Serving on a condo board in Illinois comes with big responsibilities, and not always clear guidance. That’s why Chicago Condo Resource is excited to share Condoly on Skool, a new online learning and community space created specifically for Illinois condo board members.

Created by Lauren Schrader, owner of Haus Financial Services and founder of ChicagoCondoResource.com and Condoly, the Condoly Skool community supports board members in navigating their daily responsibilities.

Educational Modules

Easy-to-follow educational modules with video trainings, articles, templates and resource links covering essential topics like board governance, finances, reserves and more, tailored to Illinois condominuim associations. Members can learn at their own pace and get clarity on the issues boards face every day.

Community Forum

Connect with other board members in the Skool community to share experiences and get additional support. 

Monthly Live Trainings

Deep dive into specific topics and learn from the experts in the monthly live trainings.

This month's webinar is "Insurance: Who Covers What and How to Navigate Claims." Bring your questions for the post-training Q&A! 

Weekly “Condo Therapy” Q&A Sessions

Condoly on Skool also includes weekly “Condo Therapy” sessions every Friday at noon. These sessions are a live, drop-in Q&A where board members can ask real questions and get practical guidance from industry experts.

The February 27 Condo Therapy session will feature a guest attorney ready to field your biggest challenges.

Become a member or learn more in this quick walkthrough video.

Whether you’re new to board service or looking for ongoing support, Condoly on Skool provides the tools, expert access, and community all in one place! Join the community today!

If you serve on a condo or HOA board, mark your calendar for February 20—because the Illinois Condo–HOA Conference & Expo is offering something too good to skip:

👉 FREE registration for homeowners and board members.

Yes, free. And packed with education that can make a real difference in how your association is governed and managed.

Why Board Members Should Attend

While the conference is a must for property managers, the education sessions are just as valuable, if not more so, for self-managing association board members. These sessions are designed to help boards:

• Better understand their legal and fiduciary responsibilities
• Navigate budgeting, reserves, and long-term planning
• Improve communication and reduce conflict within the community
• Stay current on Illinois-specific condo and HOA regulations

Whether your association is fully self-managed or works closely with a management company, informed board members make better decisions—and this event delivers practical, real-world insight you can use immediately.

You can view the full lineup of education sessions! 

There’s no registration fee for homeowners and board members, which removes one of the biggest barriers to professional development. This is an easy “yes” for any board member who wants to lead more effectively and confidently.

Bonus: Free Happy Hour for Potential Members

Thinking about getting more involved with CAI Illinois? There’s also a FREE Membership Happy Hour coming up:

• Seasons 52 (1770 E Higgins Road, Schaumburg, IL 60173)
• Thursday, March 5 from 4:30 - 6:30 PM
• Casual networking + no pressure

It’s a great way to connect with other board members and industry professionals in a relaxed setting and learn more about CAI resources available to associations.

Learn more and RSVP

Bottom line: If you’re a condo or HOA board member, this is free education, real-world guidance, and valuable connections—all in one place. Don’t miss it!

REGISTER TODAY

Winter has a way of exposing weaknesses in condo buildings—and in association finances. From frozen pipes to failing boilers, cold weather puts building systems under maximum stress. When reserves aren’t adequately funded, winter is often when those gaps become impossible to ignore.

Reserve funds are savings set aside for major repairs and replacements, things like roofs, HVAC systems, plumbing infrastructure, elevators, and exterior work. These aren’t “if” expenses; they’re “when.” Proper reserve planning spreads costs over time and helps associations avoid financial emergencies.

Winter doesn’t cause reserve shortfalls, it exposes them.

• Aging systems fail under stress
• Emergency repairs cost more
• Deferred maintenance becomes urgent
• Early-year budgets leave little room for surprises

When repairs can’t wait and reserves are thin, associations are often forced into rushed decisions or special assessments.

If your association is experiencing:

• Frequent emergency repairs
• Delayed capital projects
• Reserves used for operating expenses
• Regular special assessments

…it may be time to take a closer look at reserve funding.

Winter is an ideal time to reassess reserve balances, review reserve studies, and make adjustments before the next emergency hits. Proactive planning reduces financial strain and community tension. It's also a great time to addressing deferred maintenance items (like a new roof) that can be handled as soon as temperatures rise. Condoly can help you to gather bids for your next major project.

If your association would like help planning ahead and building financial reserves, Haus Financial Services (HausFS) helps condo associations understand their financial position and plan confidently for the future. From reserve analysis to long-term strategy, HausFS helps boards move from reactive decisions to informed planning.

Click here to learn how Haus Financial Services can support your association.

Condo living comes with big responsibilities and big personalities. That’s why the 2026 CAI-Illinois Condo-HOA Conference & Expo is a must-attend event for board members, managers, and homeowners who want practical tools to lead stronger communities. Taking place February 20, 2026, at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, this year’s Conference & Expo celebrates 50 years of CAI-Illinois and brings together education, networking, and industry expertise all under one roof.

One session we’re excited about; Don’t Let Chaos Crash the Party: Practical Strategies to Prevent and De-escalate Conflict led by Jeff Owens. This session offers real-world strategies for handling tension in community associations. Attendees will learn how emotions drive conflict, how to de-escalate challenging situations, and how to create more productive, respectful conversations, even when stakes are high. For condo boards navigating disagreements between neighbors, owners, and leadership, this session alone is worth attending.

More Reasons to Go

• Learn from industry experts on today’s most pressing condo and HOA issues
• Connect with hundreds of community leaders and service providers
• Explore the expo hall featuring solutions tailored to association needs
• Earn continuing education credits

Whether you’re new to board service or a seasoned community leader, the CAI-IL Conference & Expo offers tools you can bring back to your building immediately.

Learn more and register here 

Chicago winters don’t mess around. The recent arctic air and frigid temperatures have even broken records for new lows in our area. When temperatures plunge to such extreme lows, small issues can quickly turn into major building emergencies, and major expenses.

The Biggest Cold-Weather Risks

• Frozen pipes that burst and cause extensive water damage
• Heating system failures during peak demand
• Snow and ice buildup that threatens safety and building integrity

How to Stay Ahead of the Cold

• Keep heat on in all units, including vacant ones
• Insulate exposed pipes and seal drafts
• Schedule preventative maintenance for boilers and HVAC systems
• Remove snow and ice promptly, including monitoring roof loads
• Communicate clearly with residents about cold-weather protocols

Plan Now. Save Later.

Extreme cold events are no longer rare in Chicago. Buildings that plan ahead experience fewer emergencies, lower repair costs, and less strain on reserves. That means:

• Reviewing reserve studies with climate-related risks in mind
• Budgeting for infrastructure upgrades and preventative maintenance

Cold weather is inevitable. Financial emergencies don’t have to be. Connect with Haus Financial Services to ensure your association is financially prepared for whatever winter brings.