Val Warner is an Emmy Award-winning television host and journalist who anchors ABC 7 Eyewitness News and co-hosts Windy City Weekend. She is widely recognized for her engaging personality, warmth, and commitment to Chicago’s community. Val has become one of the city’s most beloved television personalities through her work on morning news and daytime talk shows.
Quick Wiki/Bio about Val Warner
| Field | Details |
| Full name | Valerie Warner |
| Gender | Female |
| Date of birth | March 11, 1974 |
| Age | 51 years old (as of February 2026) |
| Place of birth | Los Angeles, California, USA |
| Current residence | Chicago, Illinois, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | African American |
| Zodiac sign | Pisces |
| Religion | Christian |
| Sexual orientation | Straight |
| Height | 5 ft 8 in (173 cm) |
| Weight | Approx. 150 lbs (68 kg) |
| Hair colour | Black |
| Eye colour | Brown |
| Marital status | Married |
| Spouse | Elijah “Jobba” Maxey Jr. |
| Children | 2 (Zoe Warner and Maxwell Warner) |
| Alma mater | University of California, San Diego |
| Profession | Television host, news anchor, journalist |
| Net worth | $2-3.5 million (estimated) |
Who is Val Warner?
Val Warner is an accomplished television personality who has made her mark in Chicago broadcasting for over two decades.
She currently anchors ABC 7 Eyewitness News at 6 a.m. and the 7 a.m. streaming show while co-hosting Windy City Weekend on Friday afternoons.
Her sparkle, sense of humor, and genuine warmth have made her a fixture in Chicago homes since she arrived in the city in 2005.
Born Valerie Warner in Los Angeles, California, Val grew up in South Central LA with family roots tracing back to Chicago.
She spent her childhood traveling between the West Coast and Chicago, visiting family members in the Windy City.
This bi-coastal upbringing gave her a unique perspective that would later serve her well in her broadcasting career.
How old is Val Warner? Age and birthday
Val Warner is 51 years old as of February 2026. She was born on March 11, 1974, in Los Angeles, California. Her zodiac sign is Pisces.
The television host celebrated her milestone 50th birthday in March 2024 with a grand celebration in Chicago’s Fulton Market, surrounded by family, friends, and colleagues from ABC 7 Chicago.
Val Warner’s height, weight, and body measurements
Val Warner stands 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) tall and weighs approximately 150 pounds (68 kg). The Emmy-winning host has been open about her fitness journey over the years.
She previously lost 20 pounds and has shared her weight loss experiences with viewers on Windy City LIVE.
Val works out regularly with a personal trainer and has been vocal about her commitment to health and wellness.
She has documented her fitness transformation on social media, showing before-and-after photos that inspired many of her followers.
Val has credited consistency, clean eating, and regular workout routines for maintaining her physique, especially after turning 50.
What is Val Warner’s net worth and salary?
As of 2026, Val Warner’s net worth is estimated between $2 million and $3.5 million. She earns an annual salary of approximately $100,000 from her work at ABC 7 Chicago.
Val has built this fortune through her two-decade career in television broadcasting, including her roles as morning news anchor, talk show host, actress, and emcee.
Her income sources include her ABC 7 salary, endorsements, speaking engagements, and appearances at Chicago events.
Val is represented by speaking agencies including SMG Speakers and Ragan Communications, where she commands fees for corporate events, conferences, and community gatherings.
Career
Early beginnings
Val Warner’s journalism career began almost 30 years ago in Roswell, New Mexico, where she worked as a one-person band—serving as reporter, photographer, editor, and whatever else the station needed.
She graduated from the University of California at San Diego in 1996 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications.
During her college years, Val spent three of her four years interning at local television stations, which gave her hands-on experience and confirmed her passion for broadcasting.
She knew she wanted to be a journalist when she was a senior in high school, inspired by her love of storytelling and connecting with people.
Move to Chicago
Val Warner moved to Chicago in 2005, joining WGN-TV as a traffic reporter and co-anchor for the morning news.
She gained visibility hovering above the city in the station’s helicopter, providing traffic updates to millions of viewers. Her five years at WGN-TV established her as a recognizable face in Chicago media.
ABC 7 Chicago and Windy City LIVE
Val’s career took a transformative turn in 2011 when she joined ABC 7 Chicago. She became co-host of Windy City LIVE, a local talk and entertainment show that ran for a decade alongside co-host Ryan Chiaverini. The show premiered on September 6, 2011, and became a Chicago institution.
Windy City LIVE distinguished itself by showcasing local talent, covering Chicago events, and featuring celebrity interviews.
Val interviewed major stars including Robin Roberts, Barbara Walters, Chance the Rapper, Common, Jane Lynch, Anthony Anderson, Barry Manilow, David Muir, and Michelle Obama.
She also secured exclusive interviews, including the first interview with director Spike Lee before the release of his controversial film Chi-Raq, and the only interview with Karla Lee, mother of slain 9-year-old Tyshawn Lee.
On July 21, 2021, ABC 7 cancelled Windy City LIVE after 10 years and more than 2,000 episodes. The show was replaced by Windy City Weekend, which airs on Friday mornings at 11:30 a.m. Val continues to co-host this spin-off with Ryan Chiaverini.
Current role
As of 2026, Val Warner anchors ABC 7 Eyewitness News in the morning at 6 a.m. and the 7 a.m. streaming show.
She knows Chicago inside and out and brings her insight and knowledge to audiences who start their day with her and the ABC 7 morning team.
Each Friday, she co-hosts Windy City Weekend, covering everything from weekend events to lifestyle topics in her signature “Host Chat” segment.
Awards and recognition
Val’s talent as a host and interviewer has contributed to ABC 7 winning three prestigious Chicago Emmy Awards for special programming on bullying, breast cancer, and stopping violence in Chicago.
She won another Emmy for her role in ABC 7’s New Year’s special, Countdown Chicago. The station has also earned numerous other Emmy nominations for programming featuring Val.
Val contributes to ABC 7 Chicago programming efforts and has co-hosted major city events including ABC 7’s Chicago Lights Festival and the annual Bud Billiken Parade, one of the largest African American parades in the country.
Is Val Warner married? Husband, partner, and relationship status
Val Warner is married to Elijah “Jobba” Maxey Jr. The couple got engaged in April 2021 during an emotional proposal that took place on the set of Windy City LIVE.
The surprise engagement was filmed and became one of the show’s most memorable moments. Jobba proposed in front of Val’s children, co-host Ryan Chiaverini, and the entire Windy City LIVE audience.
Val and Jobba married on July 31, 2021, in a destination wedding at Hyatt Ziva Cancun in Mexico. The ceremony was intimate and beautiful, with the couple exchanging vows surrounded by close family and friends.
They celebrated their love with the hashtag #CaliAndJabToTheMaxey, combining their nicknames for the wedding festivities.
Elijah “Jobba” Maxey Jr. was born on October 9, 1970, making him 55 years old as of 2025. He is a social media fashion trendsetter, entrepreneur, and community leader.
Jobba launched BRND, a clothing line that encourages people to express themselves through fashion.
He works in operations and partnership engagement and serves as a mentor with organizations including 100 Black Men of Chicago and Strong Futures. He is a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity and was named Mentor of the Year in 2023.
Previous relationship
Before marrying Jobba Maxey, Val Warner was in a relationship with Jeff Cartwright. The two were engaged and had planned a September 2014 wedding date, but the relationship did not result in marriage. Val has been relatively private about the details of this previous relationship.
Children
Val Warner has two children from a previous marriage. She became a mother for the first time at age 25.
Zoe Warner is Val’s eldest child, born around 2001-2002. She graduated from Howard University in May 2024 with a 4.0 GPA and a Bachelor’s degree in Media, Journalism, Film, and Communications. Zoe is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
She currently works as a journalist in Fort Myers, Florida. Val has shared her pride in watching Zoe grow into an accomplished young woman.
Maxwell “Max” Warner is Val’s son, born around 2006-2007. He is a talented athlete who attended Whitney Young High School in Chicago.
Max is a three-time All-American track and field competitor and a standout running back. In June 2025, he committed to play college football at the University of Missouri (Mizzou), signing his scholarship in December 2025.
Max will join the Missouri Tigers football program beginning in 2026. He is considered the number one running back in Illinois for his class.
Max has set personal bests in the 200-meter dash (22.65 seconds), long jump (22 feet 6 inches), and triple jump (45 feet 1 inch).
Val shares a close relationship with both of her children and often posts about them on social media. She has spoken candidly about the joys and challenges of being a single mother before meeting Jobba, who has embraced his role as a stepfather.
Social media presence
As of February 2026, Val Warner has 183,000 followers on Instagram (@valwarnertv), where she shares behind-the-scenes moments from ABC 7 Chicago, family photos, fitness updates, and lifestyle content. She is active on the platform and frequently engages with her fans.
Val also maintains a Facebook page (@JustMeBeingVal) with over 128,000 followers. She uses social media to showcase her work, promote Chicago events, share her fitness journey, and give followers glimpses into her personal life with her husband and children. Her content includes everything from red carpet moments to workout videos to family celebrations.
Val’s social media presence reflects her authentic personality. She shares both polished professional moments and candid personal posts, which has helped her build a loyal following of fans who appreciate her transparency and warmth.
Fast facts about Val Warner
- Family roots: Val Warner was born in Los Angeles but has deep family roots in Chicago. Her mother is Diane Jackson, an author.
- Olympic connection: Val’s great-great-uncle is Dr. Gregory Bell, an Olympic gold medalist. Her son Max met him in 2024.
- Almost 30 years in broadcasting: Val started her on-air television career in Roswell, New Mexico, nearly three decades ago.
- Fitness inspiration: Val has been open about her weight loss journey, losing 20 pounds and inspiring many viewers with her dedication to health and wellness.
- Emmy winner: Val has won multiple Chicago Emmy Awards for her work on special programming covering important community issues.
- Community champion: She volunteers her time with numerous charitable organizations including The Make-A-Wish Foundation, Chicago Bulls Charities, and the South Suburban Family Shelter.
- Exclusive interviews: Val secured two high-profile exclusive interviews that other journalists could not get—with Spike Lee and with Karla Lee, mother of Tyshawn Lee.
- Actress: Beyond hosting and anchoring, Val has acting credits including roles in Chi-Raq (2015), General Hospital, and South Side.
- Milestone birthday: Val celebrated her 50th birthday in March 2024 with a surprise show on Windy City Weekend filled with friends, family, and special guests.
- University of California education: Val earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from UC San Diego in 1996, majoring in Communications.
Read more: Sophia Wenzler Age, height, net worth, husband, partner, baby, career
Wrapping up
Val Warner has established herself as one of Chicago’s most beloved television personalities through her work at ABC 7 Chicago.
The Emmy-winning host brings warmth, professionalism, and genuine connection to every broadcast. From her early days in Roswell, New Mexico, to becoming a Chicago institution, Val has built a remarkable career.
She is married to Elijah “Jobba” Maxey Jr. and is a proud mother of two accomplished children. Val continues to inspire viewers through her work on ABC 7 Eyewitness News and Windy City Weekend while remaining committed to serving her community.
References
- ABC7 Chicago. “Val Warner – ABC7 Chicago”.
- SMG Speakers. “Val Warner”.
- Chicago Curated. “Real Talk: Val Warner”.
- The Maneater. “Maxwell Warner helps build Mizzou football’s 2026 class”.
- Chicago Defender. “Jobba Launches “BRND” Clothing Line”.
- Wikipedia. “Windy City Live”.
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