At a time when American patriotism could use a big jolt of energy, the International Chili Society (ICS) has decided to host a fun-filled, virtual contest of cooking and compassion! This Flag Day, ICS encourages Chili Cooks throughout the land to fly their American Flags high as our nation reflects and rallies behind the symbol that represents the great country our forefathers established. 

On June 14, any ICS member will be able to enter the organization’s second Virtual Chili Cook-Off and a chance to win $500. Additionally, the winner will be honored with a $500 donation to the Wounded Warrior Project. And as always the case in any ICS qualifier, the winner will receive automatic qualification into the next World Champion Chili Cook-off (WCCC). The second and third place winners will also win a qualifier spot into the WCCC.

What do you have to do to compete in this contest? First, do what you do best– cook great chili! Second, take some photos and/or video of you and your team cooking with your American Flag(s) proudly displayed. Plus, if you know a military veteran who would like to catch the chili fever, invite them to cook alongside you so they can feel the love and passion of our industry!

The cook-off will begin Sunday, June 14 at noon (EDT) and the cook(s) will have until 4:00 p.m. (EDT) to finish their dish. Only ICS members in good standing are qualified to compete in this virtual cook-off. ICS members can sign up for Flag Day Virtual Chili Cook-Off by completing this registration form. 

Anyone may assist, but it is the responsibility of the head cook to post the photos and/or videos on his or her personal social media pages using the appropriate hashtag. The head cook is defined as the ICS member in good standing who completed the registration form. 

If you are not an active ICS member, no worries! You can renew your membership or create a new membership by clicking here. 

The head cook with the most collective likes, comments and shares on their social media post(s) will receive the cash prize and the donation in their name. Members should post their photos and videos to social media before the 4:00 p.m. deadline on June 14. Each post will have until June 15 at midnight to collect as many likes, comments and shares as possible. The winner will be announced on June 19 on the ICS Facebook page. 

It is important to remember in a virtual cook-off, your social media post(s) must be set to “public” to be considered. Any private post using #ICSFlagDay will not be visible to us, so it will be ineligible for the contest. (So please make sure to check your privacy settings prior to posting!)

To review the complete list of rules and regulations, click here. 

To stay up-to-date with all chili competition news simply follow the International Chili Society on Facebook (@ICSChili) and sign up for email updates.  

About the International Chili Society 

Since 1967, the International Chili Society (ICS) has been bringing people together over one of America's greatest culinary creations, CHILI. ICS sanctions more than 125 events a year nationwide with one mission –  to continuously improve chili while raising money for charities and nonprofits. Every year, ICS holds a World Chili Championship Cookoff (WCCC) and crowns the World Champions.