Rob Elgas
In March of 2023, Elgas was promoted and now anchors ABC 7 Chicago's top-rated 10 p.m. newscast. The veteran news anchor and reporter now anchors the live, digital 7 p.m. newscast and has also anchored the station's top-rated 4 p.m. newscast since May of 2016.
Upon his arrival at Chicago's most watched television station, ABC 7's Vice President of News Jennifer Graves said, "Rob Elgas is an experienced journalist who has established a strong connection with Chicago viewers during his 13 years covering Chicago and suburbs."
A Chicago area native, Elgas brings more than two decades of news experience to ABC 7.
Elgas joined ABC 7 from NBC 5 in Chicago where he anchored the early afternoon news and reported for the late evening news.
An award winning journalist, Elgas has won several Emmy Awards including an Emmy for breaking news coverage of a devastating tornado in the area. Elgas reported from Naplate, Illinois after a tornado outbreak devastated the small town. He also co-hosted an Emmy Award-winning broadcast of the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival parade with Cheryl Burton, Janet Davies, and Judy Hsu. The broadcast was nationally syndicated and seen in top markets across the country.
During his career, Elgas had been honored with Associated Press and Peter Lisagor Awards for his live breaking news coverage of protests in Chicago in 2014. He won Emmy Awards for co-hosting various specials, including a Winter Olympic special, "Hometown Hopeful," featuring Chicago Olympians. He has covered two Olympics, the 2006 Winter Games in Torino, Italy and the 2014 Olympics in Sochi, Russia.
Elgas has traveled to Washington, D.C. for the State of the Union, and covered breaking news in California and Texas for ABC 7. But his most memorable assignment was covering the historic World Series win by the Chicago Cubs, joining Mark Giangreco and Jim Rose in Cleveland for breaking news coverage of Game 7 of the 2016 World Series.
Prior to his return to Chicago in 2002, Elgas worked for ABC 7 in El Paso, Texas. Hired in 1998, he was a weekend anchor before co-anchoring the morning show from 2000-2002.
Elgas started his broadcasting career behind the lens in Champaign-Urbana, working as a photographer for WICD-TV.
Elgas attended the University of Illinois, studying agricultural communications and journalism, before landing his first job in television.
Elgas is a member of NAHJ, the National Association of Hispanic Journalists. Most of his family now lives in south Texas, just a few hours north of the Mexican border.
Born in Arlington Heights and raised in Crystal Lake, Elgas now lives in the southwest suburbs with his wife and two children.
Follow Rob Elgas on:
Facebook: @RobElgas
Twitter:@RobElgasABC7
Rob's Stories
Chicago Palestine Film Festival returns to Gene Siskel Film Center
The longest running Palestine film festival in the world is in Chicago, and it returns to the Gene Siskel Film Center starting Saturday.
Eileen O'Neill Burke wins Democratic primary for Cook County state's attorney
Eileen O'Neill Burke has defeated Clayton Harris III in the Democratic primary race for Cook County state's attorney, the Associated Press projected on Friday afternoon.
Esporta Fitness gym closing in Morgan Park on April 1, to residents' dismay
The popular Esporta Fitness gym in Morgan Park is closing on April 1, and residents say they don't want to see it go.
Chicago news in 2023: SAFE-T Act, migrant crisis, mayoral election, assault weapons ban and more
So much happened in the Chicago area in 2023 that it can be hard to believe it all took place in a single year. Here are some highlights of the year's biggest local news stories.
Pilot, Jacqueline Ruiz, trailblazing path for Latinas in aviation: 'Pilotina'
A Latina pilot from North Aurora is soaring to new heights and trailblazing a path for Latinas in aviation.
Chicago White Sox shooting update: CPD continues to investigate after 2 shot; doctor speaks out
Chicago police said they are fairly certain that a bullet that wounded two women at Friday's White Sox game was fired inside the ball park.
Lake Villa's Ax and the Hatchetmen set to take Lollapalooza stage Thursday
A seven-piece band that practices in a north suburban garage will debut on stage at Lollapalooza Thursday.
Chicago-based reusable packaging platform REUSO reimagining dining experience
A Chicago company is hoping restaurants, stadiums and festivals will make the switch to their plastic containers that can be used over 1,000 times.
All-Black Howard swim team wins 1st championship; Whitney Young alum part of historic win
The only all-Black swimming and diving team in in the country won their first conference championship.
Black-owned Funkytown Brewery in Logan Square targets new beer drinkers
You'll want to get "funky" with this 90s hip-hop inspired brewery that makes its beer right here in Chicago.