Southwest Chicagoland Man Claims $1 Million Top Prize On $50 Scratch-Off — Credits Late Father
Photo caption: Palos Hills resident John, nicknamed ‘Music Man,’ poses for his celebratory winner photo after winning a $1 million top prize on a scratch-off ticket.
CHICAGO, April 13, 2026 — A Palos Hills resident is celebrating a life-changing lottery win after purchasing a $50 scratch-off ticket inspired by the memory of his late father. John, who goes by the nickname ‘Music Man,’ claimed a $1 million top prize on the Illinois Lottery’s Millionaire Club Instant Ticket.
“I wasn’t that shocked, but I was excited,” said John. “I could feel my father’s presence with me when I walked into the store—that felt like a sign.”
The winning ticket was purchased at Jewel-Osco, located at 7329 S Cass Ave. in Darien. According to John, this isn’t his first lottery win.
Last October, he won $50,000 on a $10 Holiday Bucks ticket— coinciding with the anniversary of his father’s passing. He recalled a meaningful moment that followed.
“After lighting a candle and saying a prayer, I saw a flock of geese passing by,” he said. “My father was a bird hunter, so it felt symbolic—like good fortune. Then I scratched the ticket and won.”
Months later, still thinking of his father, John purchased the $50 ticket that secured his place among the Illinois Lottery’s million-dollar winners.
“After I scanned the ticket to confirm the win, I immediately shared the news with my sister and mother,” he said. “They were thrilled!”
John plans to use his winnings to invest in new equipment, including a guitar.
“All thanks to my father, I might even open up a recording studio,” he said with a smile.
The retailer that sold the winning ticket will receive a bonus of one percent of the prize amount, totalling $10,000.
The Illinois Lottery currently offers a range of Instant Ticket games priced from $1 to $50, available at approximately 7,000 retail locations across Illinois.
Instant Tickets b-roll, available for use by the media, download here.
Playing the lottery should be a form of entertainment. Please remember to set a limit and stick to it. Be Smart, Play Smart®. Must be 18 or older to play. Game odds available at IllinoisLottery.com.
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About the Illinois Lottery
The Illinois Lottery, founded in 1974, has contributed over $26 billion to the State’s Common School Fund in support of K-12 public education in Illinois since 1985. The Common School Fund is the Illinois Lottery’s primary beneficiary, receiving nearly 99% of Illinois Lottery proceeds. The Illinois Lottery also supports various specialty causes as described in the Illinois Lottery Law (20 ILCS 1605/21.4). For more information about the Illinois Lottery and the causes we support, please visit IllinoisLottery.com.