The air was full of spice and excitement at the I.U.O.E. Local 150 Hall in Merrillville this past weekend as chili lovers from across the country came together for the professionally sanctioned 2-day chili cook-off hosted by Man’s Man Chili, LLC. With more than 50 chili recipes sampled and judged each day, one of the weekend’s biggest highlights came from two local rising stars.
Students from the Hammond Area Career Center took the youth division by storm, earning top honors and securing their spot in the International Chili Society (ICS) World Championship Chili Cook-Off. The championship will be held in Indianapolis from October 16–19, 2025 and will feature the best amateur and professional chili cooks from around the globe.
Youth Trophies
This year’s cook-off was the first to feature a youth division in partnership with the Indiana Chapter of the American Culinary Federation. The new category drew impressive talent, and the Hammond Area Career Center students’ flavorful creations stood out among a competitive field of young chefs.
“Culinary students Jorge Lopez and Marco Ocampo brought their A-game and truly impressed the judges with their creativity and flavor,” said Chef Jack Velazquez, Culinary Arts Instructor at the Hammond Area Career Center. “They’ve worked hard honing their skills, and to see them qualify for a world championship is incredibly rewarding—not just for them, but for our entire culinary program.”
Chef Jack with Student Winners
Attendees enjoyed live music, unique chili blends, and a festive community atmosphere. As always, the event served a greater purpose—proceeds collected benefited the St. Jude House in Crown Point.
NWI Chili Cook-Off ICS Winners on May 3rd:
- Youth Homestyle Champion: Jorge Lopez, Gary, IN (trophy belt)
- Homestyle: Chrissy Atwood, Shelbyville, IN (trophy belt)
- Vegetarian: Judith Omerza, Wilkes-Barre, PA (engraved Dalstrong chop knife)
- Verde: Trent Atwood, Shelbyville, IN (trophy belt)
- Red: Ross Pope, Westfield, WI (trophy belt)
- Farthest Traveled: Judith Omerza, Wilkes-Barre, PA (Igloo IMX cooler)
- People’s Choice: Briana Posley, Crown Point, IN (duel burner camp stove)
Interstate I-65 Chili Cook-off ICS Winners on May 4th:
- Youth Homestyle Champion: Marco Ocampo, Hammond, IN (trophy belt)
- Homestyle: Kevin Seese, Byron Center, MI (trophy belt)
- Vegetarian: Julie Netser, Seymour, IN (engraved Dalstrong chop knife)
- Verde: Mike Umiak, Chicago, IL (trophy belt)
- Red: Gail Donovan, Cincinnati, OH (trophy belt)
- Farthest Traveled: Team Virant (Greg & Lynn), Omaha, NE (Igloo IMX cooler)
- People’s Choice: Kevin Seese, Byron Center, MI (duel burner camp stove)
To learn more about NWI & I-65 Interstate Chili Cook-Off visit https://www.mansmanchili.com/
Farthest Traveled