International Chili Society Launches “Mother Road” Chili Championship to Celebrate Route 66’s 100th Anniversary
- Feb 11
- 3 min read
Year-Long Competition Honors America’s Iconic Highway and the Chili Cooks Who Keep Its Spirit Alive.
COOKEVILLE, TN - (February 11, 2026) — In 2026, one of America’s most legendary highways reaches an unforgettable milestone. Route 66, famously known as “The Mother Road”, turns 100 years old, and the International Chili Society (ICS) is firing up a bold, year-long celebration worthy of its legacy.
To honor a century of Americana, adventure, and community, ICS is proud to announce the 100th Anniversary “Mother Road” Chili Championship, a special, season-long competition designed to celebrate chili cooks, reward consistency, and capture the free-spirited soul of Route 66.
Stretching from California to Illinois and beyond, Route 66 has long been home to some of ICS’s most iconic sanctioned chili cook-offs. In 2026, those events will collectively form an epic chili road trip… where every stop, every pot, and every finish matters.
How the Mother Road Chili Championship Works
All eligible Route 66 cook-offs will run exactly as they always have, and winners will continue to qualify for the World Championship under existing ICS rules. The Mother Road Championship adds an exciting extra layer of competition:
Compete in any ICS-sanctioned category
Earn points for top finishes at eligible Route 66 events:
1st Place – 3 points
2nd Place – 2 points
3rd Place – 1 point
Points accumulate across all eligible events throughout the year
After the final cook-off, points are tallied and one cook will be crowned the Mother Road Chili Champion
The 2026 Mother Road Chili Champion will earn:
Automatic qualification in all four (4) ICS categories at the 2027 World Chili Championship Cookoff (WCCC59), celebrating the 2025-2026 competition season
A $500 travel stipend to help fuel the journey
A commemorative trophy
And, of course, bragging rights for life
Eligible Route 66 ICS Cook-Off Events (2026)
Abe Lincoln Route 66 Chili Cook-off
2211 Old Jacksonville Rd, Springfield, IL – February 14, 2026
Joe DeFrates Memorial Chili Cook-off
2211 Old Jacksonville Rd, Springfield, IL – February 15, 2026
Route 66 Regional Cook-off
191 N. Thorpe Rd, Flagstaff, AZ – August 1, 2026
Arizona State Championship
191 N. Thorpe Rd, Flagstaff, AZ – August 2, 2026
Illinois State Fair Cook-off
801 E. Sangamon Ave, Springfield, IL – August 2026
Tunes & Spoons Chili Cook-off
400 Veterans Pkwy, Claremore, OK – August 21-23, 2026
Cruise for Sight Car Show & 52nd Annual California State Cook-off
601 N. University St, Redlands, CA – October 2026
Note: Additional Route 66 events may be added throughout the year, check www.eatgreatchili.com for updates and additional schedule details.
As the Mother Road celebrates a century of stories, travel, and tradition, the International Chili Society sees this championship as a tribute to the people who bring those stories to life; one cook-off at a time.
“Route 66 represents freedom, connection, and the kind of shared experiences that bring people together and that’s exactly what chili cook-offs have always been about,” said Mike McCloud, President of the International Chili Society. “This championship isn’t just about winning points or trophies. It’s about honoring the cooks who load up their gear, hit the road, and keep this culture alive. Celebrating 100 years of the Mother Road by cooking chili across America just feels right.”
With burners fired and calendars filling fast, ICS invites chili cooks from across the country to plan their Route 66 stops, chase the title, and help make 2026 a year that honors both tradition and community.
Competitors, partners, and fans of Food Sport can stay up to date on all things related to the World Championship Chili Cook-off by visiting eatgreatchili.com. They can also follow the International Chili Society/World Championship Chili Cook-Offs on Facebook and Instagram (@icschili and @worldchampionshipchilicookoff).
About International Chili Society Legendary race car driver and automotive icon Carroll Shelby started the International Chili Society (ICS) in 1967 as a fun way to compete against his friends. Today, ICS sanctions more than 100 events a year nationwide with one mission – to continuously celebrate chili while raising money for charities and nonprofits. More than $100 million has been raised for charities by ICS over the past five decades and has been bringing people together over one of America's greatest culinary creations. For more information, visit eatgreatchili.com.
About World Food ChampionshipsThe World Food Championships (WFC) is the premier food sport competition globally. This multi-day, live culinary event showcases some of the world's best cooks competing for food, fame, and fortune across multiple categories. Each year, thousands of teams vie for a coveted Golden Ticket at official qualifiers to earn their spot at WFC. Since its debut in 2012, the event has attracted participants from nearly 40 countries and every state in the U.S. For more information, visit WorldFoodChampionships.com.
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For media inquiries, please contact:
Michael HandChief Marketing Officer, World Food Championships
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