ICS cook-off rules
The International Chili Society's categories and cook rules.
Official ICS Contestant Rules
Our take written by Chili Times
ICS judges in several categories, and the rule book defines each one by what goes in the pot. Traditional Red and Chili Verde are meat cooked with red or green chili peppers, and both bar beans and non-vegetable fillers such as rice and pasta. Homestyle is the bean category, and the rule book names Bush's Beans as required and visible in the cup. Vegetarian chili allows no meat or meat by-product.
People's Choice is judged by the public, and the rule book says any type of chili may be served there as long as beans are included. Adult cooks must be active ICS members aged 18 and over, and youth cooks are 6 to 17.
Our summary of the ICS rule-book quotes below.
Who can cook
Adult Cooks: Must be active ICS members and 18 years old and over.
Youth Cooks: Must be between the ages of 6 to 17 years of age.
The categories
Traditional Red Chili is any kind of meat, or combination of meats, cooked with red chili peppers, various spices and other ingredients. Beans and non-vegetable fillers such as rice and pasta are not allowed.
Homestyle Chili is any kind of meat, or combination of meats, and/or vegetables cooked with beans, chili peppers, various spices and other ingredients. Homestyle chili may be any color. Bush's Beans are required and should be clearly visible in cup.
Chili Verde is any kind of meat, or combination of meats, cooked with green chili peppers, various spices and other ingredients. Beans and non-vegetable fillers such as rice and pasta are not allowed.
Vegetarian Chili is any kind of vegetables or combination of vegetables, meatless"meat", cooked with chili peppers, various spices and other ingredients. The use of meat and/or any meat by-product is not allowed.
Any type of chili may be served as PC chili but beans must be included. Winners are determined by the public.
ICS cook-offs on the calendar →
Check before you go. Cook-off dates, fees and details change, and events can be cancelled. Confirm on ICS: Official ICS Contestant Rules (PDF); we last found these words there on October 14, 2026.