Longtime Chicago sports talk host Harry Teinowitz passes away

Harry Teinowitz, former host of Mac, Jurko and Harry on ESPN 1000 in Chicago, has died.

Jeff Agrest of the Chicago Sun-Times reported on Teinowitz’s passing.

“Harry Teinowitz, part of the popular ‘Mac, Jurko and Harry’ show that aired from 2001 to ’09 on ESPN 1000, has died at 64,” Agrest wrote. “Teinowitz had a liver transplant within the last two years, and he suffered from heart and liver problems.”

Agrest also noted how big the show, which Teinowitz hosted alongside Dan McNeil and John Jurkovic, was.

His ESPN 1000 show was a hit, drawing big ratings and making the station a viable competitor to The Score, which had launched nine years before,” Agrest detailed. In fact, “Mac, Jurko and Harry” often dominated in afternoons, with listeners likely wondering what might spark the show’s next feud. McNeil and Teinowitz were polar opposites, which led to several on-air incidents. Nevertheless, the trio’s banter was wildly entertaining.

Teinowitz was fondly remembered as news of his passing broke.

A Chicago legend. May he rest in peace. https://t.co/QRyOGswM7w

— Brendan Dzwierzynski (@BrendanDzw) July 16, 2025

Harry was a delight to work with at WMVP-AM. That is where Harry and Spike first did a show before ESPN-1000. He had serious health issues the past few years. Will be deeply missed. ❤️ https://t.co/8Pz5DuD7go

— Cheryl (Raye) Stout (@Crayestout) July 15, 2025

My first “big boy” internship was on the Afternoon Saloon with Harry, @carmendefalco, and @Jurko64. First time I met Harry he razzed me about where I’m from pretending he never heard of the town.

What a hilarious, loving soul. RIP, Harry. A Chicago radio legend. https://t.co/X8yCG4vGRB

— Marco Scola (@Marco_Scola) July 16, 2025

I loved listening to Harry back in the day and he was one of the first sports radio hosts I ever met. Could not have been nicer. Rest in peace HT. https://t.co/ghOCEi5ijL pic.twitter.com/Y1rgSQDYbL

— Brendan Sugrue (@BrendanSugrue) July 16, 2025

Ah man. Listened to him since I was a little kid. He was in chicago sports radio for so long. Always funny. Always interesting. Always energetic. https://t.co/6qCI9UY05K

— Mike Hall (@MikeHallHere) July 16, 2025

Jon Greenberg of The Athletic commented on Teinowitz’s passing.

This news had been going around Chicago sports media circles today. Very, very sad. It was sudden. His funeral is Monday. https://t.co/XJ54OlSb08

— jon greenberg (@jon_greenberg) July 15, 2025

“This news had been going around Chicago sports media circles today,” Greenberg said. “Very, very sad. It was sudden. His funeral is Monday.”