The Chili Cook-Off
Fifteen teams. One trophy. Taste every chili, place your bet, and see who earns the title.
This Year's Contestants
Who Takes Home the Trophy?
Tap a team to place your bet
2026 Judges
Ron Gerton
Assistant Pitmaster, Firefighters Local 1974
Jenn Ghera
Director of Catering, San Ramon Marriott
Bob Moglia
Head Pitmaster, Mercy Chefs
Joseph Paire
Executive Chef, Claremont Resort and Club
2025 Champions
Camp Rules
Taste every entry
Tasting opens at 5:00 PM. Walk the row, grab samples from all 15 booths, and form your opinions fast. Voting closes at 5:45.
Two ways to win
A panel of judges scores each chili on taste, heat, and presentation. Meanwhile, you vote for your People's Choice favorite. Two trophies, two very different criteria. The judges don't always agree with the crowd.
Awards at 6:15
Judges' Choice, People's Choice, and Best Booth are all announced at 6:15 PM. The losing teams start planning their 2027 comeback immediately.
The Details
Team information
There is no additional fee to enter the Chili Cook-Off. All attendees planning to work at the Chili Cook-Off booth must register and pay for a BBQ ticket. Competing teams must sign and return the Chili Cook-Off Rules & Regulations Commitment form. Questions? Email Rachel Oraa at roraa@unitedcontractors.org.
Think You Can Handle the Fire?
Tasting and voting are included with every BBQ ticket.
