Hi! I’m Leen, a Chicago-based writer and journalist. Most of the time, you can find me covering all things Chicago arts and culture for Block Club Chicago, a hyperlocal, non-profit newsroom. I write on everything from artist profiles to plays to new restaurants and cafes.
Before joining Block Club full time in February 2024, I was a freelance reporter in Chicago and briefly worked in communications at the Illinois Secretary of State’s Office.
Born and raised in Ohio, I visited Chicago regularly growing up and moved in 2018 to attend Loyola University Chicago. There, I joined The Loyola Phoenix student newspaper, and I guess the rest is history.
When I’m not writing about the arts or rounding up events for Block Club, I’m probably on a long walk, listening to music, watching a movie or reading.
Despite not being musically gifted, I’m a big fan and trying to learn. You can often find me picking up my oud and trying to get it to play in tune and on beat. It doesn’t always work.
I also speak Arabic and Turkish (which I studied while everyone was learning how to make sourdough bread during 2020 lockdown).
Leen Yassine 