SYCAMORE – PJ’s Courthouse Tavern will be hosting the annual Chili Cook Off from 3-7 p.m. Sunday for the first time since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Attendees can expect to taste chili from all over Sycamore while enjoying company and music. There is an entry fee of $25 for participants of the chili contest, but only a $10 donation for people who want to come to the event just to sample dishes.

There will be unique kinds of chili available to try from 15 different participants, all with their own unique take on the iconic dish, according to the event page.  By the end of the night, there will be a judging of all the dishes to announce the best three of the competition. There will also be a show from the popular local band Frankfurter And The Chilli Dogs. 

“My favorite part of the Chili Cook Off is being able to give back to the community,” said Jerry Gunki, marketing director of PJ’s Courthouse Tavern. 

All funds from the cook off go to the Meals On Wheels Foundation, which helps children who don’t have regular access to food get healthy and consistent meals. 

The chili cook off was unfortunately suspended last year due to COVID-19 shutting down most business activity in the area. This year, however, it’s back in business, and the chili cook off will resume.

“It’s really nice to see the celebration of community and family,” said Ron Shwartz, owner of PJ’s Courthouse Tavern.

The cook off is for everyone of all ages to come together and have a great time and sample all kinds of chili from different places. 

“Hopefully, it would be to create a sense of community,” Shwatrz said.

More information about activities and events can be found on the PJ’s Courthouse Tavern’s website. For any questions about the chili cook off  contact the owner at  815-751-5904 or at info@pj’scourthouse.com.