12/01/2025
Michigan Movie Theater Operator Announces Lease of The 400 Theater in Rogers Park
Chicago, IL – Jordan Stancil, a former U.S. diplomat and university lecturer turned independent movie theater operator, announced his lease of The 400 Theater in Rogers Park, Chicago. This marks a significant expansion of his commitment to preserving historic cinemas and fostering community-centered film experiences.
Before dedicating himself to the theater business, Stancil served in the State Department as a Foreign Service officer in Jerusalem and Berlin and taught at Sciences Po Paris and the University of Ottawa. He transitioned from this international and academic background to carry forward a family legacy in independent cinema, reaching back to his great-grandfather's founding of the Rialto Theater in Grayling, Michigan in 1915.
Stancil has worked on the successful revitalization of historic theaters in Michigan, including the century-old Rialto Theater, Sanctuary Cinema in Alpena (re-opened in 2023) and the Big Rapids Theater in Big Rapids (slated to re-open in early 2026). With The 400 Theater, he plans to bring enhanced projection technology, diverse film programming highlighting new releases, independent, foreign, and documentary films, as well as community-focused events to Rogers Park.
Stancil extended special thanks to Alderwoman Maria Hadden and staff for their support of the project and to building owners Tony and Wendy Fox for their collaboration in ensuring Rogers Park will once again have a thriving neighborhood movie theater.
“Everyone is excited to honor The 400 Theater’s unique place in the Rogers Park community,” said Stancil. “Independent theaters enrich local culture by offering spaces for shared experiences, and I look forward to partnering with the community to make The 400 a cultural anchor once again.”
Stancil said a timeline for re-opening the theater would be announced as soon as possible.
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