First, tell us a bit about yourself.

Hi! I’m Jill Burke, born and raised in St. Paul, Minnesota. I am married to Jack (yep, we’re Jack and Jill!) I have two grown children, Ben and Maria, plus an English Labrador named Duncan. 

I learned to play poker as a very young child and have warm memories of sitting on my Grandpa’s lap, playing penny-ante poker. However, my true love for Texas Hold’em began in my brother’s garage seven years ago. Brad absolutely loved Hold’em and hosted a weekly game in his garage. I knew Brad’s time with us was limited due to a heart condition, so I became a Friday afternoon regular in his garage. I cherish that time I spent with Brad and continue to be grateful for the introduction to the crazy game of Texas Hold’em. My other passions include fishing, spending time at Rainy Lake with loved ones, playing piano, and fostering orphaned, neonate puppies and kittens.

1. What is your PokerStars name and why did you choose it?

You can find me on PokerStars under the name illychippies. My sister had nicknames for everyone, and mine was “illy.” I’ve been blessed with that one my whole life. I wanted illy’schippies so PokerStars would know which direction the chips should flow but had to settle for illychippies.

2. What is your favorite poker memory?

Here’s one that makes me cringe and laugh every time I think about it. After two years of playing Hold’em in my brother’s garage, I decided I was ready for casino play. I sat down at a full of 10 players and the first hand I called a raise by throwing a large chip in the center, splashing the pot. Not good, but it doesn’t end there. I needed still needed change for my big chip. I was in seat eight with a long reach to the pot, so I promptly stood up, reached into the pot, and took my change!

3. What do you think might help or needs to change to gain more women in poker?

One of our local card rooms, Canterbury Park, offered dinner and a beginner’s training session a couple of hours prior to holding a low-stakes ladies-only tournament. I thought this was a brilliant idea for introducing more women to the game in a friendly, affordable, supportive environment. I’d love to see more casinos follow their lead.

4. What are your thoughts about tournaments still being split by gender?

I truly love the ladies tournaments and participate in as many as I can.

5. What is your favorite poker tournament series live and/or online? Why? Where? Do you prefer online or live Poker?

I am particularly fond of the Fall Poker Classic at Canterbury Park. This series has many tournaments that are attractive to me, including the seniors and ladies events. The tournaments are well run and within driving distance from my home. I definitely prefer live poker to online, but I am so grateful for online poker as it has kept me playing and growing in my game throughout the pandemic.

6. Who are your four favorite poker opponents and why?

To answer this question, I decided to think of players who always bring a good feeling or a smile to my face when I’m seated at their table.

Steve Fredlund – Steve is the founding member of Rec.Poker, which is a vibrant and encouraging learning community. I have played against him regularly at my home casino, Running Aces, and in Rec.Poker’s nightly home game on PokerStars. Steve is a tough opponent and very welcoming to all players, men and women alike. I have tremendous respect for Steve. He’s just an all-around great guy!

Roz Quarto – I’ve played against Roz only on PokerStars but look forward to the day we face each other live on the felt! Numerous times Roz and I have made a final table, then battled it out heads up. Roz is a solid player, and she continues to challenge my game.

Jim Reid – Jim is another great ambassador of the game and is an active partner at Rec.Poker. I so enjoy his work as a podcast panelist with his ever-present smile and laugh. He is the happiest player at the table, and I appreciate his enthusiasm for Texas Hold’em. Someday I hope to play in a live tournament with Jim!

Kathy Caron – Kathy has a true passion for Texas Hold’em. She is a great conversationalist and regularly keeps me entertained at the table with her antics! I love my poker road trips with her and look forward to many more as live tournaments continue to open up.

7. What is your favorite preflop hand that you always play? Is there a story behind it?

Since there is a time and place to fold any hand, including AA, I don’t have a hand that I always play. However, I do have a favorite: Queen Jack suited. My husband’s name is Jack, so that card is a natural for me, and I am his queen. 🙂 I recently learned that this is Jack’s favorite hand, too.

8. Do you have any poker-related collections? (e.g., chips, cards, cookie cutters, trophies, rings etc.)

One day I hope to have a “collection” of trophies and rings but for now I just collect card protectors and awesome poker friends.

9. What is your biggest pet peeve about or around poker?

Loud, obnoxious and drunk players annoy me, but I sure love taking their chips!

10. What is your favorite Las Vegas casino poker room and why? Do you have a favorite poker room outside of Vegas?

My favorite Las Vegas poker room is Aria. The room is comfortable, well run and management is very supportive of women players. I do enjoy the complimentary Fiji waters, as well! Outside of Las Vegas my favorite poker room is my home casino, Running Aces, in Columbus, Minn. I walk in and see familiar, friendly faces. I am missing the tournaments there since the pandemic but have hopes to regularly play their live tournaments soon.

Who do you nominate to answer 10 Questions with PLON?

I’d like to pass these questions off to Melinda Morgan Hipp!