New Trader Joe’s Location Announced in Illinois

Trader Joe’s Announces New Illinois Location in Oswego

Just when I thought this was finally happening, I’ll be for real here, I was excited strictly because this headline from the Peoria Journal Star got me.

I was sure Trader Joe’s was coming to Rockford.

Well, not quite what’s happening here, as Trader Joe’s has announced a new location, their 23rd in the state, has been announced for a Chicago suburb, Oswego.

How Close Is the New Trader Joe’s to Rockford?

So while it’s a bit closer to home, it’s still not exactly in Rockford.

This new Trader Joe’s is about 45 miles west of Chicago and just south of Aurora. For us in Rockford. That’s about an hour and 15 minutes just to grab snacks, meals, and fruit, and just about everything else Trader Joe’s does that we so love.

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Why Trader Joe’s Hasn’t Expanded to Rockford Yet

If you think about it for a second, just about every suburban area of Chicago is covered with a Trader Joe’s, so why not continue to expand west into Rockford?

Will Trader Joe’s Ever Open in Rockford?

I guess we’ll just have to wait, but for now, you can check the Trader Joe’s website for updates on an official opening date for their new spot in Oswego, while there’s still little to no word about plans to move further out.

Rockford Still Waiting for Trader Joe’s Favorites

It looks like we’re going to have to wait a bit longer to get their delicious Mandarin orange chicken and peanut butter pretzels in the Rockford area.

Are These the Best Products at Trader Joe's?

Trader Joe's Cookie Butter. That was the first time I had ever heard the words Trader Joe's a few years ago. My friend was raving about this stuff. The store sounded intriguing. I read more about Trader Joe's and I thought it was a health food store with a bunch of products I would never put in my mouth. This place did not sound appealing to a super-picky, Midwest-comfort food-eating gal.

My doctor suggested I monitor my sodium intake, which led me to Google 'low sodium foods." An article about the topic featuring Trader Joe's low sodium products popped up in my search. The included list was long and a lot of the food sounded like something I'd actually eat. But, was it going to taste good?

I've been having to visit Rochester, MN every few months and told Google to take me to Trader Joe's. I was picturing a huge store, like a warehouse club, with a modern look. I was way off. In Rochester, Trader Joe's is located in a strip mall with a couple of other businesses. It didn't look like a fancy, hip, Gen Z kinda joint, which is what I had in my head. It seemed small. As a matter of fact, it looked old, like it had been there a while.

I was greeted with a massive display of fresh flowers. I had no idea fresh flowers were a Trader Joe's staple. As I walked through, I carefully read the labels of several products to suffice my special, low sodium diet. I had a cartful of products to try and my bill was under $80. Not only were there several products I was willing to try at Trader Joe's, they were reasonably priced. The Trader Joe's business model is based on no frills so they can provide the best products for a low price. I like that idea. I don't need fancy, I just want low prices.

I am now a Trader Joe's convert and I know what all the hype is about. Here are some of my favorite products.

P.S. Cookie butter did not make the list.

Gallery Credit: Karla Brown

Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre's 2026 Summer Concert Lineup

Maybe it’s the open air. Maybe it’s the lawn packed with people who showed up early. Maybe it’s that moment when the sun drops behind the stage, and the lights take over. Whatever it is, Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre in Tinley Park is once again lining up a massive concert season for 2026

Gallery Credit: Steve Shannon