As Lucky Can Be

By Naperville Magazine
Appears in the September 2021 issue.

When Rory Comitz arrives wearing a top hat at your door, be prepared for a bit of a performance and an earworm that will likely stay after he’s departed. 

The professional chimney sweeper sings a few bars of “Chim Chim Cheree”—the same name as his West Chicago company (chim-chim-cheree.com) — then gets to cleaning.

His family business has been in operation for 25 years, and Comitz recommends regular visits every one to two years, depending on use. “I do all my cleanings from the inside with a combination of vacuum, blower, brushes,” he says. “Whatever is the best for each chimney.” 

Comitz greets his west suburban customers with a serenade and leaves them with an old Irish tradition. “When I’m all done, I leave them a penny for luck on the mantle.”

Photo Courtesy Chim Chim Cheree