100 Club of Illinois Announces Winners of 2nd Annual First Responder BBQ CookOff

Ten teams of Illinois firefighters brought the heat to the grill at the 2nd Annual First Responder BBQ CookOff, hosted by the 100 Club of Illinois on Sunday, October 18, at 115 Bourbon Street in Merrionette Park. The afternoon featured BBQ, friendly competition and Chicago Bears football, with teams competing for bragging rights and the title of “Top Grill Master.”

The event featured competition in pork, beef and chicken, with a panel of judges evaluating the teams’ dishes. Attendees also had a chance to weigh in through the People’s Choice Award.

This year’s winners were:

●Beef: Mike Oulettee of the Chicago Fire Department (CFD) and his team, Hot Diggity Hawg, for Brisket Grits

●Poultry: Tony Strazalka of CFD and his team, Your Mom Thinks I’m A-10, for Peri Peri Chicken

●Pork: Jim Liebach, retired from Niles Fire Department, and his team, Tiller Boyz, for Ribs

●People’s Choice Award: Sabrina Rayborn of CFD and her team, Lick My Ribbles

The competition brought together teams representing fire departments and other first responders, including Tiller Boyz, Mike O & Hot Diggity Hawg Crew, Hardcore X BBQ, Jake Hayley, Team Rayborns, Stickney FD, Flynn Family / Truck 26 1st Shift, Your Mom Thinks I’m A-10, and Hopper Brothers / Lombard L3009.

Judges for the event included Phil Wingo, Harry Bielawski and Patrick Elwood.

“The First Responder CookOff is a fun way to bring our first responder community and the public together, but it also serves as a reminder of why the 100 Club exists, adds Caitlyn Brennan, CEO of the 100 Club of Illinois.“For 60 years, we’ve been here to support the families of first responders who have made the ultimate sacrifice, as well as provide resources and assistance to those who continue to serve our communities. We’re grateful to everyone who came out, competed and helped support our mission.”

The CookOff celebrated the camaraderie and community spirit of Illinois first responders while supporting the mission of the 100 Club of Illinois, which is marking its 60th anniversary in 2026. For six decades, the organization has stood behind the families of first responders who have died in the line of duty and provided support, resources and assistance to Illinois law enforcement officers, firefighters, paramedics and their families.

For more information about the 100 Club of Illinois please visit https://www.100clubil.org/.