Register to Compete for Woodstock Groundhog Days Chili Cook-off

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
GET FIRED UP! WOODSTOCK’S GROUNDHOG DAYS CHILI COOK-OFF HEATS UP AGAIN IN 2026
 
Woodstock, Ill. – After a five-year hiatus, the heat is back! The Woodstock Groundhog Days Chili Cook-Off returns Sunday, Feb. 1, 2026, from 2 to 4 p.m., bringing a spicy, flavorful showdown to one of Woodstock’s favorite winter traditions—and registration is now open for cooks ready to compete!
 
Cooks of all skill levels are encouraged to register now for this friendly, fiery competition, held at McHenry County College (MCC), 8900 U.S. Highway 14, Crystal Lake. Registration is limited and accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, with a $25 entry fee per team.
 
Participants will receive up to four pounds of meat, generously provided by food sponsor Jewel Foods, along with additional ingredients from MCC’s Culinary Program. Teams may bring their own spices. Cooking runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in MCC’s culinary lab, followed by judging at 2 p.m. and a public tasting from 2 to 4 p.m.
 
Prizes will be awarded for first place, second place, and People’s Choice, voted on by attendees. Tickets for the public tasting are $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 12 and under (free for children under 2). Guests can sample all chili entries and enjoy additional menu items prepared by MCC culinary students, including sandwiches, cornbread, crackers, and cookies.
 
Judges include actor Stephen Tobolowsky, best known as Ned Ryerson in Groundhog Day, and Bob Hudgins, the film’s location manager.
 
“For the last five years, people have been asking when the Chili Cook-Off would return,” said Rick Bellairs, chair of the Woodstock Groundhog Days Committee. “Thanks to a fantastic partnership with MCC and Jewel Foods, we’re thrilled to bring back this tradition. It’s more than just chili—it’s fun, flavor, and friendly competition that adds a delicious layer to our weekend-long festival!”
 
Registration is open now at https://woodstockgroundhog.org/event/chili-cook-off/. Space is limited, so sign up early to secure your spot!

 
 
Media Note: The event offers great photo opportunities with cooks in action, celebrity judges, and a lively tasting crowd.
 
About Woodstock Groundhog Days
The Woodstock Groundhog Days Festival is a beloved community tradition celebrating the weekend of Groundhog Day in the town where the movie was filmed in 1992. The festival offers events for all ages and runs Friday, Jan. 30, through Monday, Feb. 2, 2026, featuring family-friendly activities, local food, live entertainment, and more. The Chili Cook-Off is one of the festival’s most anticipated events, bringing together cooks, tasters, and spirited competition in the heart of McHenry County.