2026 Chicago Club Chef
Culinary Exchange
Competitor Registration & Guide
Monday, March 30, 2026
Hinsdale Golf Club
140 Chicago Avenue
Clarendon Hills, IL
All member Sous and Pastry Chefs are invited to compete. Space is limited; please sign up to compete as soon as possible. There is no fee to register.
Prizes will be awarded for 1st -3rd in Savory and Pastry with full participation.
1st Place -$500
2nd Place -$300
3rd Place - $200.
Participants will receive $100
Winners of the People’s Choice Awards will win $300!
All competitors will be eligible to apply for the Chicago Club Chef's Education and Professional Scholarship. Applications will be handed out to all competitors. Competitors may arrive between 1-4 pm. Stations will open at 5:30 p.m.
General Culinary Exchange Guidelines:
Plate Criteria
- Must be small portion, 2-3 bites
- Must have a center focus ingredient (Savory or Pastry). Please note, the center focus ingredients will be limited to only one of the same for the competition. (i.e. only one competitor may use scallops for their focus ingredient). First come first choice, please check the list to make sure your focus ingredient is still available.
- 7.25 inch square white plates will be provided and should be used for competitor’s plate presentation.
- Please include description of item.
Each Station will have 2 eight foot tables, one in front, and one in back. They will be skirted, but table décor is at the discretion of the competitor.
Competitor is responsible for menu presentation and decoration of their station. Up to two representatives per club. Savory and/or pastry. Each competitor is limited to two helpers during the event.
Please register today. Registration limited to the first 2o who sign up.
Questions with the event, please contact: Antonio Morales Questions with registration form, please contact Luke Cella.
Competitor guidelines
