Let’s talk about the Pritzkers. You’ve probably heard the name. It’s everywhere—hotels, politics, philanthropy. But here’s the real question: Is Thomas Pritzker related to JB Pritzker?
Spoiler alert: Yes, they are! But the story is way more fun than a simple “yes.” It’s a tale of billionaires, a business empire, and a family tree that’s basically a royal dynasty. Buckle up.
Meet the Players
JB Pritzker is the Governor of Illinois. He’s a Democrat, a billionaire, and a guy who loves a good dad joke. Thomas Pritzker is the executive chairman of Hyatt Hotels. He’s also a billionaire, a historian, and a guy who owns a piece of the Taj Mahal.
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Wait, what? Yes, Thomas Pritzker’s company, the Pritzker Group, bought a stake in the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel in Mumbai. Because why not? It’s just another property for the family that practically invented the modern hotel industry.
The Family Tree (It’s Not That Complicated)
Thomas and JB are first cousins. Their grandfathers were brothers—Nicholas and Abram Pritzker. Those two started the whole empire from a small law office in Chicago in the 1930s. Classic immigrant success story, right?
The family later split into two main branches: the “Hyatt branch” (Thomas’s side) and the “Marmon branch” (which included JB’s father). But don’t let the split fool you. They’re still thick as thieves. Just richer, with better travel perks.
Why This Topic is Ridiculously Fun
Here’s the quirky part: Thomas Pritzker is a walking trivia magnet. He’s a trained psychiatrist. Yes, a psychiatrist who runs a hotel empire. Imagine a therapy session with him: “Tell me about your childhood... and also, would you like the penthouse suite?”
JB, on the other hand, is the family’s political wildcard. He ran for governor and won. But did he use the family fortune? Oh, absolutely. He spent over $350 million of his own money on his campaigns. That’s enough to buy a small country. Or a lot of hot dogs.
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Funny Details That Will Blow Your Mind
The Pritzker family has a secret handshake. Okay, that’s a joke—but they do have a family office called the Pritzker Group that manages their billions. It’s like a family business, but with more accountants and fewer awkward Thanksgiving dinners.
Another quirky fact: Thomas once bought a rare book collection for his wife. The collection included a first edition of Darwin’s “On the Origin of Species.” Because nothing says “I love you” like a $500,000 book about evolution.
How Did They Get So Rich?
It started with the Hyatt hotel chain. The Pritzkers bought a single hotel near the Los Angeles airport in 1957. Then they built a global brand. But that’s only the beginning. They also own Marmon Holdings, a conglomerate that makes everything from railroad parts to water coolers.
And here’s the kicker: they sold Hyatt in 2021 for a cool $4.6 billion. But the family still controls it. Because of course they do. Thomas remains chairman, and JB has his own billions from his stake.
What’s Their Relationship Like?
Publicly, they’re polite and supportive. Thomas endorsed JB for governor. JB has praised Thomas’s business savvy. But do they text each other memes? We can only hope. Imagine a group chat with these two: “Hey Tom, should I cut taxes or buy a Renaissance painting?” “Both, JB. Both.”
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They’re not rivals—they’re a team. The Pritzker family has a fortune estimated at $35 billion. That’s enough to buy every pizza in Chicago. For life.
Why You Should Care
Because it’s a wild story of power, money, and a little bit of accidental comedy. One cousin runs a state; the other runs a hotel empire. They share a last name, a love of luxury, and a very, very large bank account.
Plus, it makes you wonder: What would it be like at their family reunions? Probably a lot of name-dropping. “Pass the salt, Governor.” “Sure, Chairman.” Then they argue over who gets the best piece of salmon.
The Bottom Line (Keep It Simple)
Yes, Thomas Pritzker is related to JB Pritzker. They’re first cousins, and they’re both billionaires. End of story. But the fun is in the details: the psychiatrist-turned-hotel-mogul, the governor who bought his job, and the family that owns a piece of the Taj Mahal.
So next time you check into a Hyatt, remember: the guy who signed your booking form might be related to the guy who signs your tax laws. It’s a small world. Just a very, very rich one.
And hey, if you’re ever in Chicago and see a Pritzker, just smile. They probably own the building you’re standing in.