LeaderPortfolio
family
J
Rank #437
UNITED STATESfinance-investmentsTD Ameritrade

J. Joe Ricketts & family

Net Worth
$8.189B
+0.2% (24h)
John Joseph "Joe" Ricketts, born in 1941, is an American businessman and philanthropist. He is best known as the founder, former CEO, and former chairman of TD Ameritrade, a leading online brokerage firm. His career began in the financial sector, and through strategic foresight, he transformed TD Ameritrade into a financial powerhouse. Ricketts' net worth is estimated at $4.1 billion as of 2024. Beyond his business achievements, Ricketts and his family own the Chicago Cubs. Ricketts is also actively involved in philanthropy, supporting educational and conservation initiatives.

How to read J. Joe Ricketts & family's profile

Public net-worth figures are estimates. They combine observable inputs—typically listed equity, disclosed transactions, and market prices—with editorial judgment where filings are incomplete (for example, private holdings, debt, or cross-holdings). For J. Joe Ricketts & family, we anchor the narrative to TD Ameritrade and TD Ameritrade, then update the headline number as markets move. The chart on this page is meant to show trajectory, not a certified balance sheet.

When you see $8.189B alongside global rank #437, interpret it as our best synthesis of widely cited ownership and price signals—not a claim about cash on hand. Estimates can diverge from other publishers because of different treatment of options, trusts, charitable vehicles, or illiquid assets. We document the general approach in methodology and welcome corrections via corrections.

Country (UNITED STATES) and career milestones on this page are curated for reader context; they should be verified against primary sources when used for research. Editorial metadata for this profile is refreshed on a rolling basis, with deeper audits at least annually (last noted cycle: 2026).

Looking for depth? When available, the dossier and timeline sections below add long-form context beyond the headline number—prioritize those modules when evaluating claims about strategy, controversies, or philanthropic commitments.

The Full Dossier

Early Life and Education

John Joseph Ricketts was born and raised in Nebraska City, Nebraska. He graduated from St. Bernard's Academy in Nebraska City in 1959. He earned a bachelor's degree in economics from Creighton University in 1968.

Rise to Success

Ricketts' career began in the financial industry. In 1975, he co-founded First Omaha Securities with partners, investing $12,500 each. This firm evolved through mergers and became TD Ameritrade, an online brokerage that revolutionized the industry. He served as CEO from 1982 to 2001 and as chairman from 1982 to 2008.

Key Business Strategies

Ricketts pioneered the online trading platform, making it accessible and affordable for individual investors. This strategy enabled the company to grow rapidly. In 2006, TD Ameritrade acquired the U.S. operations of TD Waterhouse, further expanding its market presence.

Philanthropy

Ricketts is involved in various philanthropic endeavors. He has established The Ricketts Art Foundation, Opportunity Education Foundation, The Cloisters on the Platte Foundation, and The Ricketts Conservation Foundation. He founded Opportunity Education in 2005, aiming to improve education for children worldwide.

Career Timeline

2011

Retired from TD Ameritrade board

Stepped down from the board to focus on other business ventures.

2009

Acquired Chicago Cubs

The Ricketts family acquired a 95% controlling interest in the Chicago Cubs and Wrigley Field.

1982

Became CEO of Ameritrade Holding Corp.

Took on the role of CEO at Ameritrade Holding Corp., which owns TD Ameritrade.

1975

Co-founded First Omaha Securities

Co-founded First Omaha Securities, which later became TD Ameritrade.

Philanthropic Impact

EducationUnknown

Opportunity Education Foundation

Supports educational initiatives globally, particularly for children in poverty.

ConservationUnknown

The Ricketts Conservation Foundation

Focuses on conservation efforts.

Key Business Ventures & Holdings

CompanyStakeValue
TD Ameritrade

Net Worth History

In-Depth Analysis

Early Life and Education

John Joseph Ricketts was born and raised in Nebraska City, Nebraska. He graduated from St. Bernard's Academy in Nebraska City in 1959. He earned a bachelor's degree in economics from Creighton University in 1968.

Rise to Success

Ricketts' career began in the financial industry. In 1975, he co-founded First Omaha Securities with partners, investing $12,500 each. This firm evolved through mergers and became TD Ameritrade, an online brokerage that revolutionized the industry. He served as CEO from 1982 to 2001 and as chairman from 1982 to 2008.

Key Business Strategies

Ricketts pioneered the online trading platform, making it accessible and affordable for individual investors. This strategy enabled the company to grow rapidly. In 2006, TD Ameritrade acquired the U.S. operations of TD Waterhouse, further expanding its market presence.

Philanthropy

Ricketts is involved in various philanthropic endeavors. He has established The Ricketts Art Foundation, Opportunity Education Foundation, The Cloisters on the Platte Foundation, and The Ricketts Conservation Foundation. He founded Opportunity Education in 2005, aiming to improve education for children worldwide.

Data Sources & Methodology

Figures for J. Joe Ricketts & family are synthesized from the sources below and cross-checked against our net worth methodology. Estimates may lag market moves; see corrections to report discrepancies.