Chili Cookoff
Important Announcement:
It is with a heavy heart that we share the difficult decision to cancel the 21st Annual Chili Cookoff, scheduled March 14-15, 2026. This event has always been a highlight of our year and means so much to our community and to our team, who work hard to make it special. Unfortunately, our small staff is facing several unexpected and deeply personal challenges. Each team member plays an important role in bringing this event to life, and at this time our focus must be on supporting our families and prioritizing their health. We know you understand how quickly circumstances can change and how important it is to be there for loved ones during times like these.
We fully intend to return in 2027, refreshed, reenergized, and ready to make the cookoff even better.
On a positive note, the carnival will still take place March 19-22, so be sure to bring the family out to enjoy a great selection of rides, games, and concession favorites.
21st Annual Chili Cookoff & Carnival
2027 Date TBD
Want to be a judge for the
21st Annual Ahwatukee Chili Cookoff?
The chili cook off is an International Chili Society (www.chilicookoff.com) sanctioned event and sponsored by the Ahwatukee Community Swim, Tennis and Event Center, 4700 E. Warner Rd. The cookoff features judging in 4 categories: Traditional Red Chili, Chili Verde, Homestyle Chili and Veggie Chili. You may judge one, two or all categories. No prior experience needed. The cookoffs official Chief Judge will hold a “judges meeting” 30 minutes prior to contestant turn-in to explain the process and criteria for judging. Once registered, you will receive further information of your day/s of judging.
WITH YOUR COLLECTIVE INPUT, you will be qualifying the 1st place winner in each category to cook at the ICS World Championships.
Thank you!
Events
CHILI COOK OFF / TASTING
Saturday 11:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Sunday 10:30 AM – 2:30 PM
$8 CHILI TASTING KIT
Benefits Phoenix Children's Hospital
CARNIVAL
Friday 5 PM – 9 PM
Saturday 11 AM – 9 PM
Sunday 11 AM – 5 PM
Wrist bands
Individual ride tickets
2025 Chili Cookoff Results
Saturday Copperstate Regional Cookoff
Red Chili
1st Place: Gail Kyle, Team 120
2nd Place: Larry Eastep, Team 119
3rd Place: Paul Whitney, Team 111
Chili Verde
1st Place: Florence Moody, Team 121
2nd Place: Clark McGee, Team 116
3rd Place: Nicholas Escallante. Team 114
Homestyle
1st Place: Florence Moody, Team 121
2nd Place: Ron Boisseranc, Team 108
3rd Place: Mark Groth, Team 102
Veggie
1st Place: Nicholas Escallante, Team 114
2nd Place: Rosie Taylor, Team 122
3rd Place: Mike Stewart, Team 112
People’s Choice Award: Nicholas Escallante, Team 114
Sunday Valley of the Sun Cookoff
Red Chili
1st Place: Larry Eastep, Team 117
2nd Place: Mark Groth, Team 102
3rd Place: Clark McGee, Team 109
Chili Verde
1st Place: Nicholas Escallante, Team 112
2nd Place: Gail Kyle, Team 111
3rd Place: Larry Eastep, Team 117
Homestyle
1st Place: Mark Groth, Team 102
2nd Place: Nicholar Escallante, Team 112
3rd Place: Rosie Taylor, Team 110
People’s Choice Award: Nicholas Escallante, Team 112
