Local coalition seeks to get community onboard for upcoming South Chicago quantum project

A new group is pushing to get the community onboard for the upcoming quantum development park in South Chicago.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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A newly formed coalition called the Southeast Neighbors for Quantum Coalition is working to educate the South Chicago community about the upcoming Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park Development, a multibillion-dollar 300,000-square-foot facility that broke ground in September. The coalition, made up of about 20 organizations including residents and small businesses, hopes to address past concerns and get the community excited about the opportunities the development will bring, such as jobs, investment, and access to STEM careers.

Why it matters

The quantum development project has faced some criticism in the past from community members who were concerned it wouldn't benefit the local area. The coalition is working to change that narrative and demonstrate how the project can positively impact South Chicago, especially for the next generation looking to access STEM careers.

The details

The coalition is planning monthly community gatherings to educate residents about the quantum development project and address any questions or concerns. They are offering local business owner Jorge Perez's recently named "Quantum Donuts" as snacks at the events. The multibillion-dollar facility is expected to employ up to 150 people within five years of opening.

  • The quantum development project broke ground in September 2025.
  • The facility is expected to open in a little over a year from now.

The players

Southeast Neighbors for Quantum Coalition

A newly formed coalition of about 20 organizations, including residents and small businesses, working to educate the South Chicago community about the upcoming quantum development project.

Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park Development

A multibillion-dollar 300,000-square-foot quantum development facility that broke ground in September 2025 and is expected to open in a little over a year.

Dr. Roni-Nicole Facen

Principal of St. Francis de Sales High School and member of the Southeast Neighbors for Quantum Coalition.

Jorge Perez

Owner of Chico's Oven and member of the Southeast Neighbors for Quantum Coalition.

Raven Patton

A high school senior with dreams of working in STEM who sees the quantum development as an opportunity.

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What they’re saying

“This is about access.”

— Dr. Roni-Nicole Facen, Principal, St. Francis de Sales High School

“It's going to be something technological that has to come here to reboot this community or provide development for the future.”

— Jorge Perez, Owner, Chico's Oven

“Don't go to those areas and get the people and bring them in and work and build everything else. No, it's people right in the backyard, right all around here that you can tap. You can't say they don't have the credentials cause they do.”

— Freddie Batchelor, Resident

“This is something that my grandchildren, my great grandchildren, can look forward to. As I always say, a community can't be what a community can't see.”

— Sharon Brown Latiker, Lifelong South Chicago Resident

“It's an opportunity for us to get in at the ground level and access careers we may have previously never even known about.”

— Raven Patton, High School Senior

What’s next

The Southeast Neighbors for Quantum Coalition plan to hold monthly community gatherings to talk about the development and continue educating the South Chicago community.

The takeaway

The quantum development project in South Chicago has faced some community skepticism in the past, but a new coalition is working to change that narrative by highlighting the potential opportunities it can bring, such as jobs, investment, and access to STEM careers for the next generation. Through ongoing community engagement and education, the coalition hopes to get the local community fully onboard with the project.