CHICAGO — A quick stop at a local retailer turned into a million-dollar moment for Jerry of Island Lake, Illinois. Jerry won the $1,000,000 grand prize playing the Illinois Lottery’s Millionaire Club scratch-off ticket.
“I initially bought a different $50 ticket, but that one didn’t hit,” said Jerry. “So I grabbed another one—it was the last in that batch.”
The winning ticket was purchased at Kelley’s Market, located at 3401 South River Road in Island Lake. In addition to the excitement of the win, the store will receive a $10,000 bonus—1% of the prize—for selling the winning ticket.
Jerry scratched off the ticket immediately at the store and scanned it to confirm the win. “I was floored—I couldn’t believe it,” he recalled with a laugh. “I started tapping on the machine, thinking ‘Am I going crazy?’”
He added with a smile, “I bought this ticket on April Fools’ Day—I really thought it was a joke.”
Looking ahead, Jerry plans to use his winnings to pursue his lifelong passion for fishing and paddle kayaking in Wisconsin lakes. “I’ve been going fishing since I was a kid,” he shared. “I practically grew up on the water.”
The prize will also make a very special trip possible: visiting his 90-year-old mother in Arizona. “She’s 90 years strong—I can’t wait to visit her,” he said.
The Illinois Lottery currently offers a range of Instant Ticket games priced from $1 to $50, available at approximately 7,000 retail locations across Illinois.
