Simone Biles received a very bitter reminder about the reality of spending the winter months living in Chicago when she woke up to a “winter wonderland” outside her Illinois home—a sight that prompted her to joke about fleeing back to Texas. The 28-year-old former Olympian has spent the last two years splitting her time between Chicago, where her husband, Jonathan Owens, 30, plays for the Chicago Bears, and her hometown of Houston, where the couple have just finished work on a stunning custom mansion.
While she has been dedicated about attending as many of Owens’ games as possible since he signed with the team in 2024, she seemed less than thrilled about the snowy scene that greeted her on the morning after the Bears’ Nov. 9 win over the New York Giants. Sharing an image of her snow-covered backyard, Biles wrote on her Instagram Stories: “Woke up in winter wonderland,” before joking: “Bye, I’m leaving,” and adding a crying face emoji.
Although some might see her reaction as dramatic, the weather forecasts indicate Biles had plenty of reason to be shocked by the snowy weather—particularly given that the temperatures in Chicago on the morning of Nov. 10 were just 28 degrees, while in Houston, residents were enjoying balmy temperatures of 53 degrees.
When Dreams Meet Reality
Simone Biles—the most decorated gymnast in the world—has proven that she can conquer the toughest competitions on Earth. But what happens when a champion faces the challenges of real life in a big city like Chicago? Turns out, even an Olympic icon can feel the sting of a brutal reality check.
In this article, we’ll dive into Biles’ experience in Chicago, the reasons behind her candid statement—“Bye, I’m leaving”—and how this moment says a lot about fame, transition, and staying grounded despite the glitter of success.
Why Simone Biles Moved to Chicago in the First Place
Simone’s move to Chicago wasn’t just random. After marrying NFL player Jonathan Owens, who signed with the Chicago Bears, she found herself packing her bags and heading to the Windy City.
At first, it sounded like a dream setup—a new city, a fresh start, and a chance to live closer to her husband’s career. But reality quickly reminded her that adjusting to a new city, especially one with harsh winters and relentless pace, is not all sunshine and social media smiles.
The Windy City Welcomed Her… With a Chill
Chicago is famous for many things—deep-dish pizza, Lake Michigan, iconic architecture, and of course, its bone-freezing winters.
For someone who grew up in Texas, Biles wasn’t ready for the drastic climate shift. In a recent lighthearted clip, she admitted how overwhelming it was dealing with the city’s notorious cold. “I told my husband, ‘Bye, I’m leaving,’” she joked. Fans laughed, but many related to her sentiment—Chicago winters are no joke.
The Cultural Shock Behind the Smile
Sure, Simone’s Instagram might show stunning photos of cityscapes and cozy nights, but beneath that, she’s adjusting to a completely different lifestyle.
From navigating public transport to finding quiet places to unwind, Chicago life can feel like a whirlwind for someone used to suburban peace. Even grocery shopping and daily routines can become small battles when the environment changes so drastically.
When Social Media Turns a Joke Into a Trend
As soon as Simone shared her “Bye, I’m leaving” moment, social media went wild. Fans flooded Twitter (X) and Instagram with memes, comments, and jokes about surviving Chicago’s unpredictable weather.
But beyond the humor, her honesty struck a chord. Many people admired her for being real—because even global icons have their “I can’t deal with this” days.
Fame Doesn’t Shield You From Real Life
People often think celebrities have it easy, but Biles’ story proves the opposite. Fame might bring luxury, but it can’t protect anyone from the universal struggles of relocation, cultural adjustment, or simply missing home.
Simone’s openness reminds us that being successful doesn’t mean being invincible. She’s human—just like the rest of us who’ve ever struggled with a big move or a cold, gray morning.
Simone Biles—The Queen of Resilience
Let’s not forget who we’re talking about here. Simone Biles isn’t just another athlete; she’s a symbol of resilience.
From overcoming mental health challenges during the Tokyo Olympics to returning to competition stronger than ever, she’s shown unmatched strength. So, while Chicago might be testing her patience, it’s safe to say she’ll conquer this new chapter too—just like every challenge before it.
Humor as Her Armor
One thing fans love most about Simone? Her humor.
By laughing at her struggles and sharing them publicly, she shows that it’s okay to find light in tough moments. Her “Bye, I’m leaving” comment wasn’t a meltdown—it was a moment of levity that made her even more relatable.
Chicago—A City That Builds Character
Anyone who’s lived in Chicago knows it’s a city that tests you before it welcomes you. Between traffic, high rent, and icy winds, newcomers quickly learn what it takes to thrive there.
For Simone, this might be just another “routine” she’s learning to perfect—this time, not on a balance beam, but in real life.
How the Locals Reacted
Chicagoans didn’t take offense; they laughed along. Many locals even commented, “Wait till February hits,” hinting that the real winter struggle was yet to come.
The exchange turned into a fun, communal moment—proof that humor can bridge the gap between celebrity and everyday life.
Jonathan Owens’ Take on His Wife’s Adjustment
Jonathan Owens, the Bears safety and Biles’ husband, has also been candid about adjusting to Chicago life. Between football commitments and city living, both are finding their rhythm in this new chapter.
He’s often seen teasing her about her dislike for the cold, and fans love their playful dynamic. It’s the kind of down-to-earth relationship that makes them one of America’s favorite sports couples.
From Gold to Grit—Simone’s Evolution Beyond Gymnastics
Life after gymnastics isn’t easy for any athlete. Simone is learning to redefine herself outside of the gym. Living in a city that challenges her might just be helping her grow in unexpected ways.
Every obstacle—whether it’s a tough crowd, a tough season, or a tough winter—builds another layer of resilience.
A Lesson Hidden in the Cold
Simone’s Chicago reality check isn’t a defeat—it’s a lesson in adaptability. Life constantly pushes us out of comfort zones, and how we react defines who we become.
Her story reminds fans that even when things don’t go as planned, you can always find humor, grace, and growth in the process.
Why Fans Love Her Even More Now
Ironically, Simone’s “Bye, I’m leaving” comment only made fans adore her more. She’s not pretending to love everything about fame or big-city life—she’s being real.
In an age of polished perfection, authenticity wins hearts. Simone just proved that again.
What’s Next for Simone in Chicago?
Despite her playful complaints, Simone isn’t actually packing up and leaving. She’s adapting, exploring, and finding her favorite local spots one step at a time.
Rumors even suggest she’s connecting with local fitness communities and youth programs—continuing her legacy of inspiring young athletes everywhere.
Turning Challenges Into Motivation
Every challenge Simone faces becomes fuel for her next move. Chicago’s cold might slow her down, but it won’t stop her.
If there’s one thing we’ve learned from her journey, it’s that Simone Biles doesn’t quit—she adjusts, she adapts, and she thrives.
Conclusion: The Champion’s Reality Check
Simone Biles’ “Bye, I’m leaving” moment wasn’t about giving up—it was about being human. Her lighthearted honesty reminds us that no matter how successful we become, life always finds a way to keep us humble.
From Olympic gold to the chill of Chicago, Simone continues to inspire with her authenticity, humor, and strength. And if she can laugh through her struggles, maybe we can too.
