Illinois BBQ Society

"Uniting BBQ Enthusiasts In Search of Excellent 'Que!"

Important Information...

State Championship Contest Qualification

The 'State Championship' designation is intended to both help promote a contest's growth and to help participating teams to become eligible for national advancement.

Specifically, teams that win the 'Grand Champion' title at a 'State Championship' contest are then considered for participation in the two largest invitational BBQ contests in the world...The American Royal, in Kansas City, and The Jack Daniel's World Championship BBQ Invitational, in Lynchburg, Tennessee.  Both contests require the following criteria be met in order for the Grand Champion of each contest to be considered for entry.

By Definition... (from the American Royal Web Site)

"A state championship is a contest with a state proclamation signed by the Governor with at least 15 competing teams the first year and 25 competing teams each subsequent year."

Qualifying Contests Include:

1. Contests with a “Qualifying State Championship.”  A State Championship is a contest with a state proclamation signed by the Governor with at least 15 competing teams the first year and 25 competing teams each subsequent year.

2. Contests with a minimum of 50 competing teams are qualifiers and do not require a “State Championship” proclamation.

3. A state with only one contest must have a minimum of 15 competing teams to be considered but does not require a "State Championship” proclamation.

4. To be considered a "Competing Team,” teams must submit entries for all contest categories required to be the Grand Champion or overall winner of that event.

Contest Organizers...Be sure to Contact ILBBQS for contest recognition.  Through an arrangement with the State of Illinois, ILBBQS expedite your State Championship request!  This service is available at no charge to all members!