emmy Award-winning American television host, anchor, and journalist best known for her work at ABC7 Chicago (WLS-TV).

She co-hosts Windy City Weekend and anchors the morning news at 6 a.m. as well as the station’s 7 a.m. streaming show.

With her warm personality, sharp interviewing skills, and deep ties to the Chicago community, Warner has become a trusted and beloved figure in local broadcasting.

Early Life and Education

Born in South Central Los Angeles, Warner grew up in a family with roots in Chicago, often spending holidays with relatives in the city.

She credits her upbringing for keeping her grounded. Her interest in journalism began in high school after meeting Los Angeles anchor Pat Harvey, who inspired her to pursue a career in broadcasting.

Warner earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of California, San Diego in 1996. Her mother, Diane Jackson, has been one of her strongest influences throughout her journey.

Career

Warner began her career in the late 1990s, working as a reporter and evening anchor at WEYI-TV in Flint, Michigan, where she also co-hosted the lifestyle show Mommy Test.

She later joined KGTV, the ABC affiliate in San Diego, before moving to Chicago in 2005 to become a traffic reporter for WGN-TV Morning News. Her helicopter traffic reports quickly made her a recognizable face in the city.

In July 2005, Warner transitioned to ABC7 Chicago, initially anchoring the 5 a.m. newscast. She rose to prominence in 2011 as co-host of Windy City LIVE alongside Ryan Chiaverini.

The show, which replaced The Oprah Winfrey Show, ran for a decade and evolved into Windy City Weekend in 2021. The program blends entertainment, celebrity interviews, lifestyle features, and community-focused discussions.

Over the years, Warner has conducted high-profile interviews with Robin Roberts, Barbara Walters, Michelle Obama, Chance the Rapper, Common, David Muir, Spike Lee, Jane Lynch, and Anthony Anderson, among others. She has also taken on sensitive issues, including race relations, domestic violence, bullying, breast cancer awareness, and violence prevention in Chicago.

Beyond the talk show, Warner co-hosts major ABC7 specials such as the Chicago Lights Festival, the Bud Billiken Parade, and the New Year’s Eve special Countdown Chicago.

She has also highlighted inclusive neighborhoods during Pride Month and covered stories of resilience and community strength, including her exclusive interview with Karla Lee, the mother of 9-year-old Tyshawn Lee.

Awards and Recognition

Warner’s work has earned her several Chicago Emmy Awards, including recognition for specials on bullying, breast cancer, and violence prevention.

She also received an Emmy for her role in Countdown Chicago. With more than two decades in broadcast journalism, she remains a highly respected and versatile voice in Chicago media.

Personal Life

Warner has also spoken publicly about surviving domestic violence, using her platform to empower others while remaining actively involved in charity galas, fundraisers, and community initiatives across Chicago.

Val Warner Age:

Val Warner is 51 years old as of 2025, with her birthday on March 11, 1974. Her zodiac sign is Pisces. She is of African American ethnicity and holds American nationality.

Val Warner Parents and Siblings:

Val Warner was born and raised in South Central Los Angeles, California, where she grew up with a bi-coastal upbringing—spending most of her time with her parents in Los Angeles while regularly visiting family in Chicago.

This connection to Chicago would later influence her decision to relocate there in 2005, a move that marked the start of her long career in Chicago media.

She graduated from the University of California, San Diego, in 1996 with a Bachelor of Arts degree, crediting the strong support of her family for helping shape her path.

Parents

Val’s mother, Diane Jackson, has played a central role in her life. A retired English teacher, part-time tutor, and writing coach, Diane is well known to Val’s fans for her warm but candid personality.

She has made multiple appearances on Windy City LIVE and Windy City Weekend, often sharing family stories—including how Val got her name—and even playfully critiquing her daughter’s on-air outfits.

In 2021, she joined the celebration of the show’s 10th anniversary, and in 2024, she contributed to a heartfelt birthday tribute for Val’s 50th.

Val often refers to her mother affectionately as “Ms. Diane Jackson” and credits her for much of her inspiration and strength.

Little is publicly known about Val’s father, as she has chosen to keep that part of her family life private.

Val Warner sister

Val has one sister, Rae (Instagram: @nthedetail), whom she affectionately calls her “seester.” The two share a close bond that Val often highlights, saying, “There is no me without her, and I couldn’t imagine going through life without her.” They even got matching tattoos in January 2020, symbolizing their unbreakable connection.

Rae has been actively present in family life—whether it’s dropping off treats for Val’s children, sharing in family milestones, or leading fitness sessions together. It was also Rae who named Val as a baby, a detail Diane revealed on-air.

Val and Rae’s bond extends to the next generation as well. Rae’s son, Brandon, is Val’s nephew, and she occasionally shares moments of their family life with her audience.

Though Val has no brothers, she has often described her long-time co-host Ryan Chiaverini as “the brother she never had.”

Val Warner Husband:

Val Warner is currently married to Elijah “Jobba” Maxey Jr., a motivational life coach, mentor, entrepreneur, and community advocate.

The couple became engaged in late 2020, with Warner announcing the news on January 3, 2021, by sharing her ring on Instagram.

The surprise proposal, arranged with help from her co-host Ryan Chiaverini, was emotional and left Warner in tears. She spoke about the moment the following day on Windy City Live.

Their wedding was held in 2021. Initially planned for July 31, 2021, the ceremony was later celebrated as a destination wedding, with some reports pointing to November 18, 2021, as the final date. Guests and the couple used hashtags such as #caliandjabtothemaxey to mark the occasion.

Since their marriage, Warner has often expressed how Maxey brings happiness and freedom to her life. The two frequently appear together publicly, including on podcasts where they openly discuss their relationship, describing how they balance love with what they call “passionate debates.”

Elijah Maxey Jr.

Maxey is deeply involved in community work, serving as a case manager, mentor, and coach. He works with organizations such as 100 Black Men of Chicago, Strong Futures, and the Omega Psi Phi fraternity.

His dedication has earned him honors, including Be the Miracle 2022 Honoree and MTE 2023 Mentor of the Year.

An entrepreneur, he runs a clothing brand called BRND and has also appeared on Warner’s show, even making a surprise guest appearance in April 2023.

Most recently, in March 2024, he toasted Warner during her 50th birthday celebration on Windy City Weekend.

In some social settings, Warner now goes by Val Warner Maxey. Together, they blend their family life, with Maxey building a close bond with Warner’s two children from her first marriage.

Previous Relationships

Warner’s personal journey has included both heartbreak and resilience.

• First Marriage (1999–2008): She married a man whose name has not been made public. He passed away around 2008, leaving Warner widowed. The couple had two children together:

  • Zoe (born 2003)

  • Max (born 2007)
    After his passing, Warner raised her children as a single mother, often speaking about the challenges and pride of doing so.

• Engagement to Jeff Cartwright (2013–2017): Warner later dated Jeff Cartwright, an Illinois State Police Special Agent. They became engaged on March 4, 2013, with a celebration at Hotel 71 in Chicago. A wedding was scheduled for September 2014 but never took place, and the relationship ended around 2017.

Val Warner’s Daughter

Warner’s daughter, Zoe, has appeared in family posts and social media videos, including TikToks and Instagram takeovers. Active in track and school events, she maintains a close relationship with her mother, who often highlights their bond online.

Current Status

As of September 2025, Val Warner remains happily married to Elijah Maxey Jr., balancing her career, family life, and community involvement with openness and authenticity.

Val Warner Son Football Player:

Val Warner’s son is Maxwell “Max” Warner, an 18-year-old high school football player (running back and defensive back) at Whitney Young Magnet High School in Chicago. He stands at 5’10” and weighs 190 pounds, with a 3.7 GPA.

Max committed to play college football at the University of Missouri (Mizzou) in June 2025 as part of the class of 2026. He also competes in track and field, earning All-American honors twice, with personal bests including 22.65 in the 200m dash and 22-6 in the long jump.

Val Warner Height, Weight:

Val Warner stands at 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) tall and maintains a weight of about 145–155 pounds (66–70 kg). She has a curvy, athletic build with body measurements of approximately 36-25-38 inches.

She is known for her striking black hair and warm brown eyes, features that complement her vibrant on-screen presence.

Val Warner ABC7 Career Timeline:

Val Warner’s career at ABC7 Chicago (WLS-TV) has been defined by her versatility, blending daytime talk television, morning news anchoring, and special community programming. Since joining the station in 2011, she has become one of Chicago’s most recognizable and respected media personalities.

Joining WLS-TV and the Launch of Windy City LIVE

• Background: In 2011, ABC7 Chicago was preparing to fill the 9 a.m. time slot left vacant after the retirement of The Oprah Winfrey Show, which had dominated local television for nearly 30 years.

• Hiring (February 2011): Val Warner, then a morning co-anchor and traffic reporter at WGN-TV, was selected from hundreds of candidates to co-host the new show alongside sports anchor Ryan Chiaverini.

• Premiere (May 26, 2011): The new daytime talk and entertainment program, Windy City LIVE (WCL), debuted, spotlighting Chicago stories, celebrity interviews, politics, lifestyle, and community issues.

The Era of Windy City LIVE (2011–2021)

• Tenure: Warner co-hosted Windy City LIVE for a full decade, from May 2011 until its final episode on September 3, 2021—a rare milestone for a locally produced daytime talk show.

• On-Air Presence: Known for her warmth, humor, and relatability, she developed strong chemistry with Ryan Chiaverini, which became a hallmark of the show’s success.

• Recognition: The show won multiple Chicago Emmy Awards for specials addressing critical topics such as bullying, breast cancer, and violence prevention. Warner herself also received an Emmy for her role in ABC7’s New Year’s Eve special, COUNTDOWN CHICAGO.

• Notable Interviews: Warner interviewed a wide range of high-profile figures, including Michelle Obama, Spike Lee, Robin Roberts, Barbara Walters, Chance the Rapper, Common, and David Muir.

• Special Programming: In addition to WCL, she co-hosted ABC7’s major community broadcasts such as the Chicago Lights Festival, the Bud Billiken Parade, and the annual COUNTDOWN CHICAGO celebration.

Transition to Windy City Weekend

• Cancellation of WCL (September 2021): After 10 years, ABC7 announced the end of Windy City LIVE.

• Spin-Off Launch (September 10, 2021): Warner and Chiaverini transitioned into hosting Windy City Weekend, a weekly Friday program that previews weekend events and continues the “Windy City” brand. The show blends celebrity features, lifestyle content, and community highlights.

Return to News Anchoring

• March 2022: Warner filled in as anchor for ABC7’s Eyewitness News morning broadcast, marking her first return to news anchoring since leaving WGN in 2011.

• By October 2022: She became the permanent anchor of the 6 a.m. newscast and 7 a.m. streaming show, expanding her role beyond entertainment into daily news coverage.

• Expanded Contributions: Alongside anchoring, Warner continues to co-host Windy City Weekend and contribute to community-centered segments such as “Neighborhood Walks” (exploring Chicago neighborhoods), “Friday Flyover” (featuring local high schools), and reports on topics like food insecurity and Pride Month events.

Legacy at ABC7 Chicago

For over a decade, Val Warner has remained a trusted and engaging presence at ABC7. Her career reflects a rare balance of journalistic credibility, talk-show charisma, and community connection, making her a staple of Chicago broadcasting.

Warner’s Notable Colleagues at ABC7 Chicago

Val also collaborates with producers, field reporters, and contributors during special events like the Chicago Lights Festival and the Bud Billiken Parade, where she often co-hosts with Ryan Chiaverini.

Val Warner Illness:

There is no publicly documented major illness or ongoing health issue for Val Warner based on available sources.

She has shared stories about others’ health challenges, such as a relative’s battle with pneumococcal meningitis, and has discussed her own experiences with domestic violence as a survivor, but no personal chronic illnesses are mentioned.

Val Warner Weight Loss:

Val Warner has been open about her health and weight loss journey, sharing both successes and challenges with her audience.

In 2017, she lost over 20 pounds through the Dherbs Full Body Cleanse, a raw vegan program she documented on Windy City LIVE and Steve Harvey’s show. She maintained the results for about six months before experiencing gradual weight regain.

Since 2020, Warner has embraced a more consistent approach to wellness, focusing on clean eating, regular workouts, and sustainable habits.

She has emphasized the importance of not stopping once goals are reached, particularly after celebrating her 50th birthday. Alongside exercise, she has also tried tools like red light therapy for skin tightening and recovery.

Fitness and Motivation

Warner frequently shares her fitness routines and motivational reflections on social media. After the 2018 holiday season, she joked about “holiday love handles” while encouraging followers to restart their workouts.

In 2019, she posted a flashback photo noting she was 17 pounds lighter at the time, using it as motivation to return to healthier habits.

These updates highlight her commitment to staying active while acknowledging that progress comes with ups and downs.

Health Advocacy and Community Involvement

Beyond her personal wellness, Warner has actively supported community health causes. She has partnered with organizations like Ronald McDonald House Charities (2016) and taken part in events raising awareness and funds for breast and ovarian cancer (2015).

Through her platform at ABC 7, Warner has co-hosted Emmy Award–winning specials on topics such as breast cancer awareness, bullying, and violence prevention, reinforcing her role as both a journalist and an advocate for healthier, safer communities.

Current Health and Public Engagement

Warner continues to demonstrate her commitment to health through public participation.

In January 2025, she donated blood live on air during the Great Chicago Blood Drive, underscoring her strong health and eligibility to give back.

She also joined the 2024 Rise to Shine Run & Walk, further reflecting her active lifestyle and dedication to physical well-being.

Val Warner Net Worth and Salary:

Val Warner’s estimated net worth ranges from $1 million to $5 million, accumulated through her long career in television journalism and hosting. Her annual salary is estimated to be between $100,000 and $500,000.

Is Val Warner Married?

Yes, Val Warner is married to Elijah “Jobba” Maxey Jr. since 2021.

What Does Val Warner Husband Do For a Living?

Val Warner’s husband, Jobba Maxey, is a fashion entrepreneur who launched the “BRND” clothing line in 2021 and is known as a social media fashion trendsetter.

He also works as an operations manager and sports partnership engagement leader, with experience in basketball coaching, mentoring, and community navigation roles.

How Old Is Val Warner?

Val Warner was born on March 11, 1974, which makes her 51 years old as of 2025.

What Happened to Val Warner and Jeff Cartwright?

Val Warner and Jeff Cartwright, an Illinois State Police Special Agent, got engaged in 2013 and announced a wedding date for September 2014, hosting an engagement party with friends and family.

However, they did not proceed with the marriage and eventually split, as Val later married Jobba Maxey in 2021. No public details explain the exact reason for their breakup.

Where Is Val Warner?

Val Warner is currently based in Chicago, Illinois, where she continues her work as a morning news anchor for ABC7 Chicago and co-host of Windy City Weekend.

She anchors the Eyewitness News at 6 a.m. and the 7 a.m. streaming show, and appears every Friday on Windy City Weekend alongside Ryan Chiaverini.

She’s also active in community events like the Chicago Lights Festival and the Bud Billiken Parade, and recently participated in neighborhood tours such as her walk through Lakeview.

Summary Table

Sources:

• Val Warner – ABC7 Chicago: https://abc7chicago.com/about/newsteam/val-warner

• Real Life: Val Warner – Chicago Parent: https://www.chicagoparent.com/parenting/you/real-life-val-warner/

• Articles by Val Warner – WLS-TV (Chicago, IL) Journalist – Muck Rack: https://muckrack.com/val-warner/articles

• Real Talk: Val Warner – CHICAGO CURATED: https://curated-chicago.com/articles/2019/3/7/pranayama-explained-5-techniques-to-get-you-started-x388x-c3y5z

• Former Mayor Lori Lightfoot showcases her Logan Square in ‘Our Chicago: Neighborhood Walk’: https://abc7chicago.com/post/val-warner-joins-former-mayor-lori-lightfoot-she-showcases-logan-square-chicago-neighborhood-walk/17526175/

• Celebrating Black History Month with ABC Chicago’s Val Warner: https://www.tmsw.com/trending/celebrating-black-history-month-with-abc-chicagos-val-warner/

• Valerie Warner says compassionate communication is secret to her success: https://blackpressusa.com/valerie-warner-says-compassionate-communication-is-secret-to-her-success/

• Fri-YAY! Val Warner is cartwheeling into the weekend – Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cxfs6oYt9CA/

• Domestic Violence Awareness: Val Warner shares her survivor story: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-NBrApKE6UM

• Val Warner – Ragan Communications: https://www.ragan.com/ragan_speakers/val-warner/