A former cybersecurity expert, Matt Jonkman, has embraced a unique lifestyle aboard his 50-foot houseboat anchored near Navy Pier in Chicago. Since April, he has lived on the water with his cat, Monty, and plans to migrate south for the winter, emphasizing his desire to remain on the water as long as possible.
Jonkman, 52, has opted for what many might consider an unconventional living arrangement. “Am I happy? Very much so,” he shared, clad in a Hawaiian shirt that reflects his laid-back attitude. His decision to live aboard has allowed him to enjoy a more adventurous lifestyle while staying close to his adult daughter who lives onshore.
A Distinctive Lifestyle on the Water
Jonkman has become a familiar sight to both fellow boaters and those enjoying the shoreline. His boat, often described as cozy, features amenities that rival a typical city apartment, including lounge chairs, a flatscreen television, and a kitchen equipped with a double sink. He has made adjustments to accommodate his floating lifestyle, opting to anchor overnight in public harbors to avoid high docking fees.
The self-described “liveaboard” has relished the solitude of life at sea, which offers a stark contrast to his previous career spent chasing down foreign hackers. “Making dinner is the best part of the day,” he remarked, particularly enjoying the atmospheric view of the Chicago skyline at night.
Jonkman’s journey into this lifestyle started as a way to reconnect with his roots and his family. Though he sometimes feels the challenges of living on the water, including dealing with inclement weather, he finds joy in the adventure. “Thirty percent of the time you’re trying to stay alive,” he noted, reflecting on the realities of life at sea.
Facing Challenges and Building Community
As he prepares to head south to warmer waters in Kentucky, Jonkman has expressed a desire to return to Chicago’s waters by spring. His daughter, Savannah Jonkman, shared mixed feelings about her father’s decision to live on a boat. “He seems happier being so self-sufficient,” she stated, noting the positive changes she has observed in him.
Despite the challenges of living on a boat, including the need for constant maintenance and the unpredictability of weather, Jonkman has found a sense of community among fellow boaters. He has visited various marinas around Lake Michigan and the Mississippi River, forging friendships along the way. He believes that more accessible docking options in Chicago could attract more individuals to consider a liveaboard lifestyle.
According to Mike McElroy, president of the Chicago Harbor Safety Committee, liveaboards are more common in Florida and other regions of Lake Michigan, but the local infrastructure presents hurdles for those wishing to adopt this lifestyle in Chicago.
Jonkman’s journey has been marked by significant life events, including a near-fatal plane crash in 2020. The aftermath of that experience has led him to embrace a slower, more purposeful way of life. “The accident made me slow down,” he reflected. “I’m not that hard-charging tech guy anymore.”
Now, he finds contentment in the simple pleasures of living on the water, including the companionship of Monty and the thrill of navigating the waterways. “I feel more settled now than ever,” he said, expressing uncertainty about his future plans but clarity about his choice to embrace life on the lake.
