35th Annual CASI Chili Cookoff
Bring the Heat for a Good Cause
Join us for Houston's most sizzling Veterans Day weekend tradition: a CASI-sanctioned chili cookoff benefiting The Sons of the American Legion and veteran programs.
35 Years of Fire & Flavor
What started as a small backyard cookoff has grown into one of Houston's most beloved Veterans Day weekend traditions. Every year, teams from across Texas fire up their pots in friendly competition: all in honor of the men and women who served. Proceeds support SAL Squadron 560 and veteran assistance programs and community outreach.
Sanctioned by the Chili Appreciation Society International
Competition Categories
Traditional Red Chili
CASI-sanctioned traditional Texas red — no beans, no tomatoes, pure chili pepper flavor.
Bloody Mary
Fresh or cooked salsa judged on flavor, heat, and consistency.
Show Team
Decorate your booth and compete for best theme and presentation.
Day-of Schedule
Register Your Team
Spots are limited: secure your cooking space early. All entry fees go directly to veteran programs.
Traditional Chili Entry
- ✓One 10×10 cooking space
- ✓CASI judging entry
- ✓2 cook wristbands
- ✓Event T-shirt
Salsa Entry
- ✓Salsa competition entry
- ✓1 cook wristband
- ✓Event T-shirt
Show Team Entry
- ✓Show team competition entry
- ✓10×10 display space
- ✓2 wristbands
To register, contact us at [email protected] or call (713) 686-5600. Online registration coming soon.
CASI Rules & Guidelines
This event is sanctioned by the Chili Appreciation Society International (CASI). All traditional red chili entries must follow official CASI rules. Judging is blind and conducted by certified CASI judges.
- Traditional red chili only: no beans, pasta, or tomatoes
- All cooking must be done on-site during the event
- Minimum 2-quart pot required for judging sample
- Cooks must be present at mandatory meeting at 10:00 AM
- CASI membership required for traditional chili entry
- All equipment must fit within assigned 10×10 space