The beloved ABC7 Chicago anchor was born on March 11, 1974, which makes her 51 years old as of February 2026. But her youthful energy and vibrant on-screen presence might have you guessing she’s much younger.
This Emmy-winning host has spent nearly three decades captivating Chicago audiences with her warm personality, sharp interviewing skills, and genuine commitment to community stories. Whether you know her from Windy City Weekend or ABC7 Eyewitness News, Val Warner has become a household name across the Chicago area.
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?
She stands as one of Chicago’s most cherished television personalities, bringing her authentic charm to ABC7 Chicago for nearly 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 .
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.
How old is Val Warner? Age and birthday
She celebrates her birthday on March 11, and she was born in 1974. This makes her 51 years old as we move through 2026 . Her zodiac sign is Pisces, which perfectly suits her compassionate and intuitive nature that viewers have come to love.
The television host recently celebrated her milestone 50th birthday in March 2024 with a grand celebration in Chicago’s Fulton Market. The event brought together family, friends, and colleagues from ABC 7 Chicago, showing just how loved she is both on and off the screen.
Val Warner Physical features: height, weight, and body measurements
She stands at an impressive 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) tall and weighs approximately 150 pounds (68 kg). The Emmy-winning host has been refreshingly open about her fitness journey over the years, inspiring many viewers with her dedication to health and wellness.
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 maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
What is Val Warner net worth 2026
Her net worth is estimated about $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.
Her income sources extend beyond her ABC 7 salary to include brand endorsements, speaking engagements, and appearances at Chicago events.
Early Education & background
Her journey to becoming a trusted journalist began with a solid educational foundation. She graduated from the University of California at San Diego in 1996 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications.
Born and raised in Los Angeles, Val grew up in a supportive family environment. Her mother is Diane Jackson, an author who wrote the ebook collection “How Thelma got her Wings” . She also has a sister named Rae Bell .
Professional beginnings in life: Move to Chicago
Her journalism career began almost 30 years ago in Roswell, New Mexico, where she worked as a one-person band. This meant she served as reporter, photographer, editor, and whatever else the station needed .
After gaining valuable experience there, she moved to KBIM in Roswell and KRQE in Albuquerque, New Mexico, working as a fill-in anchor and reporter.
joining in ABC 7 Chicago and Windy City LIVE
Her 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 premiered on May 26, 2011, and ran for a decade alongside co-host Ryan Chiaverini . The show quickly became a Chicago institution, replacing The Oprah Winfrey Show’s time slot and bringing fresh energy to daytime television.
Windy City LIVE distinguished itself by showcasing local talent, covering Chicago events, and featuring celebrity interviews filmed in front of a live audience at the ABC7 Studios in the Chicago Loop .
Current role in Wind City LIVE
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, bringing her signature warmth and humor to the weekly program.
As of 2026, Val Warner anchors ABC 7 Eyewitness News in the morning at 6 a.m. and the 7 a.m. streaming show. 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: Emmy Award-winning television host
Her talent as a host and interviewer has contributed significantly to ABC 7’s success. The station won three prestigious Chicago Emmy Awards for special programming she worked on covering bullying, breast cancer, and stopping violence in Chicago . These awards reflect not just her skill as a broadcaster, but her commitment to important community issues.
She won another Emmy for her role in ABC 7’s New Year special, Countdown Chicago . The station has also earned numerous other Emmy nominations for programming featuring Val.
Is Val Warner married? Husband, partner, and relationship status
She is happily 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.
Val and Jobba married on July 31, 2021, in a beautiful destination wedding at Hyatt Ziva Cancun in Mexico. The ceremony was intimate and filled with love, with the couple exchanging vows surrounded by close family and friends .
Previous relationship
Before finding lasting love with Jobba Maxey, Val Warner experienced both marriage and engagement. She was previously married to Manuel Warner, and they tied the knot in 1999 .
After her divorce, Val found love again with Jeff Cartwright, an Illinois state police special agent. They became engaged on March 4, 2013, and had planned a September 2014 wedding date .
Family legacy: spouse & Children
She is the eldest child, born around 2001-2002. She graduated from Howard University in May 2024 with a remarkable 4.0 GPA and a Bachelor’s degree in Media, Journalism, Film, and Communications . Zoe is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and currently works as a journalist in Fort Myers, Florida.
Maxwell “Max” Warner is Val’s son, born around 2006-2007. He attends Whitney Young High School in Chicago and has become a standout athlete. Max is a three-time All-American track and field competitor and an exceptional running back .
Social media presence: Engagement with fans
She maintains an active and engaging social media presence that allows fans to connect with her beyond the television screen. As of February 2026, she 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 also maintains a Facebook page with over 128,000 followers, where she connects with a broad audience of Chicago viewers. Val 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.
Fast facts about Val Warner
Her family roots run deep in Chicago, even though she was born in Los Angeles. Her mother Diane Jackson is an author, and Val has a sister named Rae Bell who occasionally appears in her social media posts .
She has an impressive Olympic connection through her family. Val’s great-great-uncle is Dr. Gregory Bell, an Olympic gold medalist, and her son Max had the wonderful opportunity to meet him in 2024 . This multigenerational athletic legacy continues with Max’s own sports achievements.
Conclusion
She is has truly established herself as one of Chicago’s most beloved television personalities through her dedicated work at ABC 7 Chicago. At 51 years young, this Emmy-winning host continues to bring warmth, professionalism, and genuine connection to every broadcast.
From her humble beginnings in Roswell, New Mexico, to becoming a Chicago institution, Val has built a remarkable career spanning nearly three decades. Her journey includes exclusive celebrity interviews, multiple Emmy Awards, and the lasting trust of Chicago viewers who welcome her into their homes each day.
FAQs
How old is Val Warner?
Val Warner was born on March 11, 1974, making her 51 years old as of February 2026.
Who is Val Warner married to?
Val Warner married Elijah “Jobba” Maxey Jr. in July 2021 after their emotional on-air engagement.
Does Val Warner have children?
Yes, she has two children: daughter Zoe Warner, a Howard University graduate and journalist, and son Maxwell Warner, a Mizzou football commit.
What is Val Warner net worth?
Her estimated net worth ranges between $2 million and $3.5 million from her ABC7 career and speaking engagements.
What shows does Val Warner host?
She anchors ABC7 Eyewitness News at 6 a.m. and co-hosts Windy City Weekend on Friday mornings.
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