A Fiery Feast of Competition
A Fiery Feast of Competition
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Taylorville, Illinois, is known for its annual Chillifest, a fun filled extravaganza that celebrates the humble chili. The festival features a variety of events, including two highly competitive cookoffs sanctioned by the International Chili Society (ICS): the Chillinois Cookoff and the Central States Cookoff.
The Chillinois Cookoff
The Chillinois Cookoff
The Chillinois Cookoff is a regional competition that attracts chili enthusiasts from across Illinois. This event is a great opportunity for local chefs and home cooks to showcase their chili-making skills and compete for prestigious awards. The Chillinois Cookoff typically takes place on the first day of Chillifest.
The Central States Cookoff
The Central States Cookoff
The Central States Cookoff is a larger-scale competition that draws chili makers from multiple states in the Midwest. This event is considered a significant stepping stone for aspiring chili chefs who dream of competing at the International Chili Championship. The Central States Cookoff is usually held on the second day of Chillifest.
What to Expect at the Cookoffs
What to Expect at the Cookoffs
Both cookoffs feature a panel of judges who evaluate chili entries based on a variety of criteria, including flavor, texture, aroma, and overall appeal. The winners of each cookoff receive cash prizes , bragging rights, and bids to the the world competition.
If you're a chili lover or simply looking for a fun-filled weekend event, be sure to check out Taylorville's Chillifest. With its delicious chili, friendly atmosphere, and exciting competitions, it's a must-attend event for food enthusiasts of all ages.
Chili Cook Competitors
Calling All Chili Cooks:
Calling All Chili Cooks:
Rookies and Veterans!
Rookies and Veterans!
Get your secret recipes ready because the 41st Annual Taylorville Chillifest is just around the corner! Whether you're a seasoned pro aiming for the world stage or a first-timer just cooking for the fun of it, we want YOU at our ICS-sanctioned Chili Cook-Off Competitions on Saturday, October 3rd and Sunday, October 4th, 2026.
This year, we have an exciting lineup of brand-new updates for our competitors:
New Award Structure & Rookie Champion Bonus: Compete in Veggie, Homestyle, Verde, or Red categories. First-place winners in Red take home $600 + Banner + Magnet, while Veggie, Homestyle, and Verde take home $400 + Banner + Magnet (plus generous 2nd and 3rd place cash prizes)! Plus, we've added a $100 Rookie Champion bonus for any first-time Chillifest cook who places 1st!
First-Time Cook Incentives: Never competed here before? Your First Entry is FREE (one category)!
Great Entry Discounts: Take advantage of our multi-category discount ($10 off your 3rd and 4th category entry on each day) or go all-in with our Full Weekend Discount for just $225 to enter all categories on both days!
World Championship Pathways: As an ICS-sanctioned event, winners can qualify to compete at the 2027 ICS World Championship Chili Cookoff—though we always welcome those who just love to stir up a great pot for the community!
Important Details:
Saturday, Oct 3: Chillinois Regional Chili Cook-Off (Cook's meeting at 8:00 AM)
Sunday, Oct 4: Central States Regional Chili Cook-Off (Note: Sunday times start ONE HOUR EARLIER, with cook's meeting at 7:00 AM)
How to Register: All cooks must register through the International Chili Society website at www.chilicookoff.com to ensure your ICS status is current.
Thank you to Red Door Spice Company for sponsoring the 2026 Chillifest Chili Cook-Offs and Illinois Beef Association for sponsoring the People's Choice contest and awards.
For more information, reach out to Cook-Off Chairman Mark Wolfe at chamber@taylorvillechamber.com or call 217.827.5543, or visit www.taylorvillechamber.com.
Who is ready to take home the titles of Chillifest Champions?
Chili Cook Off Judging
Chili cookoff judges evaluate chili based on a number of criteria, including taste, texture, aroma, color, and aftertaste:
Taste: The most important factor, chili should taste good and have a combination of spices and protein.
Texture: Chili should be smooth and have a good ratio of meat to sauce. It should not be too thick, watery, grainy, lumpy, or greasy.
Aroma: Chili should smell appetizing and indicate what it tastes like.
Color: Chili should look appetizing and reflect the ingredients used.
Aftertaste: Chili should have a pleasant aftertaste and not be bitter or metallic. The aftertaste is the heat from the spices and peppers.
To participate in the Chillifest chilli cook offs as a judge, check for availability and sign up HERE.
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