diff --git a/python/simpler/worker.py b/python/simpler/worker.py
index 3b7b92c3e..13cb56ab9 100644
--- a/python/simpler/worker.py
+++ b/python/simpler/worker.py
@@ -3915,6 +3915,7 @@ def close(self) -> None:  # noqa: PLR0912 -- parallel teardown for _worker + sub
         if self.level == 2:
             if self._chip_worker:
                 self._chip_worker.finalize()
+                self._chip_worker = None
         else:
             if self._worker:
                 self._worker.close()