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Autism Optimism Illinois Announces New Integrated Therapy Center in Downers Grove, Set to Open May 2026

  • Feb 21
  • 7 min read

DOWNERS GROVE, IL — February 10, 2026 — Autism Optimism Illinois (AO-IL) today unveiled full details of its pioneering, integrated autism therapy center, launching this spring at 3030 Finley Road in Downers Grove. More than just a new clinic, AO-IL represents a radical reimagining of therapeutic care: a 5,100-square-foot, purpose-built sanctuary where clinical excellence, practitioner autonomy, and compassionate, whole-child support converge under one roof.

Founded by Chip Borkowski, a father driven by a personal mission inspired by his autistic son, Bennett, AO-IL is designed from the ground up to empower clinicians as equity partners and provide families with seamless, multi-disciplinary care.

Nestled in the heart of vibrant and accessible DuPage County, the sprawling single-floor facility is a masterclass in intentional design. Every corridor, room, and common area has been meticulously planned to serve dual purposes: fostering unparalleled therapeutic outcomes and nurturing the well-being of the professionals who work within it.

AO-IL is slated for a ribbon-cutting on World Autism Awareness Day (April 2, 2026) and a grand opening for client sessions in May. The organization is now recruiting the founding clinical leader who will not only work within these walls, but help shape the legacy of the space.


A Tour of the Purpose-Built Environment

Stepping through the main entrance on the south side of the building, families are immediately greeted by a warm, comfortable reception area designed to reduce anxiety and signal a transition into a space of support and growth. From here, the clinic unfolds into a harmonious layout balancing private focus with collaborative energy.

The Heart of One-on-One Care: Private Therapy Rooms

Lining the clinic’s wings are plentiful, sun-lit private therapy rooms, each a dedicated canvas for individualized therapy. These quiet, controlled environments will be equipped with adaptive furniture, tailored sensory tools, and specialized learning materials to facilitate:

  • Focused ABA programming

  • Speech articulation exercises

  • Fine motor skill work

  • Cognitive therapies

Shelves will be stocked with carefully selected manipulatives, visual schedules, communication devices, and therapeutic toys—each chosen to support specific goals within evidence-based, personalized treatment plans. Sound-dampening materials ensure confidentiality and minimize distractions, enabling deep and productive engagement between therapist and client.

The Hub of Dynamism and Growth: The Expansive Gym

In purposeful contrast to the private rooms lies the clinic’s crown jewel: a vast, bright gymnasium engineered for movement, social interaction, and group learning. This open, flexible space is designed for:

  • Dynamic group ABA sessions

  • Occupational therapy gross motor circuits

  • Physical therapy balance and coordination activities

  • Social skills groups

The gym will be equipped with versatile, durable equipment, including crash pads, therapy swings, balance beams, climbing structures, trampolines, and ball pits. Mobile partitions allow the area to be reconfigured instantly—transforming from an obstacle course one hour into a circle-time group the next. Large windows flood the space with natural light, creating an uplifting atmosphere that energizes both clients and staff.

Sanctuary for the Experts: Dedicated Clinician Spaces

Recognizing that empowered clinicians deliver the best care, AO-IL has invested significantly in professional spaces that exceed the standard. BCBAs and lead therapists will have dedicated private offices—quiet havens for:

  • Treatment planning

  • Data analysis

  • Parent consultations

  • Interdisciplinary collaboration

Adjacent to the clinical areas, a welcoming staff breakroom offers an essential respite space. It’s more than a lunchroom; it’s a community hub with comfortable seating, kitchen amenities, and a design ethos that encourages decompression and collegial connection—supporting sustainable culture and helping prevent burnout.

Operational Excellence and Family Convenience

Practicality and dignity are woven into the clinic’s blueprint. Four private, fully accessible bathrooms are strategically placed—crucial for client training protocols and family comfort. A dedicated staff entrance on the east side ensures smooth operational flow. The clinic’s single-floor layout guarantees full accessibility, eliminating barriers for clients, families, and staff alike.

Location & Access: Built for Chicagoland Families

The 3030 Finley Road location was selected for its unparalleled convenience. Situated centrally in DuPage County (population over 900,000), it offers easy access for families from across the Chicago metropolitan area.

The clinic is minutes from major arteries, including:

  • I-88

  • I-355

  • Route 34 (Ogden Ave)

  • Route 38 (Roosevelt Rd)

  • Route 53

  • Butterfield Road

Ample reserved parking (10 reserved spaces) and a dedicated drop-off area ensure a seamless, stress-free experience from the very first visit.

The Model: Ownership, Integration, and Purpose

AO-IL’s physical plant embodies its operational model. The center is actively recruiting a Clinical Director/Managing BCBA who will join as an immediate equity partner with no financial buy-in, earning an ownership stake that scales from 5% to 15% of clinic net profits over three years.

The clinical model is fully integrated, bringing together:

  • Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs)

  • Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs)

  • Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs)

  • Occupational Therapists (OTs)

  • Physical Therapists (PTs)

This structure enables coordinated, whole-child care where professionals can collaborate in real time, share insights, and align strategies across disciplines—within the walls of this specially designed facility.

The Misericordia Covenant: Profits with Purpose

Embedded in the financial and ethical fabric of AO-IL is a covenant with Misericordia: a binding commitment to donate 10% of the clinic’s net profits to Misericordia Heart of Mercy. This ensures that as the clinic grows and thrives, it simultaneously fuels profound community impact.

A Call to Visionary Clinicians

As the furniture arrives, the equipment is installed, and the shelves await their therapeutic tools, AO-IL seeks the clinicians who will bring this space to life. The organization is hiring for a Clinical Director/Managing Partner (BCBA), additional BCBAs and RBTs, and SLPs, OTs, and PTs for a Spring 2026 start.

“We haven’t just built a clinic; we’ve built a platform for professional liberation and exceptional care. Every room in this facility, from the private therapy suites to the vibrant gym, is a blank page waiting for our clinician-owners to write a new story for autism therapy. This is an invitation to build the career, and the legacy, you’ve always envisioned.”

About Autism Optimism Illinois (AO-IL)

Autism Optimism Illinois is a clinician-led, community-anchored organization establishing a new standard for autism therapy in Illinois. Its flagship integrated therapy center, opening in Downers Grove in May 2026, will provide coordinated Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Speech, Occupational, and Physical Therapy under one roof. Built on principles of clinician equity, family partnership, and social impact—including a 10% net profit pledge to Misericordia—AO-IL aims to eliminate waitlists, reduce clinician burnout, and deliver exceptional, compassionate care.

About Misericordia Heart of Mercy

Misericordia Heart of Mercy is a Chicago-based nonprofit organization that supports over 800 children and adults with developmental disabilities, offering a continuum of care that includes residential, educational, and vocational programs. Founded in 1921, Misericordia is known for its compassionate community model that emphasizes ability, dignity, and inclusion—providing a loving home and opportunities for personal growth that enable individuals to reach their fullest potential.

Contact + Tours + Partnership Inquiries

For more information, partnership inquiries, or to schedule a tour of the new facility:

We’re not just opening a clinic—we’re opening a new way forward.

A Special Note of Thanks from Chip Borkowski, Founder

The journey to find the perfect home for Autism Optimism Illinois was a critical first step in our mission, and it was made possible by the exceptional expertise and dedication of two outstanding local real estate partners. On behalf of our entire future team, I extend our deepest gratitude.

Salmon Partners

Our sincere thanks to Steve Lieberman and the team at Salmon Partners, the Downers Grove-based boutique commercial real estate investment firm that owns 3030 Finley Road. From our very first conversation, it was clear that Salmon Partners operates differently. Their hands-on, tenant-focused philosophy—centered on retention, quality service, and proactive property management—resonated deeply with our vision for a long-term, community-anchored home.

Salmon Partners didn’t just see us as lessees; they saw us as partners in creating a valuable asset for the community. Their commitment to improving and operating best-in-class medical office properties provided us with the confidence that our clinic’s physical environment will be meticulously maintained, allowing us to focus entirely on our clinical work. We are proud to be tenants of a firm that values lasting relationships as much as we do.

Kammes Commercial Real Estate

We are immensely grateful to Michael Kammes and the expert team at Kammes Commercial Real Estate (affiliated with Re/Max Suburban) in Wheaton. Their role as our dedicated tenant representatives was indispensable. In a complex market, they provided the data-driven, strategic guidance necessary to navigate our search and secure a facility that meets every one of our operational and aspirational needs.

Their full-service expertise in leasing and consulting transformed our list of requirements into a tangible reality. The team’s deep knowledge of the suburban Chicago commercial landscape and their relentless advocacy ensured we found not just a space, but the space—one that will facilitate our integrated model and support our growth for years to come.

TrustBank Wheaton & Market President Mark Spehr

A special note of appreciation to TrustBank Wheaton and Market President Mark Spehr for serving as our trusted financial partner. All Autism Optimism Illinois business accounts are held at TrustBank—an institution that embodies the community-focused values at our core. Mark and his team have provided not just banking services, but strategic financial counsel and steadfast support from the earliest stages of this venture.

Their local expertise and personalized approach give us tremendous confidence as we build the financial infrastructure for a sustainable, mission-driven clinic. In a world of impersonal banking, TrustBank Wheaton stands out as a true partner invested in our success and the prosperity of the DuPage County community we serve.

Together, these partners have provided the perfect blend of real estate integrity, transactional excellence, and financial stewardship. They have been foundational in turning the blueprint of Autism Optimism Illinois into a buildable, bankable, and sustainable reality. We are thrilled to begin our work at 3030 Finley Road and are proud to have such exemplary professionals as part of our story.

3030 Finley Road — Downers Grove, IL

The sprawling 5,100-square-foot clinic at 3030 Finley Road offers a thoughtfully designed space where every square foot serves a purpose. The generous layout features plentiful private therapy rooms for one-on-one sessions and an expansive, bright gym perfect for dynamic group activities and motor-skills therapy. Clinicians will enjoy dedicated private offices and a welcoming breakroom, while families appreciate a comfortable reception area and the convenience of four private bathrooms, essential for client training and comfort.

All of this is conveniently located on a single, easily accessible first floor with ample reserved parking and a dedicated drop-off area, ensuring a seamless and welcoming experience from the moment families and staff arrive. This isn’t just a clinic; it’s a purpose-built environment where exceptional therapy, clinician well-being, and family convenience are equally prioritized.



Staff Entrance Views

Aerial view from above 3030 (facing north); staff entrance just off Finley Rd.; parking space #10 highlighted]










Street view of the east side of 3030 (facing west); staff entrance]







Ribbon-Cutting 4/2/26 & Grand Opening Launch May 2026


Very accessible from all parts of Chicagoland!

[Insert image here — Chicagoland map graphic with location pin]

 
 
 

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