Join us on Saturday, February 28 for a fun afternoon of chili and good hearty fun! Come out and compete with your famous chili and win some dough, a trophy, and, most important, some bragging rights.
Prizes:
Peoples’ Choice:
$200 Cash prize
(We encourage competitors to bring family and friends to vote for your chili. Tilt the odds in your favor! One vote per paid attendee. Contestants are eligible to win both the Peoples’ Choice and Judges’ Choice awards.)
Judges Choice:
First Place: A laser-engraved cutting board trophy ($100 value) + $100 cash prize + free entry onto next year’s competition ($25 value) + champion bragging rights (immeasurable value)
Second Place: A laser-engraved charcuterie board trophy ($50 value) + bragging rights
Third Place: A laser-engraved wooden spoon ($20 value) + bragging rights
When and Where?
Saturday, February 28, 2026 @ 3:30 PM
St. Margaret Mary School Gym and Cafe
119 S. Hubbard St., Algonquin, IL
Contestant Info:
– $25 registration fee is due Feb. 23
– Plan to arrive by 2:30 PM in order to be ready for judging at 3:00 and general admission at 3:30.
– Plan to bring 6-8 quarts of chili for our judges and attendees to sample
– We will provide utensils and condiments (oyster crackers, cheddar cheese, and sour cream). Contestants can bring any additional condiments that go well with the chili.
– Contestants each get a free hot dog, bag of chips, and drink (pop or water), plus a very cool t-shirt
– Maximum 25 contestants, so register early!
Attendee Info:
– $10 entry fee lets you sample everyone’s chili. All attendees will get a free hot dog, bag of chips, and free drink.
– Pay in advance, or at the door, there is no need to pre-register.
– Want another hot dog or chips? We’ll have more for purchase.
– Attendees can try everyone’s chili and vote for the people’s choice award.
– Even if you’re not a contestant we’ll have a raffle for you to win $100’s in prizes.
– This event is open to all SMM parishioners, school families, and friends.
Pay Online
2025 Knights of Columbus Council 11091 – 1st Annual Chili Cook-off