CENTURY 21 Circle acquired JJ Nate Real Estate in Roscoe Village, marking its first brokerage within the city of Chicago. 

The firm now has 18 locations in Chicagoland. 

“This expansion is just the beginning,” C21 Circle CEO Melissa Archer-Wirtz said. “We are committed to redefining what a real estate experience looks like in Chicago, and our momentum is only growing.” 

As part of the JJ Nate acquisition, The Batista Group will officially join the brokerage, adding its office at 3551 N Damen Ave. to C21 Circle’s Chicagoland footprint.  

“By having our family join CENTURY 21 Circle, we look forward to being supported by their leadership, resources and technology — providing the opportunity to grow alongside our clients and agents,” said Rick Batista, owner of JJ Nate and The Batista Group. “Having been approached by other brokerages and franchises over the years, we never felt a strong enough connection to make a change — until now.” 

Tina Johnson appointed VP of field operations 

C21 Circle also named Tina Johnson, franchise performance consultant for Century 21 Real Estate LLC, as its vice president of field operations. The firm recently hired industry veteran Chris Stephens as its vice president of agent development and coaching. 

Johnson has been in real estate for over 20 years and was named manager of the year and recruiter of the year multiple times during her tenure at RE/MAX. 

“In my previous role, I worked closely with company owners on strategy and growth,” Johnson said. “Now, I’m excited to bring that same level of insight to the people on the front lines — our team leaders and agents — helping them strengthen their business and drive meaningful results.”