Green Mill’s Legacy: A New Chapter Begins

One of the most renowned taverns and nightclubs in the city’s history, the Green Mill, stands near Lawrence and Broadway. Its neon sign serves as a welcoming sight at night. Next Friday, June 19, marks a special celebration of 40 years under Dave Jemilo’s ownership. Although he no longer owns it, Jemilo has entrusted the club to two individuals he considers like family members.

“This place has been my life for more than 40 years,” Jemilo expressed one afternoon in a booth at Green Mill. “It was time. Nothing dramatic. I just don’t think I have the energy, the high level needed to be here every day until sometimes four in the morning. And there are other things I’d like to do in life.”

The new owners, Jason Cole and Jill Skintges, are reassuring for regular patrons. Jemilo’s 2021 acquisition of adjacent retail spaces for $5 million caused some anxiety when he announced the Green Mill was for sale last summer. Yet, Jemilo trusts Cole and Skintges, having known them for years.

The 55-year-old Cole has been with Green Mill with few breaks since being hired in college at 22. Skintges, a former professional dancer with the Joffrey Ballet and math teacher, has been a waitress and bartender there for nearly 30 years. Both are passionate and confident about Green Mill’s future.

“We’ve watched closely how Dave operates, providing an inspiring foundation,” Cole stated. Skintges added, “We see ourselves as stewards, caretakers.” Skintges’ daughter, Ruby, a 23-year-old biomedical engineer, often waits tables at the club.

Running a tavern requires strength, and the transition involved meticulous planning with attorneys and bankers. Some silent partners remain involved. “Some of those partners are the same people you’ve been throwing out of here for years,” Jemilo jokingly added.

The history of the Mill is rich and storied. Jemilo first encountered it as a teenager, visiting his father. Despite its poor condition back then, he perceived its beauty and fell in love with it. Jemilo, a South Sider, born in 1956, attended Brother Rice High School and received a football scholarship to the University of Dubuque. After signing a pro contract with the Chicago Fire in 1981, he took on various roles to support himself, including investing in nightclubs.

When he learned the Green Mill was for sale, he managed to gather the funds—maxing out his credit cards and borrowing $300 from his attorney—to become its fifth owner at age 30. He opened it on June 19, 1986. The Tribune jazz critic Larry Kart described it as “comfortable as an old shoe and as friendly as your favorite roadhouse waitress.”

Green Mill’s reasonable pricing attracted diverse patrons, from cab drivers to bank presidents. No drink menu, cash-only policy, and a unique prohibition against talking during performances were hallmarks of Jemilo’s management. His booking choices displayed eclectic tastes, with one of the first significant bookings being the Uptown Poetry Slam hosted by Marc Kelly Smith.

Smith reminisced about Jemilo providing opportunities for musicians, servers, and bartenders, fostering a family-like environment. “Jason and Jill are part of that family and will carry the legacy forward,” he noted.

Local musicians and artists echo similar sentiments. Joannie Pallatto, a singer and songwriter who performed at Green Mill, said, “Dave’s love for artists like Von Freeman, George Freeman, and Willie Pickens made it one of the greatest places to perform.”

The club’s history stretches back to its 1907 opening as Pop Morse’s Roadhouse, experiencing highs and lows, associations with infamous figures like Al Capone, and eventual revitalization under Jemilo. Filmmaker Paul Carr, reflecting on Jemilo’s impact, praised him for building a world-class joint and nurturing countless careers.

While Jemilo may not attend the Green Mill on June 19, the establishment remains a pivotal part of his life, symbolized by his arm tattoo of a statue near the Green Mill stage. His current ventures involve farming in Wisconsin, with plans for a trip to Alaska.

Reflecting on his time with Green Mill, Jemilo once mentioned hoping to emulate the longevity of Jazz Showcase owner Joe Segal, who worked at his club until age 90. Despite embarking on new adventures, Jemilo maintains deep ties to the Green Mill and its community.