St. Joseph Knights Of Columbus Council's Chili Cook-Off Gathers Over 200 People, 15 Chili Entries

LOCKPORT, IL — In February, the St. Joseph Knights of Columbus Council 18043 in Lockport helds its biggest fundraiser of the year, the annual chili cook-off.

Program Director Mark Gawron said the Feb. 28 event was a "smashing success."

The chili cook-off featured 15 chili entries, 12 of which were from parishioners and residents, and three from local restaurants, Gawron said. The event was held at SDJCA Activity Center, 529 Madison St., in Lockport.

The event also had a DJ, face painter, bag games, raffles and a split-the-pot. Attendees paid $10 and voted on best resident chili, best restaurant chili and best decorated table.

Gawron said this year's event had over 200 people attend.

The best resident chili was "Cowboy Chili," made by David Adamski. The runner-up resident chili was "Hunter's Stew," made by Ricky Flogel. The best decorated table was "Luck of the Irish," by Rick Lehocky, and Culver's in Homer Glen earned the best restaurant chili.

In March, the Council presented a plaque to the Homer Glen Culver's for their win in the restaurant category.

Gawron said the Homer Glen restaurant is always supportive of the Knights' events and fundraisers throughout the year.

Next year's chili cook-off is already set for Feb. 6, 2027.