Registration Deadline: Sunday, January 17, 2027.
Registration Fee: Free.
Advance registration is required for all contestants.

Entries are limited to the first 12 registered contestants.

Each participant may enter one chili.
All chili must be homemade.
Commercially prepared canned chili or restaurant-prepared chili is not permitted.

Beef Only
All entries must be red, beef-based chili.

Ground beef, diced beef, shredded beef, brisket, chuck roast, or other cuts of beef are permitted, including combinations.

No other meats are permitted, including pork, bacon, chicken, turkey, venison, or other game meats.

Vegetarian and meatless chili are not permitted.

Ingredients & Preparation
Both tomato-based and traditional Texas-style red chili are permitted.

Beans are optional; any variety may be used.

Contestants may use their preferred combination of peppers, vegetables, spices, and seasonings.

Pasta and rice are not permitted.

Contestants must provide a complete ingredient list, including potential allergens.

Contestants must bring a minimum of 1 gallon of chili, although 1½–2 gallons are encouraged.

Contestants must provide their own slow cookers and serving ladles.

The church will provide toppings, sampling cups, and spoons.

Chili must arrive fully heated and ready for serving. Slow cookers should maintain serving temperatures, not be used to reheat cold chili.

All chili must be prepared, transported, and maintained at safe food-serving temperatures.

Help Feed Our Mission Team!
Contestants are encouraged to donate a container of chili to help feed participants on our Men's Mission Trip to North Carolina, February 28–March 5, 2027. The church will provide freezer-safe containers and coordinate the safe cooling and storage of donated chili. Donations must come from chili that has not been served to attendees.

Contestants must designate their chili as Mild, Medium, or Hot during registration. Heat levels will be displayed at serving stations. All heat levels are welcome, but heat itself will not earn additional points or awards. Judges will emphasize flavor, seasoning, and overall balance.

A panel of three official judges will evaluate entries based on:

Flavor & Balance: Overall taste, seasoning, depth of flavor, and how well the ingredients complement one another.

Texture & Consistency: Appropriate thickness, tenderness of meat, and overall mouthfeel.

Aroma & Appearance: Appealing aroma, color, and presentation.

We're looking for the best-tasting chili, not the hottest chili!

Official judging will be conducted using numbered samples without toppings or garnishes.

All attendees will have the opportunity to sample the chili and cast one vote for their favorite in the People's Choice Award competition.

Contestant Check-In: 2:00–2:45 PM on event day

All chili must arrive ready for judging and serving.

Contestants will be assigned a numbered serving station.

Volunteers will assist with serving chili throughout the event.

Toppings and garnishes will be available separately for attendees.

Contestants are welcome to enjoy the Pinewood Derby and other activities during the event.

Awards will be presented in three categories:

Chili Champion: First Place, official judging
Runner-Up: Second Place, official judging
People's Choice Award: Favorite chili, selected by attendees

Prizes may include gift cards to local stores and restaurants, along with certificates waiving registration fees for upcoming ministry opportunities:
Men's Mission Trip to North Carolina — February 28–March 5, 2027
Summer Mission Trip to North Carolina — July 25–August 1, 2027
Men's Retreat at Pocono Plateau — October 1–3, 2027