Neil Bluhm Wife: Inside His Marriages, Family, and the Women Behind His Success
When you search for “Neil Bluhm wife,” you’re exploring the personal life of one of America’s most successful businessmen and philanthropists. Neil Bluhm, the billionaire co-founder of JMB Realty and owner of Rush Street Gaming, has built a legacy that spans real estate, entertainment, and civic leadership. While much has been written about his career and fortune, his private life — especially his marriages — reveals a more personal side of the man behind the empire.
Bluhm has been married twice: first to Barbara Bluhm-Kaul, with whom he shares three children and decades of family and philanthropic work, and later to Kimberly Paige Bluhm, whom he married in 2022. Each marriage represents a distinct chapter in his life — one that shaped not only his personal world but also his ongoing influence in business and community service.
Who Is Neil Bluhm?
Before delving into his marriages, it’s worth understanding who Neil Bluhm is and how he became a self-made billionaire. Born in 1938 in Chicago, Illinois, Bluhm grew up in a working-class Jewish family. His father left when he was young, leaving his mother to raise him and his sister while working as a bookkeeper. Despite financial hardship, Bluhm’s ambition and intelligence stood out early.
He attended the University of Illinois for his undergraduate degree and later graduated from Northwestern University School of Law. After a brief career as a lawyer with Mayer Brown, Bluhm transitioned into real estate — a move that would change his life forever.
In the 1960s, he co-founded JMB Realty Corporation with Judd Malkin. The firm became one of the largest real estate investment and development companies in the U.S., acquiring and managing billions of dollars’ worth of properties. Later, Bluhm expanded into gaming, co-founding Rush Street Gaming, which operates the popular Rivers Casino brand across multiple cities.
Today, Neil Bluhm is not just a businessman — he’s a major philanthropist and civic leader known for his generosity toward education, healthcare, and the arts. But behind his professional success lies a story of family, love, and personal evolution.
Neil Bluhm’s First Wife: Barbara Bluhm-Kaul
Neil Bluhm’s first marriage was to Barbara Bluhm-Kaul, a woman who played a key role in his life during his formative business years. The couple married decades ago, during the early stages of Neil’s real estate career, and together they raised three children: Leslie Bluhm, Andrew Bluhm, and Meredith Bluhm-Wolf.
Barbara, like Neil, has been deeply involved in philanthropy and community leadership. Though they eventually divorced, their partnership helped build one of Chicago’s most prominent and philanthropic families.
Barbara’s Philanthropic Work
Barbara Bluhm-Kaul is well known in Chicago for her commitment to social causes, education, and cultural preservation. She has served on multiple boards and contributed significantly to institutions such as the University of Chicago, the Art Institute of Chicago, and the Museum of Contemporary Art.
Her quiet yet powerful presence has made her a respected figure in civic circles. Barbara has often been described as compassionate, intelligent, and driven — traits that made her both a partner in Neil’s early success and a force in her own right after their divorce.
Despite their separation, Barbara and Neil maintained mutual respect and continued to collaborate indirectly through family projects and philanthropic contributions. Their children, who have inherited both parents’ sense of purpose, continue to carry forward the Bluhm family’s influence.
Their Children and Family Legacy
The children of Neil and Barbara Bluhm have built their own distinguished careers while continuing their parents’ legacy of giving back.
Leslie Bluhm
Leslie co-founded Chicago Cares, one of the city’s most impactful volunteer organizations, which connects residents with community service opportunities. She’s been recognized nationally for her leadership in civic engagement and philanthropy.
Andrew Bluhm
Andrew followed his father into the world of finance and investing. He is the founder and CEO of Delaware Street Capital, a private investment firm known for its disciplined, long-term approach to value investing. Like his father, Andrew has combined business acumen with community involvement.
Meredith Bluhm-Wolf
Meredith has taken an active role in philanthropy and serves on several boards related to the arts and Jewish community initiatives. Her work continues the family’s legacy of cultural and charitable involvement.
Together, the Bluhm siblings reflect the core values their parents instilled — ambition, compassion, and civic responsibility.
Neil Bluhm’s Second Wife: Kimberly Paige Bluhm
In 2022, Neil Bluhm married Kimberly Paige Bluhm, marking a new chapter in his personal life. While details about their relationship are kept private, Kimberly has occasionally accompanied Neil to public events and philanthropic gatherings.
Not much is publicly known about Kimberly’s early life or career, as she prefers to stay out of the spotlight. However, those close to the couple describe her as supportive, thoughtful, and grounded — qualities that have brought renewed joy and balance to Neil’s life in his later years.
Their marriage represents a new stage for Bluhm — one characterized by personal fulfillment, continued business innovation, and a lasting dedication to philanthropy.
A Legacy of Success and Philanthropy
Both of Neil Bluhm’s marriages have played significant roles in shaping his legacy. From his early partnership with Barbara, which grounded his family and professional foundation, to his later marriage with Kimberly, which reflects his ongoing pursuit of happiness and companionship, Bluhm’s personal life mirrors the evolution of a man who has grown through every stage of success.
His impact goes far beyond real estate and gaming. Bluhm has given generously to educational institutions like Northwestern University, where the Bluhm Legal Clinic stands as a testament to his commitment to justice and education. He’s also been a major supporter of the Art Institute of Chicago, the Whitney Museum of American Art, and various Jewish organizations.
This blend of business excellence and civic generosity has made him one of Chicago’s most admired figures.
The Balance Between Business and Family
For Neil Bluhm, family and business have always been intertwined. His partnerships, both professional and personal, have shaped his worldview — one that emphasizes resilience, innovation, and giving back.
Barbara’s influence helped build a strong family foundation during his early years of growth, and her continued philanthropic work has strengthened the Bluhm family’s legacy in Chicago and beyond. Meanwhile, his marriage to Kimberly has brought a new sense of renewal and balance as he continues to lead major ventures and philanthropic projects well into his 80s.
Despite immense wealth and influence, Bluhm is known for his humility and pragmatism — qualities that those close to him attribute partly to his family life and relationships.
The Enduring Influence of the Bluhm Family
Today, the Bluhm family name is synonymous with leadership, generosity, and innovation. Neil’s children and grandchildren continue to build upon the foundations laid by both of his marriages, ensuring that his family’s influence extends across generations.
The Bluhm legacy isn’t just one of financial success — it’s about using privilege to make a positive difference in society. From civic engagement to cultural preservation, the family’s contributions reflect the shared values of hard work, compassion, and purpose that began with Neil and Barbara and continue today with Neil and Kimberly.
A Life of Love, Legacy, and Leadership
Neil Bluhm’s story — and that of his wives — is one of evolution, resilience, and enduring influence. His first marriage to Barbara Bluhm-Kaul shaped the foundation of his family and philanthropic vision, while his later marriage to Kimberly Paige Bluhm reflects a new chapter of companionship and balance.
Through both relationships, Bluhm’s life demonstrates how personal and professional success can coexist — grounded in strong partnerships, enduring values, and a lifelong commitment to community and family.
Featured image source: Instagram
