J. Joe Ricketts & family: J. Joe Ricketts & family Net Worth, Biography, Age, Spouse, Children & More

About J. Joe Ricketts & family

John Joseph Ricketts, an influential American entrepreneur, helms a diverse portfolio from founding the illustrious TD Ameritrade to owning the Chicago Cubs. With a net worth pegged at $2.7 billion as of 2019, Ricketts' ventures include High Plains Bison, DNAinfo.com, and The American Film Company. A Nebraska native, Ricketts actively contributes to multiple foundations alongside his family's World Series-winning baseball team acquisition. Despite his successes, Ricketts faced criticism for past anti-Muslim and racist emails.

Born

July 16, 1941 in Nebraska City, Nebraska, U.S.

Age

84 years

Source Of Wealth

TD Ameritrade

Industries

Finance & Investments

Citizenship

United States

Residence

Little Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Education

Bachelor of Arts/Science, Creighton University

Spouse

Marlene Volkmer

Children

PeteThomasLauraTodd

John Joseph Ricketts, an American businessman and philanthropist, was born and raised in Nebraska City, Nebraska. He obtained a bachelor's degree from Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska, in 1968.

J. Joe Ricketts & family: Family

John Ricketts is married to Marlene Margaret (Volkmer), and they have four children: Pete, Thomas, Laura, and Todd. The family currently resides in Hoback Basin, Wyoming.

J. Joe Ricketts & family: Career Highlights

John Ricketts co-founded First Omaha Securities in 1975, which grew into Ameritrade, later known as TD Ameritrade. He retired from the TD Ameritrade board in October 2011 to focus on entrepreneurship and philanthropy.

J. Joe Ricketts & family: Companies

In addition to TD Ameritrade, John Ricketts has founded several other companies, including High Plains Bison (2004), The American Film Company (2008), and DNAinfo.com (2009).

J. Joe Ricketts & family: Major Achievements

John Ricketts' major achievements include co-founding TD Ameritrade, acquiring the Chicago Cubs Major League Baseball team in 2009, and winning the World Series in 2016, ending a 108-year championship drought.

J. Joe Ricketts & family: Awards & Achievements

John Ricketts has received numerous awards and recognitions for his contributions to business and philanthropy. These include the Horatio Alger Award (2008), the Ellis Island Medal of Honor (2011), and the Spirit of Nebraska Award (2019).

J. Joe Ricketts & family: Personal Life & Legacy

John Ricketts is known for his conservative political views and his support for Republican candidates. He has been involved in various political activities, including co-founding the Campaign for Primary Accountability and leading a campaign against earmarks and wasteful federal spending. His son, Pete Ricketts, is a member of the Republican National Committee and former governor of Nebraska.

J. Joe Ricketts & family: Trivia

John Ricketts' emails from 2009 to 2014 revealed anti-Muslim and racist sentiments, including Islamophobia and derogatory jokes. He apologized for the emails after they were made public.

Wealth History

Timeline

1968

Obtained a bachelor's degree from Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska.

1975

Co-founded First Omaha Securities, which grew into Ameritrade, later known as TD Ameritrade.

2004

Founded High Plains Bison, a retailer of natural bison meat.

2008

Established The American Film Company, producing feature films about true stories from American history.

2009

Founded DNAinfo.com, a digital news service covering neighborhood news in New York City and Chicago (shut down in 2017).

October 2009

Acquired a 95% controlling interest in the Chicago Cubs and Wrigley Field.

2011

Retired from the TD Ameritrade board to focus on entrepreneurship and philanthropy.

2016

Chicago Cubs won the World Series, ending a 108-year championship drought.

J. Joe Ricketts & family : FAQs

What is J. Joe Ricketts's current net worth?

J. Joe Ricketts's current net worth is $8.34 billion.

What is J. Joe Ricketts's current global rank among billionaires?

J. Joe Ricketts holds the 411th position globally among billionaires.

What is J. Joe Ricketts's current ranking within the United States?

J. Joe Ricketts holds the 161st position in United States.

What was the change in J. Joe Ricketts's net worth compared to the previous year?

J. Joe Ricketts's net worth decreased by 217.5 million dollars compared to the previous year 2025, when his net worth was 8.56 billion dollars.

What are J. Joe Ricketts's main sources of wealth?

J. Joe Ricketts's main source of income comes from TD Ameritrade.

In which industry does J. Joe Ricketts primarily operate?

J. Joe Ricketts is primarily involved in the Finance & Investments industry.

What is J. Joe Ricketts educational background?

J. Joe Ricketts holds a Bachelor of Arts/Science from Creighton University.

How old is J. Joe Ricketts?

J. Joe Ricketts is 84 years old.

How many children does J. Joe Ricketts have?

J. Joe Ricketts has 4 children.

What businesses did John Joseph Ricketts establish?

John Joseph Ricketts pursued various entrepreneurial ventures, including founding High Plains Bison, The Lodge at Jackson Fork, DNAinfo.com, and The American Film Company.

How is John Joseph Ricketts connected to the Chicago Cubs?

John Joseph Ricketts owns the Chicago Cubs Major League Baseball team with his family since October 2009, with the team winning the World Series in 2016.

What philanthropic efforts is John Joseph Ricketts known for?

John Joseph Ricketts is known for his philanthropy through The Ricketts Art Foundation, Opportunity Education Foundation, The Cloisters on the Platte Foundation, and The Ricketts Conservation Foundation.

What is John Joseph Ricketts's stance on political involvement?

John Joseph Ricketts has been politically active, co-founding the Campaign for Primary Accountability and advocating against wasteful federal spending with Taxpayers Against Earmarks and Ending Spending.