Jarvis Square Chili Cook-Off Heats Up the Community

With the tangy, spicy and slightly sweet aroma of home-cooked chili wafting through its crowd, Jarvis Square Tavern buzzed with life. Neighbors and longtime friends greeted each other warmly, as laughter and chatter took over the small bar. 

Jarvis Square Tavern, located at 1502 W. Jarvis Ave., is only three stops away from the Lake Shore Campus and lays right off the Jarvis Red Line stop. The hub is a fan-favorite in the square where customers can enjoy drinks and live performances on the daily. 

Despite the lack of weekend football, the sports tavern was packed for its 6th annual chili cook-off Feb. 2. Twelve contestants brought forth their unique chili creations to be judged by a panel of local figures, including the State Representative for District 14, Kelly Cassidy. 

The judges’ choice winner took home a $100 dollar check, while the crowd favorite earned a $50 dollar prize. Attendees voted by placing tickets in cups next to chili pots as they tasted the different delicacies. 

Sandra Carter, owner of Jarvis Square Tavern, said this is her third time hosting the event since taking over the bar in 2020. This year’s function was sentimental for Carter and the Jarvis Square community, as they honored the death of friend and longtime cook-off participant Joseph “Joey” Wheeler. 

“We figured this was a nice way to honor him,” Carter said. “Every year now we’ll be saying his name and thinking about him, and so his spirit will kind of live on.”

Wheeler was a “beloved” member of the neighborhood, known for his signature chili recipe that always won the popular vote. To honor his memory, a plaque and a photo of him sat next to his chili pot.

Cassidy said everyone in Jarvis Square is a tight-knit family who cares for one another. She was right in the mix, chatting and mingling with neighbors. Cassidy said community-building moments like these are vital for staying grounded and navigating the tough political climate. For her, the square acts as a safe bubble protecting her community from the political air outside.

“The beautiful thing about this space we’ve created here with Jarvis Square is that it feels like an old-school town square,” Cassidy said. “This creates that community, and I think it’s really important that we, especially in this time of disconnection, are doing everything we can to create spaces to connect.”

Residents gathered not just to sample the diverse array of chili — ranging from smoky and rich to bold and fiery — but to reconnect with familiar faces in their community. 

Within the small sanctuary of the tavern, Noelle Rose and her husband Jacob Dimuzio mingled at a table near the slow cookers. Nestling beers in their hands, they shared smiles with fellow friends. 

Dimuzio and Rose said they’ve been stirring a pot at the cook-off for three years. This year, the couple said they’ve tweaked their recipe with a secret ingredient — a mystery protein — in the hopes of finally taking home the prize. But for them, it’s less about winning and more about the chance to spice things up and connect with neighbors. 

“I think after the pandemic is when we felt comfortable getting back outside again and started coming here,” Rose said. “Especially during scary political times too, this community is super awesome and accepting, and we’re just really happy to be a part of it.” 

Susan Littlefield said she celebrated her 60th birthday at the tavern, making the cook-off even more special as she continues recovering from cancer. 

“It’s very important that with life challenges and day-to-day events happening in the world, crazy or not, whether you agree or not, it’s important just to support one another in a diverse community economically, socially and racially,” Littlefield said.  

Littlefield said she finds Rogers Park to be a safe space for everyone — a place where people come together no matter their background or where they’re from. To Littlefield, the tavern isn’t just a spot on the map — it’s a home. 

“It’s a place of cheers,” Littlefield said. “Everybody knows your name. You’re welcome, no matter what you look like or how you present yourself. As long as you have a friendly smile, they’re open to showing you love.” 

Matthew Amex, who lives down the block from the Tavern, said he was drawn in by the attractive smell of chili coming out of its vents. He said for him, chili is more than a mix of ingredients — it’s a grounding dish that brings people together.

As he sampled each of the chilis, Amex said the decadent flavors and aromatic spices reminded him of the polychromatic diversity of Rogers Park. 

“This community spirit is an antidote to the division and angst that we are all feeling these days,” Amez said. 

As afternoon turned to evening, the twelve slow cookers gradually depleted and final decisions were made. 

In the end, two winners were crowned. Brandon Potteiger, winner of the popular vote, debuted a white chicken chili recipe. The judge’s choice went to Melvin Harris, who said his lamb and harissa spice combination set his dish apart. 

For Harris, the honor was a welcome surprise. After debuting a recipe at the cook-off years ago, he said he’d been showing up to cheer on friends, not compete. But this time, he decided to try his hand again at the competition by bringing his lamb harissa chili — a bold twist on the classic with a fiery kick.

At the end of the night, Carrie Flynn, one of the judges and owner of Charmers Cafe in Jarvis Square, said she was happy with the turnout. She said the Square is a space for people to disconnect and find their inner child again. For Flynn, the turnout really amplified the meaning of community present in the small square. 

Flynn said she was concerned for the safety of her queer and trans employees in the hostile world — but not in Jarvis Square. 

“It’s important to have a place where people aren’t stressed,” Flynn said. “It’s a chance for people to sit down for a minute. And though the sky might be falling, for a moment at least we have community.”