Loop Rock Girl takes cover

MaximMaxim is not normally on my reading list (no, really), but the magazine’s latest cover model merits a special salute.

She’s Shannon Ihrke, better known to Chicago radio listeners of a younger demographic as The Loop Rock Girl. Now in her second year as spokesmodel for classic rock WLUP FM 97.9, she’s gracing the cover of Maxim’s May issue in its annual “tribute to the troops.”

Shannon Ihrke

Shannon Ihrke

After majoring in marketing for two years at Saint Cloud University in her native Minnesota, Ihrke joined the Marine Corps, where she specialized in legal administration and accounting and earned the rank of sergeant. She left after four years to move to Chicago and pursue a modeling career. First named The Loop Rock Girl (and winning a $75,000 contract) in October 2012, she was renewed by the station for another year at the end of 2013.

Ihrke’s previous appearances in Maxim included being named a a 2011 Hometown Hottie Finalist and appearing in an earlier military issue.

"I'M FREAKING OUT MAN!” she told Facebook fans Wednesday. “My friend just sent this to me this morning . . . I'm on the COVER of MAXIM Magazine!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I really can't thank you all enough for all your support. It's official — I'm a Maxim Cover Model AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"