Introducing to the Chicago North Shore Moms community a Highland Park mom of many trades: Realtor, co-founder of DINX Social Club, and a passionate advocate for pediatric cancer families through her volunteerism with The Dragonfly Foundation Chicago, Brooke Sloane.
Brooke has built a life that is equal parts hustle, entrepreneurship and heart, but it’s her commitment to Dragonfly that truly speaks to who she is, serving on the Host Committee for the second year to champion Dragonfly’s Fifth Annual Night of Courage Gala on April 18, 2026. Whether she’s on the pickleball court, closing a real estate deal, or rallying her community around a cause that matters, Brooke brings the same fierce energy and genuine warmth to everything she does.
Get to know Brooke, a full-circle story of coming home to the North Shore, a peek inside the vibrant world of DINX Social Club, and most importantly, a powerful reminder of how one “yes” to a worthy cause can change everything. Welcome, Brooke Sloane… and don’t miss the Fifth Annual Night of Courage on April 18th, 2026!
Hi Brooke! Give us a quick snapshot of you and your life right now.
I live in Highland Park with my husband, our twin 12-year-old girls, and our dog. Life right now feels very full, in a good way. This past year has been a whirlwind as I’ve balanced launching DINX Social Club, an upscale indoor pickleball, golf, karaoke & social lounge in Highland Park, while also handling the interior design for the space and keeping up with my work as a real estate broker. 8 years ago, my husband and I also started a residential development company, Sloane Homes, where I handle all of the interior design. We’ve taken a little hiatus from that, since this past year has been so busy with opening DINX Social Club, but will most likely resume in the near future.
When I’m not working or in full-on mom mode, you’ll usually find me on the court or at my trainer. I play tennis and pickleball five days a week (sometimes twice a day!) and make time for regular sessions with my trainer.
Where are you from originally?
I’m a Highland Park native, so moving back to the North Shore felt like a full-circle moment. My husband and I loved our years in the city, but once our twin girls turned three, we were ready for a little more space and a slower pace. We made the move back for the lifestyle, the community, and to be closer to my family. It’s been the perfect fit for this chapter of life.
Tell us about your family. What does motherhood look like in your house these days?
Motherhood right now is all about that “tween” energy! With 12-year-old twin girls, our house is constantly buzzing (to put it politely). It’s a lot of sports and dance schedules and navigating the transition into those teenage years. Our girls could not be more different! One loves competitive dance, singing, sports, and learning, while the other loves tennis, pickleball, hanging with me and “helping” me work. They have completely different friends which makes it a bit easier to be a twin. I love seeing them develop into their own personalities but at the same time, they are both hilarious and keep us laughing every day.
What’s something about you that might surprise people outside of your work and mom life?
I have an identical twin sister who lives in Glencoe and I find it so entertaining when people I have never met wave to me or begin conversations with me. I eventually break the news that I’m the “wrong twin.” One other fun fact is that I LOVE the challenge of negotiating. I once was able to negotiate a free exchange for a brand new car a full year after purchasing mine because it made a noise that the mechanics couldn’t figure out. Perhaps that’s why I’ve been so successful in my real estate career as well.
Where are your go-to spots right now?
When we aren’t entertaining friends and family at home or hanging at DINX, we love dining out. You can usually find us at DiSotto, Pomeroy or Le Colonial.
What are you loving lately?
I love all things Bravo, although I have found I rarely have time to watch TV these days. My favorite show is Million Dollar Listing. I also recently got into podcasts and I’m really enjoying listening to them when driving instead of music. When time allows, my absolute favorite thing to do is travel! Not-so-fun fact: My husband and I have only been on 4 short trips alone since having our twins 12 years ago (finding someone willing to stay with twins for a long weekend is virtually impossible)! Our most memorable trip was a few years ago when my entire family went to Lake Como. My parents renewed their wedding vows for their 50th anniversary and all of the grandchildren were in the “wedding.” It was such a special memory.
What’s something you cannot leave home without?
My phone…although I wish that wasn’t the answer.
It’s time to get down to business! Please introduce DINX Social Club. When did it open and how has it evolved since you opened your doors?
We opened DINX last spring. DINX is the North Shore’s newest hot spot…once you enter, you feel like you’re on vacation. We aren’t a sweaty gym; we are a high-end, chic designed social lounge, with Pickleball, Golf & Karaoke as the main attractions. Even if you don’t play, there’s a gorgeous lounge with a 30-tap self pour wall featuring handcrafted cocktails and mocktails, Premium Wines, Spirits and Beer. It’s the perfect place to meet friends for drinks! DINX also offers fun social events including ladies night, wine tastings, bourbon tastings, kids camps and more.
What was the impetus for you personally behind opening a business dedicated to pickleball, golf, lounging and even Karaoke?
We felt like the North Shore was missing a fun, upscale spot where people could be active or just hang out. We set out to create a place where adults and kids can play pickleball or golf, host parties or events, or simply hang out on the weekends and relax while enjoying the Pour Wall. The goal was to build an easygoing space with a great vibe, somewhere people can connect with friends and family, and have a good time all in one place.
What’s something even your members and users may not know about DINX that you’d love to spread the word about?
Beyond being a great place to play pickleball or golf, DINX is quickly becoming a go-to social spot. Plenty of people stop in without ever picking up a paddle or club. They come to catch up with friends, enjoy the drinks before or after dinner, or just sing in our private karaoke lounge.
You also spend time volunteering your time with The Dragonfly Foundation Chicago. Tell us a little bit about that nonprofit.
The Dragonfly Foundation is a 501(c)(3) pediatric cancer nonprofit organization that supports local pediatric cancer patients and their families by offering strength, courage and joy during a time when they need it the most. They do this by fulfilling urgent monetary requests that come through front-line staff at all 8 partner hospitals in the Chicagoland area and by offering a variety of programs to support those they serve throughout treatment and beyond. While the Chicago chapter only started in March of 2020, they have already assisted over 1,000 families throughout the Chicagoland area and raised over $1.3 million to support families. The demand for services is growing and our goal is to continue to make an impact on, and support those affected by pediatric cancer.
What is your role at Dragonfly?
I initially reached out to get involved in Dragonfly because my husband and I wanted to help sponsor the Night of Courage. But, it ended up being so much more than a simple transaction. We met families, supported their critical needs, attended events and now for the second year I’m on the Host Committee.
Chicago North Shore Moms is proud to be a media sponsor of Dragonfly’s Night of Courage! It’s such a fun and impactful event. What can we expect this year?
This year will be Dragonfly’s Fifth Annual Night of Courage fundraiser on Saturday, April 18, 2026 from 7-11pm at Joe’s Live in Rosemont. It is going to be another fun and impactful event! Attire is ‘anniversary chic’ as we celebrate 5 years of Night of Courage. There will be fun, interactive activities, incredible entertainment by Rush Street Rhythm, open bar, passed appetizers and dinner stations featuring your favorite Lettuce Entertain You restaurants, amazing live and silent auctions, the chance to meet Raelyn, our honored patient whose family will be there to share their story, and MORE – all in benefit of our Dragonflies.
We hope you will join us to ensure critical funds are raised to make an immediate impact on our courageous patients and families!
Photo credit: Shay James Photography | www.shayjamesphotography.com
How are the funds used for families?
Support of this event directly advances the mission of The Dragonfly Foundation Chicago, helping bring strength, courage, and joy to pediatric cancer patients and their families during unimaginably difficult times. Funds raised will allow Dragonfly to respond to urgent same-day needs like transportation to treatment, groceries, hospital parking, and uncovered medical expenses. They also sustain meaningful community connections through The Dragonfly Family program, provide vital hospital-based resources that support developmentally appropriate care, and help ease the financial strain of the holidays through Adopt a Family. We are proud to invest in an organization that not only supports families in crisis, but walks alongside them from diagnosis through survivorship.
Jessica Merar and Dragonfly Serena at The 1st Annual Night of Courage in 2022.
Photo credit: Photographed by Jonathan Body | © 2022 TK Photography | www.tkphotographychicago.com
We invite the community to be part of this impact by purchasing tickets or making a donation through the event link. This is an event not to be missed — and every ticket and gift helps ensure no family faces pediatric cancer alone.
What are the opportunities to sponsor this Gala and what’s included with a ticket purchase?
We have several sponsorship opportunities ranging from $1,000 – $25,000. Each level includes a specific number of tickets to the event as well as acknowledgement throughout the marketing of the event and at the event itself. Our sponsors ensure that the event itself is a great success, help us raise critical funds, and is a fabulous marketing opportunity as logos will be in front of a local, influential crowd. Please visit the event site to learn more about available opportunities!
Is there anything else you’d like us to know about Dragonfly?
Absolutely! There would be no Dragonfly Foundation Chicago without the Executive Director, Jessica Merar. She is someone who truly inspires me through the incredible work she does. What started as her vision has grown into something far beyond expectations. Jessica is more than just a leader; she’s a dear friend and a truly genuine soul. My husband and I have raised our children to value helping others, and watching Jessica’s passion in action is the perfect example for them of how to grow a mission and make a real difference.
Merar with Adopt a Family gift recipients, Dragonfly Griffin and his mom.
About Our Meet a Mom Sponsor
Chicago North Shore Moms is supported in part by Mary Gregory Gifford, a Lake Forest mom of three and owner of Gifford Law, a solo Estate Planning Firm (wills and trusts). Mary, we appreciate your support of local moms in our North Shore communities! Learn more about Mary by visiting her Meet a Mom spotlight here! Contact Mary directly here: [email protected].
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